Several tabloid newspapers published a story yesterday saying that SMAP leader Nakai Masahiro (34) is dating sexy singer Koda Kumi (24). Management agencies for both stars refused to comment on the story, saying it was a private matter. The report coincided with the revelation that Koda had broken up with her long-term boyfriend earlier in the year. The relationship, which Koda made no attempt to hide, started before she made her breakthrough and became the country’s top-selling artist. The couple were last photographed together in December. But her extreme work schedule and his move to Osaka in May of last year put a heavy strain on their relationship. The 10-year age gap aside, the media would have a field day with a romance between Koda and Nakai. But with Johnny’s Jimusho controlling every aspect of its stars’ lives, it may be a while before the truth is out.
• Mori Masako (48) is to release her first new album in 21 years. “Ano Koro” is a collection of covers that is largely dedicated to her late father, who died in March of last year. It’s the latest step in a comeback that started with the release of two singles last summer after a bitter divorce from singer Mori Shinichi (59) in 2005. The new album is the first release since her retirement in 1986, when marriage put an end to one of the most successful idol careers of the decade.
• Japan Post has released a set of postage stamps marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. It will be the final set of commemorative stamps before the post office is privatized on October 1. In a world first, a combined set of stamps and a CD of Elvis’ hits compiled by broadcaster Ogura Tomoaki (60) goes on sale today.