News from Japan

The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has started discussing proposals to eliminate the number of satellite-based TV channels ("BS") offered by NHK. Formerly known as Japan Broadcasting Corp., NHK currently has three "BS" channels.

According to an Oricon survey, actress Fukada Kyoko (Strawberry on the Shortcake) is the leading celebrity in the new "hime sexy" trend. Hime sexy refers to someone who is princess-like but sexy at the same time. Second place went to model Ebihara Yuri, followed by singer Hamasaki Ayumi, actress Sawajiri Erika (1 Litre of Tears) and actress Nagasawa Masami (Crying Out Love, In The Center of the World).

New Johnny's group Hey! Say! 7 topped the charts with their first single "Hey! Say!" The group has now become the youngest male group to hit #1. The five members' average age is 14.8. Hikaru Genji set the previous record in 1987 with an average of 16.1.