Inoue Mao and Matsumoto Jun Why the leaks now?

An industry insider comments on why after several years of a rumoured relationship, media outlets have only recently begun to report on them, with even photos being published.

"Inoue is playing the lead role in NHK Taiga drama Hana Moyu which starts next year. To avoid scandals while it is on-air, the marriage will have to wait for a year at the very least. Being the main breadwinner of the agency, they will not give her the green light so easily either. On the other side, Matsumoto is in Johnny's leading group, Arashi, and marriage is out of the question for the moment. A definitive photo that cannot be explained away though has already been taken by a weekly magazine and using that as a bargaining chip, it has led to to the situation now where to a certain extent the media is allowed to report some news. The two of them though are twisting this to their advantage. As the flow of information little by little becomes established fact, they hope to convince their respective agencies. When it comes to marriage, essentially doing it by force via a shotgun marriage is the most effective way. However the two of them are professionals and will not resort to that. The time for marriage will probably come as they watch the response from fans and the media."

This week in Shukan Bunshun :- What does Inoue Mao like about Matsujun?

Shukan Bunshun (28 Aug 2014 issue) reports on a conversation that supposedly happened at a gathering among acquaintances, between Inoue Mao and an actress she looks up as an older sister.

Mao: At first I was actually closer to Ikuta-san.
Senpai: (Matsumoto and Ikuta) Both of them are good-looking, so how did you end up with the imakare?
Mao: *Blushing* Imakare... He was persistent.
Senpai: What do you like about him?
Mao: That he's smarter than me.

The film insider who recollected this conversation said that Matsujun's name was left out so as not to tip the other people around but Mao's amusing reaction to the term 'imakare' (イマカレ commonly used to mean a current boyfriend as opposed to motokare, an ex) was cute. The insider went on to mention that it was charming to find that Mao, who herself is sensible and intelligent, looking up to him. Then the topic of marriage came up, and the senpai, who is married, asked about Mao.

Senpai: You're not getting married?
Mao: I've been told by the people around me that I can play more roles precisely because I'm not, so it's better this way. But I think it's great that Yu-chan is having a baby. It sure is nice how she's getting on to have that mama look.

Shukan Bunshun has a chat with Inoue Mao's mother

Shukan Bunshun has a chat with Inoue Mao's mother in its 14 Aug issue.

Reporter: Plans for marriage soon?
Mom : No. Anything to report? Not at all (*laughs*) She's filming for a Taiga drama and has to be in Kyushu for a long while.

Reporter: 2 years more to when she's supposed to be married, at 29 years old.
Mom : That would be ideal but I don't think she has thought that far yet. I'm not the one to decide this and that so I leave it up to her.

Reporter: Does Matsumoto-san drop by your house?
Mom: Of course not! That would be too obvious and there will be a big fuss (*laughs*)

In an interview in Shukan Bunshun's Genshoku Bishojo Zukan (29 Nov 2012 issue), Inoue Mao had said jokingly,"When I went to see fortune tellers in Hong Kong and the Masai tribe, both said I would get married when I'm 29. That can't be a coincidence so I think I will be at 29."

Inoue Mao Staff Diary Lipovitan Fine

11th July 2014 (Friday)

The weather has been unstable these days, is everyone doing alright? Please take care when you're going out.

Well then, I have an announcement.
I've been chosen as the image character for Lipovitan Fine!
Fine is a delicious energy drink recommended for women who are watching their calorie intake.
I think drinking Fine would make ladies busy at their jobs or housework smile and get their energy back!

Filming took half a day. I sat on a swing and it felt so good!

Friday catches Inoue Mao on a late night date with Matsujun

After the stage greet of her movie 'Shirayuki Hime Satsujin Jiken', Inoue Mao went back to her home in a quiet residential area in Tokyo where she lives with her parents. Three hours later, at about half past 10, Inoue Mao, clad in a hat, mask and glasses left again. Looking about around her, she got into a taxi. A few minutes later, she got off. It seems like she had abruptly received a call. Maybe she was looking for her destination, but as she looked at her phone, she was walking this way and that. She finally ended up at an exclusive yakiniku restaurant that came with private rooms. It was close to time for last orders, but she went in without hesitation. There was a reason for her to be vigilant although she was out late at night with hardly anyone around and this was because it was none other than Matsumoto Jun that was waiting for her inside.

At 2 am, it was two hours past closing time and the entrance was already locked for the night. The lights were already switched off. From the exit used by staff, out came Inoue Mao. Beckoned by an employee who was keeping a lookout, she got into a taxi by herself and headed home.

Five minutes later, out came Matsujun in sunglasses. With him was Ikuta Toma. Likewise, they got into a taxi and headed to residential areas.

Inoue Mao Staff Diary Everyone

28th January 2014 (Tuesday)

Happy 2014.
Sorry for the late greeting.
Please give me your support this year as well.

The cold days are still continuing, how are you holding up?
I turned 27 on 9th January.
It's not quite yet to being in my thirties, and I would like to climb the mountains before my eyes one at a time without hurry, enjoying the different scenery.

And then on 17th January,
my princess turned 7.

She loves playing with toys but recently all she does is sleep.
Hug and me are both not young anymore I guess.
What Hug really loves recently is the cibi-nu bed that a friend gave as a present.
It feels so comfortable, I can't help sleeping on it with her.

Happy New Year! Maotsujun's first story for 2014

Shukan Bunshun (16th January issue) reports that a magazine had snapped shots that definitively proved a romance between Matsumoto Jun and Inoue Mao last November but the article was not published and replaced by an Arashi spread. A weekly magazine writer commented that with Mao starring in next year's NHK Taiga drama, it was her side that was more concerned with its publication and under pressure from Johnny's Jimusho, the story never made it to print. As a result Mao's agency now owes a big favour to Johnny's.

This article from Shukan Bunshun was Jun's part of its Arashi secrets. The others are Sho being irritable during Kouhaku because he couldn't smoke, Nino's miserly lifestyle despite living in a luxury apartment and Aiba's Porsche plate number having something to do with his girlfriend. No mention of Ohno.

Source 1 | 2

The alleged Maotsujun couple ring.

This surfaced sometime back but I had time to look it up a little more today.

Might be similar rings. Looks like a ring from the Boucheron Bridal Collection.

There is a Japanese Boucheron website as well, and it costs  ¥143,850 (US$1466). In its description - 明るい輝きで永遠の愛を祝福するリングです。 Akarui kagayaki de eien no ai o shukufuku suru ringu desu. A ring that celebrates eternal love with its radiance.

Maybe Shukan Josei had this in mind when they allegedly had the scoop of a super popular idol getting married.

By the way, the first episode of Hana Yori Dango aired 8 years ago today, 21st October 2005  ( •ᴗ•)

Matsumoto Jun spotted at Inoue Mao's stage play 'Miwa'.

Shukan Josei (which will probably sponsor their marriage when the time comes) reports that Matsumoto Jun attended the opening day of 'Miwa', a stage play which Inoue Mao is in. The play opened on 4th October at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

He was wearing a black hat, glasses and a cardigan, seated in the section reserved for officials and staff members. Next to him was actor Kasahara Hideyuki.

A little about Kasahara Hideyuki. Kasahara is Oguri Shun's junior in talent agency Tristone Entertainment. Matsujun and Kasahara grew closer after co-starring in 2010 drama 'Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku'. Before that, they had actually at times met at Oguri's home but Matsujun had no idea that he was an actor until they were cast together. Kasahara has been close friends with Mao since she was in junior high. They have co-starred in dramas Juui Dolittle & Tokkan and the movie Shazai no Ousama. It seems he often gets teased by Mao during filming. Looking up recent entries in his blog, a staff member posted a photo of him and Mao on 7th October but it's probably a shot from the time of Shazai no Ousama as there's no mention of 'Miwa' at all.

Shukan Josei went on to say that after the performance, Matsujun went backstage to meet with the actors including Eita, who he co-starred with in 'Lucky Seven'. On seeing Mao, Matsujun said "Here are the cakes," and handed over a paper bag with enough for the 40 or so staff members and actors. Mao said,"Yeah, thanks" and proceeded to give them out. The article highlighted how familiar they are together, like they are a married couple already. And that's about it.

And here is the cover of the hotly anticipated Shukan Josei!

...   ʅ(´◔౪◔)ʃ
There's no mention anywhere of the word 'marriage'. The only mention of Arashi is how the 5 trees in Hokkaido where they filmed their JAL CM has become a tourist attraction.

   

And in the fuller table of contents, still zilch, nada, zero.
A week of nervous anticipation and nothing... or maybe the almighty Johnny got the entire thing scrubbed clean after all.

Maotsujun outed by a blog post?

On the 12th of August, Kagaya Mari, a fashion consultant and Vice President of Ralph Lauren Japan Marketing & Communication PR posted an entry in her blog titled 'Oguri Residence'. Here's a translation.

 ✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀

August 12, 2013
Oguri Residence (or Oguri Family?)
Theme: Celebrity

The wife, Yu-chan
No matter how many times I meet her, her looks and personality are super cute~
I love her

And then the husband Shun-kun
Such a lovely husband
Rather than calling him cool, I'd say he's handsome!
He gives off this feeling of manliness

I was also introduced to the mother and elder sister
We had a great time~

Above all, the two of them were so lovey-dovey
it even made me happy

In addition, I was introduced to Inoue Mao-chan and Matsujun-kun... the two of them are such lovely people, it made me really happy

Yu-chan, Shun-kun, thank you
Let's meet again!

LOVE MARI

✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀

The blog post has since been deleted although you might still find a cache of it here. The tweet she posted about the entry is still up on her Twitter account.

This is a snapshot of the cached blog entry.

The post is also being circulated on Twitter.

Inoue Mao Staff Diary Hug Correspondence

3rd April 2013 (Wednesday)

My favourite, strolling.
My favourite, cherry-blossom viewing.

The sakura scatters

and my boss somehow
looks lonesome

But
the sakura
is really tasty!

This year too
I was munching them down with gusto.
I was scolded
by the boss.

I am
what you call
Hana Yori Dango.

The boss is doing well.
And I am doing even better!
But I'm no good
with the cold and rain.

Therefore,
warm spring,
please come quick!

It seems like the boss
has some sort of announcement tomorrow.

Hug

✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀

Hana Yori Dango -> Food before flowers.

Love how HYD gets a mention (*^-^)

Last year's sakura-eating.

Inoue Mao Official Blog Japan Academy Award Ceremony

10th March 2013 17:45:33
Theme: Blog

Being a host at the Japan Academy Award

So that I would not show any disrespect to the award winners, I have been staying at home a lot since the beginning of the year, studying the nominated films, interview articles and such.

The nervousness I felt during the actual ceremony was different from last year, but being in such a luxurious hall once again filled me with emotion. I was a clumsy host but thank you for all the support from those in the hall and in front of the television! I want to express my gratitude again to everyone involved in the Japan Academy Award for letting me have such a precious experience.

I don't know how many years, or tens of years it will take but I will do my best so that I can stand in that same place again(^^)

mao

Inoue Mao Official Blog Paji

4th March 2013 11:33:12
Theme: Blog

I had a part in 'Paji'.
Filming was only for a day and it was the first time in a while I wore a wedding dress.
I wonder how many times it has been...

This time, I walked down the wedding aisle with someone a little different.
It's a story that will warm your heart.
Look forward to it.

mao

✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀

Paji will air on Wednesday, 27th March at 9pm on TV Tokyo. The original work is a manga by Takashi Murakami and portrays the struggles of a grandfather (Papa + Jii-chan = Paji) raising his 5-year-old granddaughter Momo, after her parents pass away. Mao plays the grown-up Momo.

Chubachi Akiko Official Blog Behind the scenes of 'Tsuna Hiichatta!'

5th December 2012 14:21:53
Theme: Blog

Our leader Captain Chiaki (Mao-chan) and Saori (me)

Time: After everyone has taken their baths
Place: The usual dressing room
Dress code: What you wear to sleep
※ Girls only

One dressing room was cleared and we lined up cardboard boxes, laid on a tablecloth and started our hand-rolled sushi party.

On that day, the staff gave us a project. We wrote the name of our 'favourite male staff member' on paper and the voting produced a No.1 among raucous enthusiasm. Hahaha.

The movie 'Tsuna Hiichatta!' was on location for 40 days and even when filming had ended, everyone was together making a ruckus.

On our days off, we went a little further out to the sand baths of Beppu and to the onsen in Yufuin♪

The girls being together for an extended period of time, even when the director has given his OK, we would just stay put and continued chatting (*laugh*)

I was thinking that we managed to get along great in real life too (*^▽^*)

'Tsuna Hiichatta!' is doing well so we have the privilege of continuing with more promotional work ♥ Saori

Source

Inoue Mao Official Blog Shazai no Ousama

5th December 2012 13:40:18
Theme: Diary

To everyone who watched 'Tsuna Hiichatta!'!
Thank you very much.
I felt happy reading your warm responses and comments.

I think the power of the tug rope girls can still deliver smiles, spirit and courage to the whole of Japan.

And...
I have an announcement to everyone who has always supported me.

I will be in the movie 'Shazai no Ousama'.
Kudou Kankurou x  Mizuta Nobuo x Abe Sadao-san
I'm so happy to be part of this strong team.
A comedy beyond your imagination! An intense world view.

There's still some time before it opens
but I can't wait for everyone to see it.

By the way, we're in the middle of filming now.
Some of you who watched the media blitz on Nippon TV the other day might have noticed it, my hair is black again and my fringe is even.

I'm sure Manager K-chan has taken a really nice photo so please wait a while.

mao

Inoue Mao Official Blog Surprise

28th November 2012 10:52:07
Theme: Staff Diary

Everyone, thanks for all your thoughts on 'Tsuna Hiichatta!'
For those of you who have not watched it, please do so★

The other day, Mao-san called and said,
"Soon, there will be another crank-in. Before things get busy, there's something I want to talk to you about..."
This doesn't happen often so as I stepped into the store, I wondered what she was going to say, my heart beating fast...

Inoue Mao Official Blog Oita Premiere Event ①

3rd October 2012 09:28:45
Theme: Staff Diary

The other day we went to Oita for a premier event of 'Tsuna Hiichatta!'!!
The movie was aired ahead for everyone in Oita!!
First, we went to Kasuga Shrine to pray for the success of the movie.

It's been awhile since Mao-san met with her co-stars

They talked about what they have been up to lately.

And then finally a parade and talk show at the shopping district which kindly hosted our filming and regular shopping♪

The mascot 'Takamon' is really cute★

Inoue Mao Official Blog Tokkan 14

29th August 2012 18:30:01
Theme: Staff Diary

Mao-san's long-cherished hope came true.
After filming ended the other day,
we had a barbecue on the rooftop!!

With the Collection Division and staff members,
it was time spent surrounded by food and alcohol♪

Mao-san looked like she was really enjoying herself.

Inoue Mao Official Blog Tokkan 12

22nd August 2012 16:45:04
Theme: Staff Diary

Episode 6 of Tokkan will air tonight!
We watched it a little earlier, the way Gooko keeps persevering brings tears to the eyes.
It really feels like Gooko has matured.
Please watch Tokkan later at 2200 tonight.

This photo is from when we went to the gym for Episode 7.
She was innocently having fun on the balance ball
but right after that, she went "Aa~!" and tumbled over backwards (laugh)

Manager K