Pink Lady a newly recorded best album

The famous idol duo Pink Lady is back in action. On Wednesday, they held a press conference to officially announce their comeback, which includes a newly recorded best album.

Consisting of Mitsuyo Nemoto ("Mie") and Keiko Masuda ("Kei"), the duo was active from 1976 to 1981. Their debut single was the hit "Pepper Keibu," and it was followed by several other very popular songs, including "Carmen '77," "Nagisa no Sindbad," and "UFO." They even made their United States debut with a concert in Las Vegas in 1979. After their breakup in 1981, they had a few limited-time reunions, but this time they have declared that their return is more permanent.

Reporters asked whether they were concerned about the dominance of AKB48 as an idol group now, but Kei pointed out that she and Mie are old enough to be mothers of AKB48's members. She said that they don't think of AKB48 as rivals, but she laughingly admitted they would probably be excited if there were a "Pink Lady vs. AKB48" event on a television show.

Pink Lady will release new vocal versions of "Pepper Keibu" and "S.O.S," available digitally on September 29. On December 1, they will release a 2-disc, 26-song "new vocal best album," though the title has not yet been decided. They also plan to hold a premium live concert on March 31, 2011, which will be the 30th anniversary of their breakup. Those who purchase the album will have a chance to obtain tickets to the event.

The duo also revealed that on September 3, they are publishing a photobook of pictures collected from the height of their career, titled "Heibon Premium We are Pink Lady."