Tamura Ryo (photo right, 31) of the comedy duo London Boots is to open a new restaurant this weekend in the upscale Tokyo district of Akasaka. The restaurant, “Na no Ya, Wainchi,” will specialize in seasonal vegetable dishes.
• The “All-Japan National Young Beauty Contest” is to be expanded throughout Asia. The contest has been held on and off over the last 17 years and was revived in 2002 after a five-year break. It has produced such stars as Sato Aiko, Yonekura Ryoko (1992) and Ueto Aya (1997).
• Keanu Reeves is to be a presenter at the upcoming MTV Music Video Awards Japan 2003. The event is scheduled for May 25th at the Saitama Super Arena.