Talento Aota Noriko (38) wants to revive the “bubble” era. The former member of “sexy group” CC Girls is to release her solo debut under the guidance of another “bubbly” star, musician and producer Komuro Tetsuya (47). Komuro has written the song “Jesus” and the whole thing is part of a project based around the TV Asahi variety show “London Hearts”. Aota is a regular on the show that features a panel of outspoken women and usually focuses on topics related to sex and romance. Aota hopes to break into the Oricon chart Top 10 and bring back memories of a time when Japan was rolling in money and young women like herself, dressed in mini skirts and waving feather fans, were packing out the mega-discos like Juliannas in Tokyo.
• Popular fashion model Ebihara Yuri (26) is romantically involved with a 30-year old beautician, according to weekly magazine Friday. Though both have been seen visiting the other’s home, Ebihara’s management agency has denied there is any romance.
• Comedian Udo Suzuki (36) is to give a press conference on April 16 with his sidekick Amano Hiroyuki (36) and is expected to talk about his wedding plans. It was recently revealed that he is living with a woman in her 20s who works as a sommelier. Suzuki and Amano go by the name Kyaeen and are regulars on the variety show circuit.
• Shinobu (26) is to leave popular group Da Pump. In February of last year he caused a traffic accident while drunk and has been “on probation” since. He has spent the last year at his home in Okinawa and plans to go solo and perform more Okinawan music. The remaining three members will continue as Da Pump and make their official announcement to fans at an event at the end of the month.