Talk is cheap, barbers give it away for free with a haircut; however, there are moments in conversation that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. The following celebs have left their mark in media history by saying the wrong thing at the wrong place and time. While most can simply be laughed off, others will haunt them forever.



Oh Shit!

SAWAJIRI ERIKA (沢尻 エリカ)
It’s been nothing but bad times for Erika ever since her 2007 “betsu-ni” scandal, which was an unprofessional display of moodiness at the premiere of her film Closed Note. I thought it was hilarious, but Japanese media and pundits – yes, even pundits – beg to differ; ever since then, they’ve been out for blood, or rather tears. Whatever the case may be when it comes to why Erika behaved the way she did and whether or not it should matter, her career has clearly taken a nosedive. In late 2007, Erika pretty much hightailed it to London under the guise of wanting to improve her English, and upon her return to Japan in early 2008, she blurted out the English expletive after dropping some cosmetics in the airport. As of now, Erika has only fulfilled previous contractual obligations with her endorsement campaigns, but other than that, she’s got nada. Oh shit, indeed. Currently, Erika is back in London. Personally, I’d love to see her back in her former glory, but with the way things look right now, she might as well concentrate on learning new English phrases to describe her career.


I plead with everyone to please stop forwarding the images on the Internet. Furthermore, to completely rid the images from your computer.


EDISON CHEN (陳冠希)
This was Edison’s first response to the 2008 sex scandal that rendered many Hong Kong actresses and singers into mere notches on this admirable man’s bedpost. In my favorite moment of complete cognitive dissonance, Edison had the gall to request gawkers to restrain themselves from peeking at his leaked collection of pornographic images. Let me break this down for you, Edison, my boy… Please stop taking pictures of your conquests. Furthermore, if you absolutely cannot do that, completely rid the images from your computer before entrusting it in the hands of a complete stranger. This would’ve been a hit in the U.S., but unfortunately, the HK crime world doesn’t take too kindly to its actresses being publicly sullied. Good one, Lothario. Trust me, with the mess you’re in, there’s no shame in hiding in Canada forever.


If you come into the city, you are a Taipei citizen. I see you as a human being. I see you as a citizen, and I will educate you well…


PRESIDENT MA JING YEOU (馬英九)
In an effort to garner more support from Taiwanese aborigines, Ma reassured them that they are indeed human beings, too. Well, I’ll be damned, sir – forreal?! Taiwan has a very strong and celebrated aboriginal culture, but it was persecuted under the early dictatorship of the Kuomintang. So, you know, as a Kuomintang party member, what better than to suggest they are inhuman lifeforms that need to be educated? In a country where many of its citizens think he is out of touch with their perspectives and needs, President Ma really outdid himself. This was actually uttered on the heels of 2008 (literally a couple days before the new year), but it’s just too good not to mention. Keep it real classy, Guy. Educate us well in your ways of eloquence.


[Oguri Shun] is a very nice person. I love everything about him.

YAMADA YU (山田優)
Yeah, so does every other girl, Yu. Of course, this quote isn’t even all that funny or interesting in a literal sense, but in context, it was the body slam heard around the world for all Oguri Shun fans. Actress and so-so pop singer Yamadu Yu recently confirmed her relationship with Oguri Shun on a radio station, officially throning both actors as this year’s new power couple. More than that, this modest announcement yanked one of Japan’s hottest “it” boys right out of the window display, which is especially ballsy in a business where being in a serious relationship can cost you your fans. Luckily, this doesn’t seem to be the case for either entertainer.


I’ll be a doting parent.

MOKOMICHI HAYAMI (速水もこみち)
Don’t freak out, Mokomichi isn’t having a kid, at least at this point in time. At the Oh! My Girl! press conference, Mokomichi talked about how he would support his future children if they were to join their tou-chan’s industry, and moreover, he mentioned he would be a doting parent when the day comes. Nothing scandalous, but I thought this would put a smile on Mokomichi fan faces, like you guys could stand to love him more… Me, I’ve never been that into him, nor do I want children, but when I heard this I caught myself grinning like an idiot. Yes, Hayami, yes, exactly… I mean, no, I mean what?


This blog posting is part of the 5 day 2008 End of the Year event happening Dec. 15-19.