Celebrations erupted in Osaka and around the country on Monday as the Hanshin Tigers won the Central League pennant for the first time in 18 years. Hanshin fans are more colorful than most (and certainly a lot less arrogant than their Giants counterparts) and the long wait means that there’s a lot of pent up frustration being released. Despite police and media attempts to thwart them, many fans insisted on jumping into Osaka’s filthy Dotonbori River.
• Actor Shiina Kippei (39) and actress Yamamoto Mirai (photo, 28) got married at a Tokyo registry office yesterday, putting the seal on an 8-year relationship. They first met when they appeared together in the 1995 TV Asahi drama “Blackout.” They tied the knot before Shiina heads off to a movie shoot. Yamamoto plans to continue her acting career.
Musician and producer Miyamoto Amon (45) is to take his musical production of “Pacific Overtures” to Broadway next autumn. The story takes a look at an enclosed 19th-century Japanese society on the point of change with the arrival of US Admiral Perry’s so-called ‘Black Ships’ and his attempt to open up trade. The show first appeared on Broadway in 1976 and Miyamoto did a Japanese version in Tokyo three years ago which received great praise from the original composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. His new English version is set to play at Studio 54, where “Cabaret” is currently enjoying a successful long run.
TV personality Degawa Tetsuro (39) has found himself a girlfriend. For a guy voted the last two years as the “man women would least like to sleep with”, that’s quite a feat. And what’s more, she’s a model, 15 years younger and 8cm taller than him. He is said to have been dating 24-year old Abe Ruriko, recently chosen as a Race Queen, since being introduced by a “kohai” (junior) at his talent agency last July.
If you’re wondering who that was belting out the national anthem before Japan’s friendly international against Senegal last night, it was 29-year old singer Lyrico. Thanks to her impressive 4-octave vocal range, Kimigayo has rarely sounded better.
Singer/songwriter Yoshida Takuro (57) is to make a full return to showbiz next month with his first regular show since surgery for lung cancer back in April. The Nippon Houso radio request show will be based on such themes as “My favorite folk songs” and “Nostalgic Western music. And it will feature a line up of special guests and discussions. He is also expected to start a full national tour in October.
With her new album, “Nomad Soul” already at No.1 in the Oricon charts, southern island singer 
Tashiro Masahi (photo, 47) has denied that he has plans for a showbiz comeback, though he is appearing as an occasional guest in a local theater production starring boxer-turned-actor Guts Ishimatsu (54). The comedian and actor was convicted for drug and “peeping tom” offences last year. The afternoon “wide shows” film an occasional report on his activities but have so far decided it’s too son after his conviction to give him airtime.
Director 
“Bayside Shakedown 2: Save the Rainbow Bridge” has overtaken ET in the Japanese box office rankings. Starring