Today is the “Shuubun no Hi” (autumnal equinox) national holiday.
• Singer Koda Kumi (22) released her first greatest hits album this week. Record label Avex organized a launch event on the streets of Shibuya for “Best – First Things,” with a photo session on the famous Scramble Intersection. Koda’s usual low-cut, sexy attire turned plenty of heads among the hundreds of passers-by. She said that if the album becomes a million seller, she plans to fulfill another ambition – to become the “mama-san” of a high-class club for a night. She also alluded to her rumored romance, said to be with someone not in showbusiness.
• Singer Hajime Chitose (26) is set to make a full comeback after taking an extended break to get married and have a child. She will release a new single “Kataritsugu Koto” on November 23, her first general release in almost two years. She recently released an anti-war song, “Shinda Onna no Ko” (Dead Girls), produced by Oscar-winning musician Sakamoto Ryuichi (53), but it was available only for download to PC or mobile phone. She is also set to play a concert in Okinawa on October 22.
• The latest Hollywood star to come to town is actress Cameron Diaz (33). She arrived Wednesday from Melbourne to promote the movie “In Her Shoes,” which is scheduled to open here on November 12. About 200 fans turned out to welcome her at Narita Airport. It’s her third visit to Japan, the last being in July 2004 for “Shrek 2.” She and co-star Toni Collette held a press event at a Tokyo hotel last night.