Former Osaka governor Yokoyama Nokku (photo, 71) has hinted at a political comeback. The former comedian was given a suspended 18-month sentence in August 2000 for sexually harrassing a student volunteer. With the 3-year suspension period almost up, he may try to make the most of the huge celebrations that will engulf the city after an increasingly likely pennant win by the Hanshin Tigers baseball team.
• Instrumental duo S.E.N.S. are to be the first Japanese to be the opening act for a Major League Baseball game. They will perform before the July 26 NY Mets-Cincinnatti Reds game at Shea Stadium. The duo have won Golden Disk awards twice for Instrumental Album of the Year and their tunes have been used in countless TV shows and commercials. They recorded their new album “The Key” in New York last year, which led to their MLB debut.