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.