The new pop trio Gyaruru has its second lineup before it has even got off the starting line. The group was first announced last month, with the members being former Morning Musume Tsuji Nozomi (19), “ogui” (glutton) talento Gyaru Sone (21, photo center) and “meganekko” (glasses girl) idol Tokito Ami (19, right). But Tsuji dropped out within weeks after announcing her pregnancy and impending marriage. The future of group was in doubt until yesterday, when a replacement was announced. Stepping in for Tsuji is Abe Asami (22, left), the younger sister of former MoMus member Abe Natsumi (26). She’s no stranger to “gyaru” fashion, as that was her look when she was first scouted as a high school student. With Sone taking the stage name ‘Sonene’ and Tokito going for ‘Amimi’, Abe will be known as ‘Abebe’. The group’s debut single, “Boom Boom Meccha Macho”, will be re-recorded in time for its scheduled June 20 release.
• Veteran newscaster Chikushi Tetsuya (73) revealed yesterday on his nightly “News23” show that he has lung cancer. The disease was diagnosed early enough that it can be treated, so he is going to take a break from the TBS show while undergoing treatment.
• It was revealed yesterday that actress Hosho Mai (30) recently got married. According to a source, she married 37-year-old graphic designer, named only as N-san, on March 6. The couple registered their marriage at a municipal office in Tokyo. They met through a mutual friend in 2004 and dated for about two years. They have no plans for a press conference or wedding ceremony. Hosho is best known for her roles in TV dramas such as Fuji TV’s popular “Shomuni”.
• The latest issue of weekly magazine “Shuukan Asahi” reveals that cross-dressing singer-actor Miwa Akihiro (72) failed to report a traffic accident in March. According to the article, Miwa’s car struck a motorcycle while both were making a right turn on the junction of Komazawa-dori and Kannana-dori in Tokyo. The motorcyclist reported the accident to local police an hour later, but Miwa failed to do so. Papers have been filed against him for professional negligence resulting in injury and failure to report an accident. His management agency says the matter has already been financially settled between the respective insurance companies.