Monthly Archives: April 2003

Togawa Shosaku (25), eldest son of chanson singer and writer Togawa Masako (photo, 72) has been arrested for possession of stimulant drugs and marijuana. The drugs were discovered in his car in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. His mother, easily recognized by her multi-colored hair, says that its her son’s problem and he can look after himself. “I’m not his teacher and I won’t tell him how to live. I lived a terrible youth myself, so I’m hardly one to lecture him.” But she added that she is thinking of getting involved in anti-drugs activities.

Singer Nakashima Mika (20) is to make her movie debut in an adaptation by Korean CM director Gu Soo Yon of his own novel, titled “Guzen ni mo Saiaku no Shonen.” The movie is set to open this autumn. Nakashima has been popular since her debut “Stars” was a big hit in late 2001.

• Actor Nishida Toshiyuki (55) is back at work after his recent spell in hospital following a heart attack. He turned up on the set Sunday for the 14th movie in the “Tsuri Baka ” (Fishing Fool) series.

One-time idol singer Toyokawa Jo (44) was arrested last weekend at a Chinese restaurant. Toyokawa, whose incessant babbling was causing a commotion, refused to leave the restaurant in the Tsukiji district of Tokyo, forcing management to call the police. He then hit a police officer who approached him, and was arrested for obstruction of the law. He was previously arrested in 2000 for stimulant drug offences. Toyokawa was a popular singer with the Johnny’s Jimusho agency back in the late 1970s. The photo shows him in his heyday.

Popular singer Kuraki Mai (20) is to hold a “talk event” with fans across the country to promote her new single “Kiss.” To be held at HMV stores in ten cities, what’s unique about the event is that it will be done by mobile video phone. Needless to say, the event is also a promotion for NTT DoCoMo’s “FOMA” TV phone service. It will also be the first time Kuraki has taken part in a event directl with fans since she made her debut in 1999.

Tamiya “Sho” Masakichi (44), singer of the popular 80s rock band Yokohama Gin Bae, has been arrested again for possession of stimulant drugs. The drugs and paraphenalia were spotted by police on the dashboard of his car as it was parked in Tokyo’s youth mecca of Shibuya. He did 16 months of prison time for a previous offence back in 1998. The band has just released a new album and was to play a live show next week. The show has been cancelled.

• TV personality Nakayama Hideyuki (photo, 35) and his wife, former Takarazuka star Shiraki Ayaka are expecting their second child in July.

• As predicted here a few days ago, actress Tomosaka Rie (23) and actor Kawahara Masahiko (33) married yesterday at the Takanawa Prince hotel in Tokyo. The reception was small and closed to the media.

TV Asahi announcer (“ana” for short) Tokunaga Yumi (27) came clean about her affair with Uchimura Teruyoshi (photo, 38) of the comedy duo Uchan Nanchan, and she has quit as presenter of the Super Morning program. Tokunaga joined TV Asahi in 1998 and married director Suda Koju (29) two years ago. But they have been separated since last month. Uchimura is one of Japan’s most eligible bachelors who seems to have a thing for female announcers.

• Fuji TV announcer Tashiro Naoko (36), who married car magazine editor Horie Shiro last year, is three months pregnant.

Enka beauty Fuji Ayako (41) and actor Kimura Kazuya (33), eldest son of the late, great comedian Yokoyama Yasushi, are said to be getting ready to marry. Though Fuji is nine years his elder and has a 21-year old child, Kimura is said to be serious about their future together. Fuji regularly visits his Tokyo home and they are “semi-cohabitating.” The couple first met when they performed on stage together five years ago.

• Former Judy and Mary vocalist Yuki (31) has given birth to a baby boy. Husband Yo-King, vocalist of the group Magokoro Brothers, was not present at the birth.

• Yakult Swallows pitcher Takatsu Shingo, in his 13th season, set a new Japanese record when he clinched his 230th save in a dramatic comeback against the Yomiuri Giants. The record was previously held by Seattle Mariners closer Sasaki Kazuhiro.

Actress Tomosaka Rie (23) and stage actor Kawahara Masahiko (33) announced their engagement on Monday. A source close to the couple said that they may hold the wedding ceremony at a Tokyo hotel this weekend. The couple met in August 2000 while appearing together in a three-man play. Kawahara was the leader of the controversial and recently disbanded performance group “Highleg Jesus.”

• Okinawan five-piece band HY are the first indies artist to enter the Oricon album chart at No.1, with their second album “Street Story.”

One of Japan’s most popular TV anime series “Detective Conan” (Meitantei Conan) is currently raking it in on the big screen. The 7th movie version, “Crossroad in the Ancient Capital” has grossed ¥3.4 billion, making it one of the biggest box-office hits of the year. The total is sure to get a boost during the upcoming Golden Week holiday. The latest story is the first to be set in Kyoto, where a press conference was held yesterday, complete with maiko (apprentice geisha). The photo shows maiko Toshihana, the Conan character and Takayama Minami, who does his voice. The official web site is here.

Dreams Come True vocalist Yoshida Miwa (37) is to do her first solo tour in 7 years. The tour will kick off in Nagoya on May 6th, the day her new album “Beauty and Harmony 2” goes on sale. She says that doing the tour was an impulse decision made while recording the album. DCT will do a show in Shiga on July 19th, Wonderland 2003, which they put on only once every four years.