Aiko

Singer/songwriter Aiko (Aiko Yanai) was born 22 November 1975 in Suita, Osaka. Her popularity relies on the childlike quality of her vocals and appealing cuteness. aiko’s music mainly comprises love songs and is particularly popular among young girls. In surveys held by Oricon in 2005 and 2006, aiko came top as the favourite singer of 20,000 subscribers. Her songs have been used in several commercials.

Aiko began to play the piano at the age of three. She formed a band while still at school and performed covers of Shonen Knife songs. The group broke up when aiko graduated.

She attended Osaka Music Junior College, studying studied singing. While still a student, aiko won the Music Quest Japan Final. She left college in 1996 and became a DJ and has has presented several radio programmes.

More awards followed, and aiko was spotted by a producer. In 1998 she debuted with the single Ashita, and gave her first live performances. She has continued to tour Japan every year.

After the release of Hanabi, aiko’s frequent television appearances made her a celebrity. Her second album, Sakura no Ki no Shita sold over one million copies.

In 2000, aiko suffered legal problems owing to her song Boyfriend containing the word "tetrapot," similar to "tetrapod" which is a registered trademark. Boyfriend had been nomintaed for NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen, and the controversy was due to NHK being a public broadcasting station.

The book aiko bon was published in 2005 containing her autobiography, photos, feature articles and liner notes by aiko.

Discography

Singles

• Doutei Omnibus (1997)
• Hachimitsu (1998)
• Ashita (1998)
• Naki Mushi (1999)
• Hanabi (1999)
• Kabutomushi (1999)
• Sakura no Toki (2000)
• Boyfriend (2000)
• Hatsukoi (2001)
• Rosie (2001)
• Oyasumi Nasai (2001)
• Anata to Akushu (2002)
• Kondo Made ni wa (2002)
• Chouchou Musubi (2003)
• Andromeda (2003)
• Eriashi (2003)
• Kaban (2004)
• Hana Kaze (2004)
• Mikuni Eki (2005)
• Kirakira (2005)
• Star (2005)
• Kumo wa Shiro Ringo wa Aka (2006)
• Ashita (re-release) (2007)
• Shiawase (2007)

Mini-Albums

• astral box (1997)
• GIRLIE (1998)

Albums

• Chiisana Marui Koujitsu (1999)
• Sakura no Ki no Shita (2000)
• Natsufuku (2001)
• Aki Soba ni Iru yo (2002)
• Akatsuki no Love Letter (2003)
• Yume no Naka no Massugu na Michi (2005)
• Kanojo (2006)

Videos and DVDs

• Utau Inu (2000)
• Love Like Pop (2000)
• Yuurakucho de Aimashou ~Love Like Pop Vol.VI~ (2002)
• Utau Inu 2 (2003)
• Love Like Rock (2004)
• Love Like Pop add. (2005)
• Utau Inu 3 (2006)
• LOVE LIKE POP add. 10th Anniversary (2007)

External Links

• Official Website (Japanese)