Pop duo Pink Lady are to include their first single release, from all of 32 years ago, on a box-set to commemorate their 30th anniversary as pros. The song “Koi no Lessun” (Love Lesson) was recorded in 1974 when high school friends Mii and Kei called themselves “Cookie”. The single was only sold in record stores in the Tokai region. It was another two years before the pair, now known as Pink Lady, won the NTV audition show “Sutaa Tanjo” (A Star is Born) and became overnight stars with the single “Peppaa Keibu” (Sergeant Pepper). They went on to spend several years at the top of the showbiz world, bringing in as much as ¥30 billion yen a year. They faded away in the mid-80s only to rsurface in a revival tour last year. The new Platinum Box, which goes on sale March 24, includes 22 a-sides, NHK TV appearances and a host of other rare material on 4 CDs and 2 DVDs.
• Popular freelance announcer Shindo Masako (34) has tied the knot with pro golfer Fukabori Keiichiro (37). The recent wedding of Fukabori, described as the “prince” of the Japanese golfing world, and the former TBS sportscaster was announced on their respective official websites on Friday. Fukabori left for California soon after the marriage had been registered to take part in the Nissan Open at the Riviera Country Club. The couple met during a magazine interview in 1998 and are said to have broken up twice before finally taking the plunge. In February of last year, Shindo had to deny media rumors of an impending marriage with the elder brother of popular actress Matsushima Nanako. Fukabori ranked third in last year’s money rankings.