Singer Imai Miki (41) and rock guitarist Hotei Tomoyasu (42) are to play their first ever combined national tour as husband and wife. The “Imai Miki Dream Tour 2004” will be her first in four years. The news seems to put an end to rumors of a split following Hotei’s highly publicized affair in June. They have been married since June 1999 and have one daughter.
• Rising comedy star “Guitar Samurai” is to make his CD debut. Before the end of the year, he’ll also release a book and DVD. Real name Hata Youku (29), his distinctive delivery style and cutting comments on other showbiz types have made him very popular with high school girls and “OL’s” though so far he has only appeared on one TV show.
• Recently “retired” newsreader Kume Hiroshi (60) made a full-day “comeback” on Monday. He appeared on a total of 6 live radio programs between 6am and 5pm on the Nippon Housou channel. In march, former comedian Kume gave up the chair on the popular TV Asahi “News Station” show after 18 years.