Former Dreams Come True member Nishikawa Takahiro (41) was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment yesterday at the Tokyo District Court. The former DCT keyboard player was discovered in possession of stimulant drugs by police in February. This followed a previous arrest in 2002, for which he received a suspended sentence. This time around, prosecutors had sought a 2-year prison term for the two-time offender. Nishikawa’s brother presented a plea for clemency, suggesting that he would take part in anti-drugs campaigns. But the judge replied that he should do so after having served his time. Nishikawa left DCT in early 2002 to pursue a solo career, which never took off.
• Soul singer Kubota Toshinobu (43) has been forced to postpone two weeks of shows on his his nationwide tour. He was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease after suffering dizziness and hearing loss following a show on May 4, and was told to take two weeks’ rest. He hopes to be back on the road for the May 19 show in Hiroshima.
• Hip hop unit Black Eyed Peas are to play the Nippon Budokan. The chart-topping US group, whose worldwide album sales have topped 18 million, will be making their fourth trip to Japan but this will be the first time for them to play arena shows here. They’re scheduled to play the Budokan on July 13 and 14, after a July 11 show at Osaka Castle Hall.