A host of western music stars have come together on a compilation album of hits by Nakajima Miyuki (52). Nakajima had a huge hit with “Chijo no Hoshi” and the English version “Earthly Stars” is sung by Julia Fordham. The song set a new record when it reached 148 consecutive weeks in the Japanese charts earlier this year. Other top names of yesteryear on the 11-track CD include Al Jarreau (“A Time”), Janis Ian (“Headlight, Taillight”), Debbie Gibson (“Portrait in Loneliness”) and Maurice White (“Tomorow”).
• Actor Kawarasaki Choichiro died this weekend of sudden heart failure. He was 64. He was best known for his portrayal of fatherly roles in many TV dramas. He was also a cousin and close friend of actress Iwashita Shima (62).