Singer/songwriter Ayaka (photo, 18), who’s still in high school, recently made her first public appearance since making her highly anticipated recording debut with “I Believe” on February 1. She appeared at the famous Spain-zaka radio studio in Shibuya, a district popular with young people. The singer, who with her good looks and powerful voice is widely expected to be a big star, shares a birthday with Olympic figure skater Ando Miki (18), one of Japan’s hopes for a medal at the Turin Winter Olympics. She says she became friends with “Mikiti” after sending her a copy of her debut single and is cheering her on.
• Dreams Come True gave 2,500 fans a sneak preview of their new album at the weekend. Playing on the artificial beach in Tokyo’s Odaiba waterfront district, the pop duo of vocalist Yoshida Miwa (40) and Nakamura Masato (47) performed several songs from “The Love Rocks” which goes on sale tomorrow. They will embark on a 22-date national tour from April 8 to June 18.
• Comedian Arino Shinya (33), of the duo Yoiko, is to be a father. He tried to keep the good news a secret, but being a comedian means that anything like is to be used against you on the first available variety show. In Arino’s case, it meant getting covered in baby oil and smothered by similarly lubricated fellow comedian Yamamoto Keiichi (35) on last Saturday’s edition of “Mecha Mecha Iketeiru!” His wife Yuko (33) is expecting the child on March 24.