Johnny's Jimusho has officially announced that Jin Akanishi of popular group KAT-TUN will be putting a stop to his entertainment career for the time being. Akanishi has for a while expressed interest in studying abroad, and his wish has been approved. He will be gone for at least half a year, and the length may be extended depending on the circumstances. It is still undecided when he will return to the entertainment world. So far, it is unclear what this will mean for the rest of the group.

Actress Tomoko Yamaguchi made her first public appearance in 10 years at a talk event for an upcoming NTV special program called "Empress Catherine: Hermitage of Love" (which broadcasts October 24 at 9:00pm). Yamaguchi will serve as "navigator" for the program, which explores details of Catherine II's love life. The last public event that Yamaguchi appeared at was at a preview event for the 1996 movie "Billiken." Nao Matsushita also attended the event for the upcoming TV program; she plays the piano for the show's theme song.