Speaking of plastic surgery... 'Cyzo' names Japanese celebrities

With news that Tatsuya Ichihashi -- wanted in connection with the murder of English teacher Lindsay Ann Hawker in 2007 -- may have gotten plastic surgery, the hot topic of the day is facial transformation. So what better time for entertainment-insider magazine "Cyzo" to delve into the generally taboo topic of Japanese celebrities' cosmetic procedures?

"Cyzo" first names actress Akiko Yada as a possible plastics recipient, evidenced by "Josei Jishin"'s report that she recently went into a celebrity cosmetic surgery clinic for six hours.

Next, the article points to the case of TV talent openly mocking "JJ" model Ranko Kanbe for her sudden facial changes. She claimed the power of 'make-up' but the show hosts weren't having it.

Former teen idol Nozomi Tsuji got the same treatment on her blog when her eyes suddenly exploded in size upon coming back from maternity leave.

"Cyzo" asked a real-life plastic surgeon 'Dr. K' to weigh in on these rumors. He does admit that faces can change over time, so we shouldn't go overboard with seeing every facial difference as surgery. That being said, he is pretty confident that Tsuji had an eye job.

For some of the more classic suspicions about Japanese celebrities and plastic surgery, check out the pages and pages of photographic evidence on seikeigiwaku.jugem.jp. Perhaps someday Japan will become like Korea where everyone has cosmetic surgery and no one cares. Until then, enjoy the intrigue.