Almost a total unknown even in his own country, taiko drummer Nakamura Koji (48) was the only Japanese artist to take an award at the Grammys over the weekend. With most other winners wearing tuxedos, Nakamura stood out in his traditional kimono. A member of the Paul Winter Consort, he shared the Best New Age Album award for “Crestone”. The main recordings for the album were done in the natural acoustics of a lake high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado. The album features the pow-wow drum and cedar flute of a young singer of Apache heritage, as well as birds and animals native to the region. The photo shows, from the left, members Paul McCandless, Peter May and Nakamura. Formerly with the famous Ondekoza taiko group and a leader of the Shumei Taiko Ensemble, Nakamura moved to the US in 2004. Countryman Kitaro was also nominated in the same category, for the 12th time.
• Freelance announcer Yukino Tomoyo is expecting her first baby baby this summer. And at the age of 44, she says she wants to be an example to other women who decide to give birth later in life. She and the father, a 41-year-old real estate company owner and divorcee, plan to get married around the time of the expected birth in June. The couple met last summer and started dating within a week. They currently live together in Tokyo. Yukino made her name while with TV Asahi in the late 1980s as a presenter on the infamous late-night show “Tonight”.
• The latest single from Johnny’s Jimusho band KAT-TUN has entered the Oricon chart at No.1. “Lips” is the sixth consecutive chart topper from the 6-member band since they debuted in 2006. Meanwhile, Koda Kumi’s “Kingdom” is on top of the album chart for the second week. Despite (or perhaps thanks to) the pop star’s recent gaffe on live radio and the repercussions on her PR appearances, the album has already sold over half a million copies.