Toshiba EMI is to put out a CD compilation of Japan’s biggest and best female artists. Following the success of last year’s “Venus” albums, compilations of foreign female artists, “Venus Japan – For Your Departure” will feature artists such as Utada Hikaru (photo, 22), Shiina Ringo (26), Matsutoya Yumi (51), Imai Miki (41), Yaida Hitomi (26), and Oguro Maki (35). With the new school year coming up, the theme of the album is departure and new journeys. It goes on sale tomorrow, March 30.
• Hollywood star Richard Gere (48) is in town to promote the US remake of the hit movie “Shall We Dance” in which he co-stars with Jennifer Lopez. The movie opens on April 23. Gere, who criticized China’s repressive policies in a press conference at a Tokyo hotel yesterday, will probably be a bit more diplomatic when he meets Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro today. The PM is often said to look like the movie star, though the resemblance doesn’t really extend below the hairline.