Ichiro and Nakama Yukie are Japan’s most popular stars. Video Research yesterday released its twice-yearly rankings of the most popular celebrities on Japanese TV. Seattle Mariners center-fielder Ichiro (32) was the No.1 male choice for the third time, pushing perennial favorite, comedian Akashiya Sanma (51), into second place despite the fact that his TV appearances are limited mainly to commercials. Fellow baseball star Matsui Hideki (32) dropped from #7 to #17. This is largely due to his not playing in this year’s inaugural World Baseball Classic (where Ichiro led Japan to a heroic title) and missing most of the season through injury. Comedians and musicians made up most of the Top 20.
Actress Nakama Yukie (26) has starred in some of the most popular TV dramas of the last couple of years, but has made the No.1 spot for the first time. Also getting a big boost from the popularity of her drama roles is former Takarazuka star Amami Yuki (39), up from #12 to #3. Sandwiched between them is pop duo Dreams Come True, led by vocalist Yoshida Miwa (41).
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Top 10 Male Celebrities
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Top 10 Female Celebrities
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• Comedian Kinashi Noritake (44) performed with his new soul band Ajisai in Tokyo yesterday. One half of the duo Tunnels, who have released quite a few big-selling singles, Kinashi had been performing with the musicians for two years before deciding to make them into a formal band. They performed their debut single “Futari Dake no Sekai” at an invitation-only event for 500 fans at the O-East live house in Shibuya.