The Best Formalists for this year are actress Yonekura Ryoko (31) and Italian model and man about town Girolamo Panzetta (44). Naturally enough, both turned up at the ceremony to give out the awards, sponsored by the Japan Formal Wear Association, in suitably formal attire. Panzetta wore a tuxedo, while Yonekura was stunning as always in a cream-colored backless dress and ¥12 million-worth of Tiffany jewelery. Asked if she had any comment about the romance between her former boyfriend, kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo (28) and talento Sato Eriko (24), Yonekura said, “Not really. I’m envious, I guess. I’ll do my best, too!” Panzetta is regarded as the pioneer of the “choi-waru” look, describing middle-aged guys who like to look a “little bit bad”.
• Also sporting the Tiffany look yesterday was actress Koyuki (29), who was the official guest at the opening of this year’s illuminations at Roppongi Hills. In a flowing pink dress and wearing Tiffany bling of diamond ring, necklace and bracelet worth ¥100 million, she pushed the button to light up the 400m of illuminated trees. Also at the event were model Oshikiri Moe (26) and actor Nagai Masaru (28).
• Comedian Shimizu Kyoichi died last Saturday at his home in Osaka from a blood clot in his lung. He was just 41. A former member of the Yoshimoto manzai duo Pinokkio, he recently had been appearing in Yoshimoto’s theater revues.
• Talento Wakatsuki Chinatsu (22) recently underwent checks at a hospital after suffering from stress and exhaustion. The popular young celebrity appears on six regular TV shows and two more on the radio. She had to suddenly cancel her recording of two Fuji TV horse-racing shows last weekend. She is expected to return soon for the busy year-end recording rush.