The Watanabe productions talent agency held a huge party yesterday to celebrate its 50th anniversary. “NabePro” as it’s known has produced some of the biggest stars of the postwar era, including the comedy/musical legends Crazy Cats and Drifters and singer Matsutoya Yumi (photo). A total of 2,500 people attended the party, with dozens of stars on stage at any given time.
• Big things are expected from singer-songwriter Ayaka. The 17-year old high school student’s singing ability has pundits comparing with Utada Hikaru and Mariah Carey, no less. She made an appearance at an event to showcase new Warner Music artists at the Tokyo International Forum and gave a preview of her debut single, “I Believe.” The single, not due for release till next February, is to be the theme song for the highly anticipated TBS drama series “Rinbukyoku.” The series will pair hugely popular South Korean star Choi Ji Woo (30) and local heart throb Takenouchi Yutaka (34).
• Popular singer Uehara Takako (21) and Johnny’s Jimusho star Akanishi Jin (21) were spotted on a date recently. The two were recently photographed in a romantic clinch outside a Chinese restaurant by the weekly gossip magazine Friday. But according to a Johnny’s spokesperson, they have since broken up. Uehara became a teenage star as a member of the idol pop group Speed, while Akanishi is one of the six young singers who make up Kat-Tun.
• Takahashi Hiro, former vocalist of the 80s band Tulip died at a Tokyo hospital on November 4 of multiple organ failure, it was reported yesterday. He was 41.