TOKYO, Jan 13 (AFP) - Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt was swarmed by reporters and fans Thursday as he jetted into Japan on his first appearance since his shock break-up with Jennifer Aniston -- but all near him were warned not to mention her name.
Pitt, his finger no longer circled with the famous wedding ring designed uniquely for him and Aniston, was on a scheduled visit to promote his new film and his publicists worked tirelessly to ensure that remained the topic.
With several reporters flying from Hollywood hoping for a big scoop, foreign media were kept at the door as the bare-fingered Pitt, in a leather jacket and trademark blond stubble, told a press conference what a hit "Ocean's Twelve" would be.
The 700 reporters and 150 cameramen covering the event had to promise not to release their footage to foreign media and were put under gag orders against asking about the demise of one of the world's most glamorous couples.
The Daily Sports tabloid reported Pitt canceled all 10 interviews slated with Japanese television on Thursday.
Co-star George Clooney turned into Pitt's protector, beginning the press conference by joking, "I know that there has been a certain topic on everyone's lips for the past few days, so I am happy to tell you that my neck is all right," according to media reports.
"Ocean's Twelve" stars Pitt, Clooney and Matt Damon arrived on a private jet late Wednesday at Narita airport, where hundreds of screaming fans took photos of the stars with their mobile telephones.
When one reporter at the airport dared ask why Pitt was back on the singles market, Clooney butted in.
"Shame on you!" Clooney told the reporter as Pitt, wearing a beige overcoat and red scarf, smiled and signed autographs.
Aniston and Pitt announced last Friday they were calling it quits after four-and-a-half years, sending Hollywood media into a frenzy to figure out what had happened.
Pitt, 41, reportedly wanted to start a family, something Aniston, 35, wanted to put off in favor of her career.
And then there was speculation that what tore them apart was Esquire magazine's sexiest woman of last year -- Angelina Jolie, who grew close to Pitt as they played a couple in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."
The gossip was on the lips of the Japanese fans, some of whom lined up hours in advance for a red-carpet reception for Pitt at the Roppongi Hills shopping complex.
"It was very sad. I thought they would make it. I like Jennifer Aniston very much and the couple looked so nice together," said sales clerk Setsu Ito, 29.
About the Jolie rumors, she said: "I hope it's not true. He is too good for her."
Pitt and Aniston, anticipating a rain of speculation, tried last week to shoot down the rumors.
"This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration," they said in a statement.
"We happily remain committed and caring friends with great love and admiration for one another."
01/13/2005 09:04 GMT - AFP