Veteran actress Shirakawa Yumi (68) was hospitalized yesterday after falling out of her bed while asleep. The wife of actor Nitani Hideaki (73) is said to have suffered injuries to her shoulder and cervical vertebrae.
• Young talento Kato Rosa (photo, 19) denied she was romantically involved with popular actor Tamaki Hiroshi (24). She denied the romance, reported in a women’s weekly magazine, while at a ceremony to light up a giant Christmas tree under Tokyo Tower. Christmas is a time when singles are expected to go out on dates and rumors of romance usually abound. Born in Naples, Kato is an up and coming model and actress and is perhaps best known as the face of the bridal magazine Zekushi. She is also a regular on NHK’s Italian language study program.