Film director Akio Jissoji (known for films such as "Teito Monogatari" and his work on the Ultraman television series) passed away on Wednesday at the age of 69. He had been hospitalized for stomach cancer.

Notable postwar playwright Junji Kinoshita, who had been hospitalized for pneumonia, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Kinoshita's best known works include "Twilight Crane" and "Requiem on the Great Meridian."

The nominees for the 48th Japan Record Award have been announced. The ten candidates for the main prize are:

• "Ikken" by Kiyoshi Hikawa
• "Winter Love" by BoA
• "Kibun Joujou" by mihimaru GT
• "Kimi to Iu Na no Tsubasa" by Kobukuro
• "Kumanokodou" by Kaori Mizumori
• "Boogie Woogie 66" by w-inds.
• "Fly High" by Nakanomori Band
• "Boku Note" by Sukima Switch
• "Yume no Uta" by Kumi Koda
• "Renai Shashin" by Ai Otsuka

The four nominees for Best New Artist are: Ayaka, Sunset Swish, Aki Yamamoto, and WaT.