The world of J-pop has yet another new international dimension. New Zealand-born Jay’Ed (26) is to make his major-label debut in May with the single “Superwoman” on the Toys Factory label. With a Japanese father and Kiwi mother, he traveled often between the two countries before settling in Osaka. When he was 17, he decided to get into music after watching American R&B duo K-Ci and Jojo perform at a local live house. He is described as having a unique sense of rhythm and timing. “Superwoman” goes on sale May 21.
• Talento Ohigashi Megumi (36) has been hospitalized after being hit by a minibus. She was on her way to the NHK studio on Tuesday afternoon when she was hit by the bus making a right turn at a junction. She suffered a broken leg and is expected to need three months to recover. Police say that Ohigashi and the 28-year-old driver gave conflicting statements about the color of the traffic signal at the time, and they are looking for witnesses. Ohigashi started her showbiz career as an unsuccessful idol singer. She married former Kintestsu Buffaloes baseball player Ohkubo Hideaki (38) in 1998 and has since worked as an occasional reporter and commentator.