Last year, singer Eikichi Yazawa filed a lawsuit against monomane talento Ryudai Ishiyama over unauthorized use of his name, asking for 10 million yen in damages. Now Ishiyama has announced that he is counter-suing for 100 million yen, claiming mental anguish and negative impact on his work.

The source of the trouble was Ishiyama's official website, which claimed that he was "the only monomane talento approved by Eikichi Yazawa." Last year, Yazawa's management requested that it be removed, saying that the singer had never given his approval. It was eventually taken down, but the lawsuit had already been filed by that time.

Ishiyama insists that Yazawa gave him approval 16 years ago.

Shihoko Hagino, an announcer for TV Asahi, got divorced this past fall.

Hagino married media creator Susumu Iguchi in 2000. About two or three years ago, Iguchi started a company with a friend and became very busy with his work, which apparently led the couple to gradually grow apart.

70-year-old actor Ken Ogata successfully underwent surgery recently for a fracture in his spine, it was revealed on Friday.

In autumn of last year, Ogata began experiencing back pain, but he proceeded with his stage performances in October and November. The pain was still present in December, so he had a hospital examination, which found that he was suffering from a vertebral compression fracture. He was soon hospitalized and treated through vertebroplasty.

Ogata commented on his blog that he is scheduled to leave the hospital on Saturday and will begin rehabilitation.

Jhouse-Rock and MegaCon 2008 have announced that two members of Vidoll, Jui and Rame, will be attending the convention as special guests. They will participate in events throughout the weekend.

MegaCon is taking place on March 7-9 in Orlando, Florida.

Arashi's Satoshi Ohno will have his first personal art exhibition, titled "FREESTYLE," at an art space in Omotesando Hills.

Ohno's talent for art is well known among his fans, and many have been hoping to see his art in person. The exhibit includes approximately 150 works in several forms, such as drawings, figures, photos, and graffiti. It will run from February 21 to 29 and is admission-free.

On February 8, ahead of the exhibit, Ohno's art will be released as a photobook, also titled "FREESTYLE."

Well-endowed gravure idols Mayuka Okada (a K-cup) and Junne (a J-cup) are forming a pop duo called Pink Pie JacK. The two are actually sisters.

Their first release will be a 5-song mini-album titled "Namaiki Koiki," which hits store shelves on February 14.

Ryo Kodama, the vocalist of rock band kannivalism, has been hospitalized for severe depression, it was learned on Friday. The band's activities have been halted, including a planned tour starting on the 22nd.

Around last September, Kodama began seeing a specialist, but the prescribed medicine apparently had no effect. He was admitted into a hospital on December 20, and his treatment is expected to take a long time.

This spring, WOWOW will broadcast a drama series titled "Pandora." The story, scripted by Yumiko Inoue, revolves around a doctor who discovers a cure for cancer, resulting in political intrigue.

Hiroshi Mikami stars as the doctor. Other cast members include Toshiro Yanagiba, Manami Konishi, and Koji Yamamoto.

The series will last for 8 episodes, airing on Sunday nights starting in April.