Gina Hiraizumi

Surviving the earthquake in Tokyo, Japan

Gina — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:44:03 +0000

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.

Gina Hiraizumi´s Pecha Kucha presentation

Runtime: 9:33
Views: 1,152

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!

Rainy Seattle…..

Gina — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:50:49 +0000

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!

Fan pics from my Hawaii Appearance….HERE YOU GO!

Gina — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:22:07 +0000

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!

Bumping into my biggest fan in Honolulu, HI

Gina — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:02:55 +0000

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…..

Gina Hiraizumi bumps into a fan at Ala Moana mall in Honolulu, HI

Runtime: 1:46
Views: 380

Happy Valentines Day!

Gina — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:32:22 +0000

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

"Valentine" Martina McBride cover - by Gina Hiraizumi

Runtime: 3:14
Views: 1,367

Hawaii Appearance & hosting Talent Search….calling talented girls 8~17 in Honolulu!

Gina — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:15:51 +0000

Honolulu, Hawaii – calling all talented kids/teenage girls in Oahu ~
if you are between the ages of 8 ~ 17, I will be hosting a National Talent Search brought to you by Barbizon Honolulu and Hollywood. Come meet me LIVE IN PERSON and participate in an acting workshop with me at Ala Moana Hotel, 2F Garden Lanai Ballroom

Saturday Feb 12, 2011 – 8am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Sunday Feb 13, 2011 – 8am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Monday, Feb 14, 2011 – 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
Wed, Feb 16, 2011 – 3pm, 5pm, 7pm

*Print this flyer for admission*

GOOD LUCK~!

Xtreme Eyelash Extensions….love these!

Gina — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:18:14 +0000

How gorgeous are these individual extensions? I was so excited to get my lashes done today before my big appearance event in Honolulu, Hawaii this weekend. It feels so natural, light and easy on the eyes…..I love them so much! For all you LA people, definitely give her a try! Tell her you saw her on my website, and get an amazing deal….

Calma Yom / Xtreme Lashes
Email her for an appt!
or visit…..
The Parlour on 3rd
8113 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Remember my NBA National Anthem Performance?

Gina — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:20:14 +0000

Do you guys remember this? Watching Christina Aguilera sing her National Anthem for the Superbowl this year, reminded me of how amazing I felt when I sang in front of 50,000 people at the Staples Center for a Clippers vs Sacramento Kings game! So cool. Can’t wait to start performing again…..right now, I’m focusing on recording my album in the studio, but when it comes closer to release time, I will be back on the scene! (or “court” or “field”)

Gina Hiraizumi - NBA National Anthem @ the Staples Center - Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings

Runtime
1:51

Views
8,479