Japanese comedian and former pro-wrestler, Masaki Sumitani, better known by the name Hard Gay, has been struggling to find a new outlet for fame and success. Ever since being outed as a straight man, Hard Gay’s comedic mockery of gay flamboyancy has fallen from popularity in Japan. And, after a severe foot injury in July of 2009, his wrestling career has also been forced to a close. According to an interview conducted by the online news site Owarai Natalie, while Sumitani is still interested in continuing work as a comedian, he has decided to revamp his public image. We’re not sure how easy it will be to replace the image of Hard Gay’s tight, leather booty shorts, aviator sunglasses, and frantic hip thrusting that’s been burned into our mind’s eye. However, the comedian hopes that by starting a second career as a professional model he can achieve even greater success as himself and not his character. And hey, if these test shots are anything to go by, we think he may be on to something!
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Why you should visit Shizuoka, the green tea oasis in the middle of Japan’s golden route
Four factors frustrating foreigners fighting for jobs in Japan
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Legendary artist EYE to hold his largest mass-percussion event ever in Tokyo with crowdfunding underway
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Gift-giving made easy! The most popular omiyage bought in Japan, station by station
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Legendary artist EYE to hold his largest mass-percussion event ever in Tokyo with crowdfunding underway
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Gift-giving made easy! The most popular omiyage bought in Japan, station by station
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Gacha capsule toy machine sells Casio watch rings in Japan, and we try to get all of them
Foreign population in Japan hits record high as Japanese population falls to record low
Japanese Arita ware porcelain converted into jewelry to reduce waste from the traditional art