Tue, February 5, 2008 (5:24pm EST)
Singer-songwriter and music producer Yasuyuki Okamura, 42, has been arrested for possession of stimulants.
This is Okamura's third drug-related arrest. In 2002, he was given a suspended sentence. Three years later, while still under suspension, he was caught again, resulting in 18 months of actual prison time.
Okamura began touring again this past October, but he injured his left calf in November and had to postpone his shows. Three concerts scheduled for this month have been canceled due to his latest arrest.
This is Okamura's third drug-related arrest. In 2002, he was given a suspended sentence. Three years later, while still under suspension, he was caught again, resulting in 18 months of actual prison time.
Okamura began touring again this past October, but he injured his left calf in November and had to postpone his shows. Three concerts scheduled for this month have been canceled due to his latest arrest.
Tue, February 5, 2008 (4:33pm EST)
Kanami Ayano has announced that she will be leaving the Takarazuka company on July 6, at the end of the upcoming run of "Me And My Girl."
Ayano made her stage debut in 1997 and was assigned to the Flower Troupe. She transferred to the Cosmos Troupe in 2001, and in 2005 she became part of the Moon Troupe. She is currently that group's top star, along with Jun Sena.
Ayano made her stage debut in 1997 and was assigned to the Flower Troupe. She transferred to the Cosmos Troupe in 2001, and in 2005 she became part of the Moon Troupe. She is currently that group's top star, along with Jun Sena.
Tue, February 5, 2008 (4:08pm EST)
40-year-old actress Minako Tanaka is expecting her first child, it was announced on Tuesday. She married actor Taro Okada last September and is now in her 7th month of pregnancy.
Tanaka is currently involved in filming for the TBS daytime drama "Mikon Roku Shimai 2," which starts on March 3.
Tanaka is currently involved in filming for the TBS daytime drama "Mikon Roku Shimai 2," which starts on March 3.
Tue, February 5, 2008 (3:41pm EST)
The leader of rock band Kishidan, Sho Ayanokoji (who is generally thought to be the alter ego of DJ OZMA), is now a father. It was learned on Tuesday that his wife recently gave birth to a baby girl.
Ayanokoji has been married since December 2006.
Ayanokoji has been married since December 2006.
Tue, February 5, 2008 (3:33pm EST)
Fuji TV is producing a new drama series for next season under the working title of "Last Friends." Described as dealing with modern people and their issues, the drama stars actress Masami Nagasawa as Michiru, a beauty parlor assistant who suffered from domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend.
Juri Ueno plays Nagasawa's classmate Ruka, a successful motocross racer who carries an unmentionable burden in her heart. Attracted to her is Takeru (played by Eita), a hair and make-up artist who has a fear of sex. The lives of the three characters become intertwined when they begin living together in a share house.
The drama will air on Thursdays at 10:00pm, starting on April 10.
Juri Ueno plays Nagasawa's classmate Ruka, a successful motocross racer who carries an unmentionable burden in her heart. Attracted to her is Takeru (played by Eita), a hair and make-up artist who has a fear of sex. The lives of the three characters become intertwined when they begin living together in a share house.
The drama will air on Thursdays at 10:00pm, starting on April 10.
