building relationships

Ayaka Komatsu in blue for Wanibooks 102, 2013.

Rina Koike and sometimes her bunny, 2013. Also, news! One of Rina’s recent blog posts said that she’s recorded a song. Yay! She did say she did it at TBS, which is the name of a TV channel in Japan. Possibly this is a song for a TV show? She’s not saying yet, but I’ll keep an eye out!

Rina Koike for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Blinds are apparently just fascinating for gravure idols. Rina Koike for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Shower time with Rina Koike, Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Rina Koike in white for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Rina Koike gets very twirly in a coral dress for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

A contemplative Rina Koike for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Rina Koike on the beach for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Because who needs clothes when you have this many flip-flops? Rina Koike for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

Rina Koike in black lingerie for Wanibooks 101, 2012.

It’s been ages since I even checked on Chieko, and I have missed a lot! Here’s a rundown:

She’s still not singing, which I take as a personal insult.
She has released a new cookbook though! And it’s all about pancakes, which soothes my wounded soul. Pancake Cafe was released in October 2012.
Chieko has also started appearing in fashion magazines again, presumably to do press for her books and other ventures. And she very kindly alerts us to her appearances in her blog, so I’m going to seek them out. If I find any scans, I’ll post them!
Chieko also spent three days shooting the images for (I believe) another cookbook! Either that, or a cooking DVD, but I’m leaning towards the former. That will be released in late March.
Can’t wait that long for a Chieko fix? Not to worry. She’s also releasing… something (yet another book?!) about postpartum diet and health care on March 7th.
There have been other shoots and releases I’ve missed in mags. I’ll try to chase them down and put them up here.
Did I mention she’s still not singing? Yes? Okay then.

I nearly missed this! Earlier this year, Chieko got together with three other Sera Myu alum-moms and hung out with what I can only assume is their own personal junior Sailor Soldier league.

From left:

Nao Inada, who played Minako/Sailor Venus in 1999 and 2000. She appeared in Kaguya Shima Densetsu, Kaguya Shima Densetsu (Kaiteiban) Natsuyasumi! Houseki Tankentai, and Shin / Henshin - Super Senshi e no Michi - Last Dracul Jokyoku.
Hisano Akamine, who played Ami/Sailor Mercury in 1999 and 2000. She appeared in the same shows as Nao.
Eri Kanda, who played Rei/Sailor Mars from 1999-2001. She appeared in the previously mentioned shows as well as Kessen / Transylvania no Mori - Shin Toujou! Chibi Moon wo Mamoru Senshi-tachi and Kessen / Transylvania no Mori (Kaiteiban) - Saikyou no Kataki Dark Cain no Nazo.
Yuuka Asami, who played Michiru/Sailor Neptune 1999-2003 - and she also played Jadeite once! For a full list of her credits, go here.

At the end of the blog, Chieko said the meet-up made her nostalgic for her blue wig.

One of Chieko’s blog headers, 2012.

fuckyeahpgsmgirls:

Chieko Ochi (then Kawabe) in her 2002 photobook, 15.

Chieko out and about with her daughter and being ridiculously cute. They sure do go to a lot of amusement parks.

Music video from Chieko Kawabe’s first single, “Be Your Girl,” 2004.

Chieko working on her latest published cookbook, Pancake Cafe, 2012. You can also see her doing promotion for the book with Miki Fujimoto, formerly of Morning Musume and Hello! Project.

This isn’t strictly relevant to the blog, but because I’m an info junkie: Miki has been out of the entertainment business since she married (2009) and gave birth to her child (2012). She’s working in the food industry now, just like Chieko, which is why this is relevant. Miki’s opened four successful yakiniku restaurants since 2011.