Checkers Finale September 20, 2004
Today is the Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) national holiday
The funeral service for former Checkers drummer Tokunaga Yoshiya turned out to be perhaps the last time members of the 80s pop group will appear together. The four remaining founder members, including current star Fujii Fumiya (42), had seats at the front of the service, while vocalists Takamoku Yoshihiko (photo, 42) and Tsuruku Masaharu (40) had to sit a couple of rows back. Fujii blamed the split on Takamoku's book "Checkers", published last year, which he claimed was "detarame" (nonsense). The author appeared with Tsuruku on live TV yesterday to challenge the accusation, but also added that he thought Checkers would never get back together again. Tsuruku broke down in tears holding a badge all members had worn on their debut. Tokunaga died August 17 of cancer at the age of 40. September 20, 2004
http://www.japan-zone.com/news/archives/2004_09.shtml
Today is the Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) national holiday
The funeral service for former Checkers drummer Tokunaga Yoshiya turned out to be perhaps the last time members of the 80s pop group will appear together. The four remaining founder members, including current star Fujii Fumiya (42), had seats at the front of the service, while vocalists Takamoku Yoshihiko (photo, 42) and Tsuruku Masaharu (40) had to sit a couple of rows back. Fujii blamed the split on Takamoku's book "Checkers", published last year, which he claimed was "detarame" (nonsense). The author appeared with Tsuruku on live TV yesterday to challenge the accusation, but also added that he thought Checkers would never get back together again. Tsuruku broke down in tears holding a badge all members had worn on their debut. Tokunaga died August 17 of cancer at the age of 40. September 20, 2004
http://www.japan-zone.com/news/archives/2004_09.shtml
