Singer Hamasaki Ayumi (26) has topped the Oricon single chart yet again. “Fairyland/Alterna” is her 11th single in row to enter the chart at No.1, dating back to “Free & Easy” in April, 2002. It’s her 23rd No.1 altogether, putting her in a tie for 3rd place with Mr. Children. Which is good news for her, after she had to pull out of Saturday’s Avex-organized “a-nation ’05” tour event in Sapporo due to acute inflammation in her nose and throat. On top of the album chart are Johnny’s boy band Arashi with “One.”
• Police sent papers to prosecutors on Mineda Kazunobu (27), vocalist of the indie band Ginnan Boyz, after he bared all at last weekend’s “Rock in Japan Festival.” Mineda was charged with public indecency after he dropped his pants twice for several minutes in front of 40,000 people during the band’s performance on Sunday afternoon. Both he and his management agency were apologetic, especially as the event was the best possible exposure (pun intended!) for a band without a major label contract. The event also featured 65 of japan’s biggest rock artists, including the first performance at an outdoor festival in 22 years by Southern All Stars, who played 14 of their summer hits.
• Ditzy talento Yamaguchi Moe (28) denied rumors that she is close to getting hitched. The prospect of wedding bells for her and Ozeki Shigeo (30), president of IT company Zeel, has reportedly been getting closer, but Moe just laughed off the question at a recent PR event.