Popular duo Kinki Kids have released their 21st single, and guess what? Yes, it’s yet another No.1. “Bilodo no Yami” (Velvet Darkness) makes 21 out of 21 since their debut, extending their existing Guinness world record. It also ties them for 5th in terms of total No.1’s with pop diva Nakamori Akina (39). As the Johnny’s Jimusho duo, Domoto Koichi and Domoto Tsuyoshi (no relation), are both still only 26, they should be setting records for some time to come.
• In a related story, a ground-breaking collaboration between Fuji TV and Disney was announced yesterday. In a world first for Disney, they will jointly produce a live-action TV show with Fuji. “Hoshi ni Negai wo” (Wish Upon a Star) will air on August 26, and will star Domoto Tsuyoshi as Ohira Takayuki (35), the engineer who developed the Mega Star mobile planitarium for home use. Other names lined up for the project include Yuka (24), Osgugi Ren (53) and Japan’s first astronaut, Mori Mamoru (57). The project has been 3 years in the making and a Fuji producer described it as like a fantasy version of the Touchstone movie “Pretty Woman.” Disney gave Fuji permission to use any songs from its extensive lineup of animation soundtracks. Filming starts on June 27.
• Meanwhile, on top of the album chart is another record breaker. Oda Kazumasa (57) is the oldest artist to top the Oricon chart, beating his own record set with the 2002 release of a greatest hits album. With “Soukana” he’s also the first artist over 50 to reach No.1 with an original album.
• Comedian Golgo Matsumoto (38) of the duo TIM is planning to marry a 37-year old aromatherapist. Named only as Y-san, she is an old high school classmate and the couple met for the first time in 18 years at a school reunion last summer. They hope to get married this summer, or by the end of the year at the latest.
• NHK recently held a PR event for next year’s “taiga” period drama. The leading roles in the yearlong “Koumyo ga Tsuji” will be played by Nakama Yukie (25), who has helped several TV series reach the top of the rankings, and Kamikawa Takaya (40). No doubt, NHK are hoping her popularity will help rescue its floundering viewer numbers. As usual, the tired cast formula also includes the odd comedian, sports star and other attempts to draw fans of all types. Oh, and one or two people who can actually act, too.