Brad Pitt arrives in Tokyo as separated couple return to work

TOKYO (AP) _ It's back to work for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston _ but no breakup questions, please. <br/><br/>In his first public appearance since the couple announced their split last week, Pitt

Monday, January 10th 2005, 10:53 am

By: News On 6

TOKYO (AP) _ It's back to work for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston _ but no breakup questions, please.

In his first public appearance since the couple announced their split last week, Pitt arrived in Tokyo Wednesday to promote his new film, ``Ocean's Twelve.'' Hundreds of cheering fans met the 41-year-old actor at the Narita international airport, where Pitt signed autographs.

But the international media, hoping for some insight into Pitt's separation from Aniston, were barred from a press conference. Only Japanese media, who were restricted from asking personal questions, were allowed by Warner Bros. to attend.

Fans, though, waited up to 10 hours to meet Pitt and his ``Ocean's Twelve'' co-star George Clooney. The film is a sequel to 2001's ``Ocean's Eleven.''

``He (Pitt) is so cool,'' one fan told AP Television News. ``He was cooler than he was in the movies and truly a gentleman. He must be feeling sensitive now. Yet, I'm glad he came over in spite of such feelings.''

Meanwhile, Aniston, 35, began filming her next movie, ``Friends With Money.'' On Wednesday, she was seen shooting scenes in Santa Monica, Calif., with co-star Frances McDormand.

On Jan. 7, Pitt and Aniston issued a statement saying they were separating after 4 1/2 years of marriage. Tabloids have devoted dozens of pages to speculation over why they split.

In the statement, the couple said: ``For those who follow these sorts of things, we would like to explain that our separation is not the result of any speculation reported by the tabloid media. This decision is the result of much thoughtful consideration.''

Aniston is perhaps the most recognizable star of ``Friends,'' the NBC ensemble show that concluded a 10-year run last year. She also has starred in films such as ``Along Came Polly,'' ``Bruce Almighty'' and ``The Good Girl.''

Pitt is one of Hollywood's most bankable film stars. His screen credits include ``Fight Club,'' ``Meet Joe Black,'' ``Seven Years in Tibet,'' ``Sleepers,'' ``12 Monkeys'' and ``Legends of the Fall.''