So, just as my luck would have it, I flew into Tokyo, Japan literally the day before the big earthquake hit up north in Sendai. I would be there on business for 1 week, with TV show bookings, magazine interviews and meetings. As it turns out, on March 11 – I left my friend’s place 20 minutes prior to the earthquake. I was supposed to meet another girl friend Sharon aka “Shay” for lunch in Roppongi. We met at the Nikkei Youth Conference that I was a guest speaker at, in Tokyo last October.

20 minutes prior to the earthquake, I started out for the train. But, an eerie feeling crept inside of me. Something told me to go back immediately. I couldn’t figure out why – I hadn’t forgotten anything back at my friend’s place…..but I returned anyway since the feeling was so overwhelming. Upon returning within 2 minutes, the earthquake started. It was so scary…..not only did it feel like airplane turbulence at its worst, but it rocked up and down, side to side, diagonal. Thank God I was with someone though. I would’ve died if I was alone in that subway train, because I heard they were stuck inside for 4 hours, being forced to walk the railway tracks home. Everything went out – no electricity, running water, or cell phone reception. I know all my friends and family were calling frantically from the states, but we were unreachable for so long. Not my fault….sorry!

When power did come back, we learned about the tsunami up north in Sendaifor the first time. Shocked and devastated was all I could feel.

Although, I had a performance booking on Tokyo MX for Monday, March 14, my show got cancelled – understandably of course, and it seemed like the whole country shut down operation.

My mother’s side of the family is from Japan, so I was so worried, but they are all okay. Phew~ it’s been one helluva week. I must say, I feel like I’ve been in a warp zone. All this feels so unreal. My prayers are with all of the families in Sendai, and I do plan to return to help, once the radiation levels are safe.

Usually, Shibuya crossing is very crowded, but it was sorta scarce….

Girl time w/Shay, days later….we just needed to get some air! at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion in Roppongi Hills

Japan Airlines out of Haneda airport….the fastest 10 hr flight ever, I slept the entire way!

I had a fan appearance gig in Seattle, WA this past weekend. It was a quick weekend job, and it was nice to experience the hustling and bustling of downtown Seattle again, and of course….the cold, rainy weather. Somehow, the city really makes me feel really alive. I always think of the movie, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE as I look out my hotel window. It’s almost that nostalgic, rainy, cinematic feeling that comes over you. Boy, I have been seriously living out of suitcases and hotels recently. This is me, taking a load off, unwinding when I got to my hotel room. Just a candid moment for a change!

Big MAHALO to the 100′s of kids/teens/parents/fans that came out to my February Honolulu meet ‘n’ greet. As promised, here are your pics! Taking pictures with all my fans really makes me feel connected to the Aloha spirit, and the island love.

Click on the image below to get re-directed to the PHOTO GALLERY….hope you can find yourself!

So touching!! So I was taking a breather during my appearance tour in Honolulu, and decided to take a stroll at the mall nearby – Ala Moana mall. When I was at the BEBE store, look at the surprise I ran into…..a cute little fan of mine!

These are the moments I live for! It makes everything I do in my career all worth it in the end. I love the kids/teens in Hawaii…..

Aloha everyone! I am still here at my appearance gig in Honolulu, Hawaii. The last 2 days of the fan meet ‘n’ greet have been going really well and I’m so touched by all of my fans here. But first, since it is Valentines Day, I couldn’t go without sending my love to all of you, from ME TO YOU on this beautiful love-filled day.

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world, don’t you think? So, pass this youtube video on, to the one you love and let them know how much they mean to you!

Email link to YOUR Valentine