Japanese stars survive quake, tsunami — but not Twitter

Do not believe the rumors. Your favorite Japanese celebrities are alive and well. After the magnitude-8.9 earthquake that rocked Japan on March 11, rumors started circulating in online forums and social media sites reporting that a few Japanese celebrities and icons died in the ensuing tsunami that submerged parts of Japan. In particular, 'Pokemon' creator Satoshi Tajiri and 'Hello Kitty' designer Yuko Yamaguchi were believed to have perished in the quake and tsunami. The following message made rounds on micro-blogging website Twitter days after the quake: “The creator of Pokemon died today in the #tsunami, #Japan. RIP: Satoshi Tajiri. #prayforjapan" However, the creator of the popular Nintendo video game posted a message on his official Facebook page: “Dear Hummingbirds, what's this nonsense about me being dead?" “More importantly, if you can, help Japan," he added. Nintendo America also posted a message on their verified Twitter account, saying that no one at Nintendo in Japan was injured during the earthquake and no structural damage was reported. Rumors about the death of Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi also circulated in Twitter, saying, “The creator of Hello Kitty, Yuko Yamaguchi, died today in Japan." On March 14, Yamaguchi updated her blog, saying she's going to New York for a cosmetics event. She also said she's concerned about the affected areas and the power outages in Japan. Blogger Cecile Zamora-Van Straten, popularly known as “Chuvaness," wrote in her blog that she was able to confirm through Virgie Ramos, franchiser of Sanrio in the Philippines, that Yuko Yamaguchi is alive. “Mr. Tsuji (of Sanrio) even said all Sanrio stores in Sendai, Japan were intact," Van Straten said. Maria Ozawa alive as well On Friday, rumors circulated that adult film actress Maria Ozawa went missing after the tsunami. A report on The Daily News Global said Ozawa was not answering phone calls or texts following the tsunami. News of her death spread like wildfire on Twitter, making her name a Twitter trending topic alongside other topics like 'Japan', 'Earthquake' and 'Tsunami'. But on Saturday, Ozawa made her presence felt on Twitter when she tweeted in Kanji, "After the quake, I was okay in the camp with the team." The tweet was translated in English by The Daily News Global. Other death hoaxes have circulated on Twitter in the past, spreading rumors of deaths for celebrities like Justin Bieber, Jim Carrey and Charlie Sheen. Other celebs tweet to help Meanwhile, other celebrities in Japan used Twitter to let their fans know that they are safe. Members of the Japanese rock band GazettE assured their fans that they are out of harm’s way. “I remember the drill. Food and water has been stocked," said GazettE member Aoi. He also said that information is circulating in Twitter and that everyone should “respond calmly." Japanese producer and musician Shinichi Osawa said, “Thank you, I'm OK but still terrible. Pls pray for all victims." Pop star Takanori Nishikawa of T.M. Revolution also used his Twitter account to spread important emergency information to his followers, while singer Beni Daniels reminded people to help conserve electricity. “This is all very surreal. Ready to support in any way possible. #prayforjapan," he said. – KBK /MRT , GMA News