Young actress Kuroki Meisa (19) is in sparkling company. Yesterday she was named the “Bulgari Brilliant Dream Award” winner for 2008. The annual award from the jewelry maker has previously been given to such top class stars as Boston Red Sox pitcher Matsuzaka Daisuke and J-pop diva Hamasaki Ayumi. For yesterday’s ceremony, Kuroki wore a diamond ring, necklace and earring set with a combined value of over ¥60 million. Also receiving a special award was retired soccer star Nakata Hidetoshi (31).
• Apprentice rakugoka Dekiya Junichi (35) has been arrested for making death threats against the Rakugo Association. Using the stage name Shofukutei Nokou, he became an apprentice to veteran Shofukutei Tsuruko (60) early last year. But in July he got into a dressing room fight with some of the senior rakugoka in the “family”. The trouble escalated to the point where Dekiya made a series of intimidating phone calls in January, threatening to “kill every member of the Rakugo Association.” They filed a complaint with police in February.