Russian

t.A.T.u's promo video plan makes MPD hot under collar (Yomiuri.Co.Jp)

Time of publication: 26.06.2003
Yomiuri Shimbun

Plans by popular Russian rock teenage duo t.A.T.u to film a promotional video Sunday outdoors in Tokyo have concerned the Metropolitan Police Department, with police warning Wednesday that the duo may be detained for failing to obtain a permit for the event.

The location for the filming has not yet been announced, and the organizer has not requested a permit from the MPD to film on a public road, an event to which reportedly 300 high school girls have been invited.

Russian police temporarily detained t.A.T.u's Julia Volkova, 18, and Lena Katina, 17, in May for attempting to film in Moscow's Red Square in Moscow without a permit.

"If they try to film without a proper permit, we may detain them," an officer of Shibuya Police Station said.

The Muscovites arrived Wednesday on their first visit to Japan. The duo's debut album has sold about 7 million copies after its March release, and their popularity is surging in Japan. The singers also wear clothing that resembles the uniforms of Japanese high school students.

The duo's promoter has yet to announce where the filming will take place in Tokyo, and the location may be subject to late changes. t.A.T.u also will be recording for television shows during their stay in Japan.

One of their producers reportedly said the outdoor filming may lead to their arrests.

Shibuya and Harajuku police stations have under their jurisdiction popular teenage hangouts, such as Shibuya Sentagai district and Takeshita-dori avenue. A senior police officer said the stations were watching the situation and were prepared to detain the duo for violating the Road Traffic Law if necessary to ensure public order.

Six people were charged for allegedly violating the law when singer Hiromi Go held a live street concert in Shibuya in September 1999 that was organized by three companies, including his record company.

Thanks to ElectraCute.
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