Soma Kazuhiko, the man who changed the Japanese music world with Pink Lady in the 1970s and 80s, died this week. He was 60. A funeral ceremony was held at the Daughters of Saint Paul Church in Tokyo. Pink Lady, a pop duo made up of Masuda Keiko (Kei, 47) and Nemoto Mitsuyo (Mii, 46), became superstars under Soma’s guidance in the late 70s. They enjoyed a revival in 2003, embarking on their first national tour since they broke up in 1981.
• There has been a major leak of online data on many of the top Korean entertainment stars. The 113-page file contains embarrassing and scathingly critical information on over 100 of Korea’s best-loved celebrities, including many who are currently big in Japan. It includes claims of violence and sexual perversion as well as personal and physical faults of such people as Bae Yong Joon (photo, 32) and Lee Byung Hun (34).
• Actress Nami Etsuko (54) is suffering from a nasty form of osteoarthritis. The disease alters bone structure and causes infected blisters on the palms and soles of the feet. She is expected to undergo hospital treatment in the near future.