Singer-actress Nakashima Mika (25) is to be the first Japanese artist to appear on the cover of “Rolling Stone Japan” magazine. Published in the US since 1967, Rolling Stone launched its Japanese edition in 2007 and the April issue marks its first anniversary. Like its US counterpart, the magazine has featured only top international stars – the March cover is graced by Johnny Depp. But chief editor Ino Takaaki said they chose Nakashima for her “strong rock spirit,” adding that she stands out among leaders of the domestic music scene in that she has maintained her stoic and rarified aura. She made her debut in the 2001 Fuji TV drama “Kizudarake no Love Song”, playing the heroine and singing the title song. “Stars” was a hit and won her the Nippon Record Taisho and Gold Disc Best Newcomer awards in 2002. Her first two albums and a 2005 hits collection were all million-sellers, with “Love” also amassing huge sales in South Korea. In 2006, she released a charity single “All Hands Together” to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. She has several TV and movie credits, including the title role in the 2005 hit manga adaptation “Nana.” The new Rolling Stone magazine, which also includes a four-page spread on Nakashima, goes on sale March 10.