Music label Avex Inc. said Tuesday that operating officer Matsuura Masato (39), known as a key promoter of popular singer – and the label’s “golden goose” – Hamasaki Ayumi (26), is the company’s new president with immediate effect. Matsuura succeeds Kobayashi Toshio (39) who becomes a managing director. Matsuura’s promotion followed his brief departure from the company in August over a conflict with then Avex President and Chairman Yoda Tatsumi over business strategy.
• It was revealed yesterday that Hotohara Tetsu (36, photo left), of the popular comedy duo Ame Agari Keshitai, recently tied the knot. His bride is said to be a former office worker in her 30s. A fan of the popular TV drama “Kita no Kuni Kara”, Hotohara decided to hold the wedding ceremony in the Hokkaido town of Furano, where the drama was set. He and comedy partner Miyasako Hiroyuki (34) are regulars on the hit Fuji TV show “One Night Rock ‘n’ Roll.”