Abe Natsumi (photo, 22) is the latest member of Morning Musume to announce her ‘graduation’ from the group. She is scheduled to make her debut in a starring role in a musical next February. Her ‘graduation ceremony’ will be a MM show at Yokohama Arena at the end of January. “Nacchi” is one of the most popular members of the group and is sure to be successful in her own right.
• Following the recent scandal at NTV, the company’s CEO has resigned and other senior execs have volunteered for demotion. The scandal involved a producer bribing viewers taking part in TV ratings surveys. The 41-year old producer has been fired.
• Pin-up idol turned TV personality and girl-next-door Yuka (23) has been awarded the Best Hair award for 2003.