Idol Asami Kumakiri and Yokohama BayStars pitcher Takumi Nasuno are no longer dating. They were discovered to be a couple in May, but the publicity apparently put a strain on their relationship. According to a source close to them, they broke up shortly thereafter.

Talento Yakkun Sakurazuka recently had a surgery, it was learned on Sunday. On his blog, he stated that he had a polyp removed from his throat. He was admitted to the hospital before Christmas and was discharged on the 29th, though he did not specify the actual date of the operation.

Sakurazuka can't use his voice for two weeks after the surgery, so he has temporarily canceled his work schedule.

The 49th Japan Record Awards were held on Sunday. Popular duo Kobukuro took home the top prize for their song "Tsubomi," while EXILE won Best Singer with "Toki no Kakera." Both were chosen from among the 10 winners of the Gold Award, which included artists such as Ayaka, w-inds., Kumi Koda, and Kiyoshi Hikawa.

The title of Best New Artist was given to the Hello! Project unit °C-ute.