Tokyo Happy Coats, Columbia Records - research inquiry

I am researching a band called the Tokyo Happy Coats (THCs), and I need help in contacting someone at Columbia Records who could assist in locating information on possible recording session(s) made by the THCs for Columbia in 1965.

To begin, the Tokyo Happy Coats was a band comprised of five sisters, originally from Japan, the Hakomori sisters: Eiko, Keiko, Ruriko, Shoko, and Tomiko. They first started as the Gay Little Hearts in the mid-1950s, and they played the entertainment circuit of U.S. military bases in Japan up to 1964. It was in 1964 that the band eventually changed their name to the Tokyo Happy Coats, and they came to the U.S. They played the casino/lounge circuit in the U.S. until early 1971, when they decided to stop performing.

Around 1965, the THCs had some interaction with Columbia Records that I am trying to learn more about.

In the September 22, 1965 issue of Variety magazine, page 60, there is the column “Tin Pan Alley”, written by Red O’Donnell, dateline Nashville, September 21. O’Donnell writes in last paragraph of the column:

I am guessing that if the THCs did record for Columbia, it might have been the studio in Nashville, since the article’s dateline is Nashville.

In the January 5, 1966 issue of Variety magazine, page 231, there is a full-page advertisement for Columbia Records. The headline for the ad is “A Grand Cavalcade of Sound…”, and underneath there is listing of various Columbia Records artists. The text at the bottom of the ad reads: “The Greatest Stage In The World. Columbia Records.” The Tokyo Happy Coats are listed among the artists in the ad.

I have not found any releases by the THCs on Columbia Records so far. It could be the case where the THCs did record some material for Columbia, but ultimately Columbia decided the “shelve” the group, and nothing was ever released.

The band did release a few 45s and two LPs on King Records, circa 1970.

I would like to see if there is a person affiliated with Columbia Records I can contact who could assist me in finding out what the relationship was between the Tokyo Happy Coats and Columbia Records.

• Was there some sort of contract between the THCs and Columbia Records around this time?
• Does Columbia Records have any documentation related to the THCs, for example papers, promotional material, photographs, etc.?
• Did the THCs actually perform recording sessions for Columbia Records in 1965 or later?
• Do any recordings or other material exist from these recording sessions, i.e. audio tapes, papers, etc.?

Thanks for your help...