A fire broke out yesterday during a stage performance starring idol singer and actor Takizawa Hideaki (photo, 23). A full house of about 1,400 audience members and 200 staff were evacuated during the show at the Shimbashi Embujo theater in Ginza, with 36 people suffering from slight smoke inhalation. The fire broke out around 6:30pm, about 30 minutes into the show. “Takki” was singing on stage when the flames were first spotted but suffered no injuries. Prop and costume storage rooms in the basement suffered extensive damage but the fire was put out by about 7pm. Two shows sheduled for today have been cancelled.
• Actress Esumi Makiko (39) is making her TV drama comeback after two years, during which time she became a mother. She will appear in NHK’s Saturday night drama “Machiben” from April 8, in which she’ll play a lawyer who works to help common people.
• Another comeback later in the year will see Yokohama Gin Bae back on stage. The popular 80s rock band had to cancel a show in April 2003 when singer Tamiya “Sho” Masakichi (44) was arrested for possession of stimulant drugs. He did 16 months of prison time for a previous offence back in 1998. The band will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a show at Yokohama Blitz on June 9. leader and drummer Arashi Yoshiyuki (50) suffered a stroke in 2004 and is currently in rehabilitation. He says he hopes to back for the band’s 30th anniversary, adding that he wants the show to be held at the Nippon Budokan.
• Veteran rakugo performer Sanyutei Enu died last night in Tokyo of prostate cancer. He was 82. He appeared in TV commercials for soap and incontinence pants.