event

# News > 2008 News

2008/10/14: September ~ October events!

It was announced on the 9th that Aya has been chosen as the new image character of the online recruiting site, Baitoru.Com. In the CM, which airs starting the 14th, she sings the well-known melody Baito sagashi-chuu nara, Baitoru dotto komu to a woman contemplating job offers in a park.

The cast of Fuji TV's new Kakku drama Celeb to Binbo Taro attended a press conference held in Tokyo on the 6th. Aya appeared on stage sporting a long black wig and dressed in a sparkly blue dress and fluffy white beret. She announced "I will become a narcissist like never before. Don't change the channel and come check out all my wardrobe changes". Co-star Yusuke Kamiji commented on Aya saying "She is a very good humoured person. We both think so similarly that it didn't feel like a first meeting at all".

On October 1st, Aya attended the opening ceremony of the Inshu unten sasenai TOKYO fall campaign, who's main goal is to help eradicate drunken driving. She appeared in a policemen uniform and commented, "We must lose the idea that it is safe to drive after drinking, even if just a little." The campaign will continue till the end of the month.

Posters announcing the revamped jury system of Japan, which comes to start next May 21, have been put up in subway stations all throughout Tokyo. Aya was chosen as image character after playing a lawyer in her latest drama, Hokaben.

On the 30th, Aya was one of the many stars present at the 2008 Kobe Collection fashion show. She took the stage and wrapped up the show, modeling a pink Emanuel Ungaro dress. In addition, the event served as backdrop for a scene in her latest drama, Celeb to Binbo Taro in which she plays an over the top celebrity. Other attendees included DAIGO, Leah Dizon and Takeru Sato.

On September 23rd, Aya attended the release event of the Disney animation DVD Little Mermaid 3 Hajimari no Monogatari. She joined fellow Oscar Promotion talentos Asuka Shibuya and Yuki Shimizu, as well as comedic duo Bananaman's Yuuki Himura and Osamu Shitara, for a special talk show on stage. Aya commented that both girls had very elegant voices but that she didn't notice Shitara in the movie. She tauntingly added, "Himura-san has a great relaxing voice but if you picture him speaking it is a little disgusting". When later asked what she would do if she were to become a mermaid, she answered "I would hide behind rocks and scare people in hopes of making the news".

Updates: Updated the upcoming releases, books and schedule pages.

2008/08/12: New Fall drama + events!

Aya and Yusuke Kamiji from the popular unit "Shuchishin" will both appear in a new drama this fall! The romantic comedy "Celeb to Daihinmin (temp title)" (Fuji TV, Tuesdays 9PM) tells the story of an unfolding romance between an over-the-top celebrity (Aya) and a young man living in poverty (Kamiji). Aya's character, Alice Hirata, is a wild spoiled rich celebrity inspired by the Paris Hilton persona. She is an easy target to the paparazzi, has spawned numerous scandals and is said to have more influence than the Prime Minister himself. Aya commented, "The character and I probably share different values so it'll be fun to portray. I will try my best to offer a never before seen off-the-wall celeb! And if I need to acquire any social skills to do so I can always ask Kamiji-san". On the other hand, Yusuke's character, "Taro Saito" is an optimist widower and single dad to 3 kids who becomes an helping hand to Alice. Kamiji commented, "It's a character that is at the same time close but far from who I am so I will try my best. It's my first time working with Ueto-san so I'm looking forward to it".

Aya and Softbank CEO, Masayoshi Son were the main personalities to attend the Apple iPhone 3G release party on July 11. Aya talked about having two iPods, one with songs chosen by herself and another one with songs recommended by fellow talento and close friend, Becky. As they revealed the new iPhone, Aya was quick to start taking pictures of the press corps and expressed "This is amazing! I want one too now" with excitement.

Aya was present at the release event for her very first original frame stamps, "Never Ever UETO AYA Original Stamp" on Tanabata Day, July 7. She arrived dressed in a blue flower pattern Yukata for the special occasion. She revealed that she has been studying to obtain her child care license and also commented on Hip-Hop group Dragon Ash leader Kenji Furuya and gym partner actress/singer, MEGUMI's recent marriage & pregnancy saying, "She is a woman I look up to so I'm very happy for them" and also added that she would gladly pay them a visit (once she gets her child care license).

Updates: Updated the dramas, drama ratings and clips pages.

2008/07/05: May ~ June events and more!

On July 5th at the Shinjuku Milano 1 in Tokyo, Aya and Jin Akanishi attended the opening day event of the new movie "Speed Racer". Since Akanishi's birthday was on the 4th, the staff took the opportunity to celebrate and surprised him on stage with a special-made cake. Moreover, Aya presented him with a flower bouquet to wish a happy birthday.

On July 3rd, it was announced that Aya's latest co-star for the Oronamin C commercial will be Golf player Momoko Ueda. The CM is set on the field with Ueda giving an interview after winning a game while Aya, who plays the role of Oronamin C Caddie, ends up drinking her OC bottle. Aya had to drink over 20 bottles before they could get a good take due to Ueda's continuous NGs.

On June 30th, Aya, Jin Akanishi and Emile Hirsch all attended a photo call and gave an interview to promote the the new live-action movie, "Speed Racer". Aya first commented, "During recording, I would do my part while listening to (Jin's) sexy voice" to which Akanishi responded "I don't really hear myself that way". On the subject of the kiss scene, she added "I watched the film over and over again. For the kiss scene I had 'samples' that I had the staff hear out but in the end they told me they didn't need any sound for that scene. I was a little relieved."

Aya was chosen as the image character for "ECLIPSE", Fujitsu Ten's newest car navigation system. She commented "I love cars and was very happy to see that we were using an open car for the commercial. I'm thinking of going on a trip with my family so this new ECLIPSE system will come in handy!" The CM premiered on the 13th.

On the 22nd, it was announced that Aya will be part of the Japanese dub team for the movie Speed Racer. She will be voicing the character of Trixie, the girlfriend of the protagonist, Speed, voiced by KAT-TUN member, Jun Akanishi. Aya commented, "Trixie seems to always be teasing Speed so I had to use different nuances of my voice, like a little devil".

On June 3rd, Aya and her fellow Softbank co-stars, actress Kanako Higuchi and talento Dante Carver attended the Softbank Summer Product Launch event. Aya plugged the new features such as the "Map button" for people with no sense of direction and the waterproof function for those like herself who like to send emails while in the baththub.

On May 9th, Aya was the main guest at the "Sacas Mama Fes supported by Ghana Mother's Day event". She commented "I want to say thank you by giving her flowers and Ghana chocolate. When I have kids I want to raise them like she raised me." As for when, she answered: "I want at least one in my twenties but I don't know exactly when".

Aya will be making a special appearance in kohai Saki Fukuda's first feature film, a remake of the 1990 hit "Sakura no Sono". She will be playing the role of Rimi, a band vocalist. Also making guest appearances are fellow Oscar Promotion talents Rei Kikukawa and Ryoko Yonekura. The movie will be out in theatres in November.

For downloadable video news and more, view the clips page.

Updates: Updated the movies, clips and schedule pages.

2008/04/21: 2008 CM queen!

According to "Flash" magazine, Aya has been crowned as 2008's new CM queen. This is her second time receiving such title, the first being back in 2004 when she appeared in commercials for 10 different companies. This year she raked up a whopping 360 million yen by representing 8 different companies. Following her lead are last year's queen, actress Yukie Nakama, Norika Fujihara and model Yuri Ebihara.

Updates: Added a drama ratings page in the info section.

2008/04/21: 2008 events so far...

On the 16th, it was announced that Pro golfer Ryou Ishikawa, also know has Hanikami Ouji (the shy prince), was chosen to appear alongside Aya, Masami Nagasawa and Maki Horikita in Lotte's 2008 Ghana Chocolate Mother's Day commercial. Appointed for shooting on the same day, the 16 year old met Aya on set and commented that he was "more nervous than before a match".

On the 9th, Aya showed up on stage wearing a black miniskirt at the announcement party of Keisei Electric Railway's new Shingata Skyliner, where she and designer Kansai Yamamoto, who was in charge of designing the new train, shared a big hug. She commented, "Since it was designed with the image of wind in mind, I want to see the train running as soon as possible!" while Kansai thanked her for comming.

On the 8th, Aya and fellow cast attended a PR event to announce the start of their new TV drama, Hokaben (Wednesdays at 10pm on NTV). "I want to portray this character with a close to annoying intensity." explained Aya. She also commented on a scene of the first episode where she runs in the rain, saying: "I have never been so wet, it was very cold!" she added that for the long dialogues she makes sure to memorize them three days in advance.

Aya was awarded the Asakusa Entertainment Newcomer Prize at the 24th ceremony held on March 22nd at the Asakusa Hall in Tokyo. The prizes are given to entertainers who are mostly based in Tokyo. Aya commented, "I'm happy to have received a prize with such history. This is my second time in Asakusa today, next time I will try to come and enjoy some private time." she added, "I want to become an actress who will leave her mark".

As the new face of Kose cosmetics' "Fasio", Aya will be participating in the Beauty Mermaid Cheering Party to support the Japanese synchronized swimming team. She was present on the 19th at the announcement event. During interviews she revealed, "I love being in the water. I used to play in the bathtub with my brother doing back flips and such when we were really young". When asked about what kind of swimsuit she opts for, Aya answered: "I used to wear stylish ones but now I'm on diet and even if I work hard I don't have any good assets to show off, also my office doesn't allow us to be shot in swimsuits".

Baseball player Masahiro Tanaka, also know as Makkun to the media is the latest celebrity to have been cast as Aya's counterpart in the ever popular Oronamin C commercial series. The spot was shot at the Sapporo dome on the 18th of February and has been on the air since the beginning of March.

Back in January 28, Aya attended, as a main guest, the 2008 Spring launch of Softbank's latest products. At the event she was awarded by Softbank president, Masayoshi Son, with one of the 10 model-only 400 platinum diamond incrusted cell phones designed in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. This came as a pleasant surprise to Aya who replied with, "Don't tell anyone!"

On January 16, Aya attended the campaign launch for the antivirus software CHECK PC! for which she also shot adverts dressed in a detective's attire while holding a loop in her hand. She sat down for a few questions where she revealed that she just recently started using her computer half a year ago and stressed that it's best to be safe than sorry in regards of internet security. During the event she also responded to claims that she gained a little weight saying that she is in the midst of trying a new diet.

2008/03/02: CA Ueto strikes again!

It was announced on February 19th that Aya will be reprising her role as CA (cabin attendant) Yoko Misaki in a second special episode of her hit drama, Attention Please, scheduled to air April 3rd at 21:30 on Fuji TV. This time, the action will take place in Sydney, Australia. Cast mates such as Saki Aibu, Chihiro Otsuka, Koutaro Koizumi and Miki Maya will also be part of the show. Aya commented, "I want to portray a more grown-up Misaki, who now has kouhais (juniors) of her own". A scene in which a big incident involving Miki Maya's character, instructor Mikami, is revealed is said to have reduced the crew to tears. "There is a scene between both of us that made everyone on set cry, be sure to check it out". Lastly, she added "I was a bit worried about getting into the uniform again but it seems I kept the right figure for it".

2008/02/13: Aya becomes a lawyer!

It was announced, on the 11th, that Aya will be playing the role of a lawyer for the first time in the upcoming drama, "Hokaben", starting in April. It will air Wednesdays at 9PM on NTV. Hokaben is based on the manga series of the same name by Hiroyuki Nakajima. Aya will be playing the role of Domoto Akari, an idealistic novice lawyer who wants to "help the weak". Child abuse and teenage delinquency are some of the issues that will be dealt with. The producer, Yamamoto Yoshio, commented that for the drama the lead was changed to a female character because it would bring forth more sympathy from the viewers. She stated, "since we are going to portray a very realistic story, I want her (Aya) to bloom as the sole flower on the battlefield". This new series will introduce a more serious side of Ueto. She commented, "This is a great opportunity to learn more about the law system. I will do my best with this character and try to enjoy the experience. I'll make this a fun set!!"