Sayama Akiko (佐山晃子) née Ikuina (生稲) is a Japanese politician, actress, former idol, and former member of Onyanko Club and the first leader of its sub-unit Ushirogami Hikaretai.
She joined Onyanko Club on June 13, 1986, and graduated on September 20, 1987, where the group disbanded.
She graduated from Ushirogami Hikaretai on May 2, 1988, where the group disbanded.
Profile[]
- Member Number: 40
- Hobbies: Watching sports, saving money, traveling, kimono, and golf
- Special Skills: Getting drunk, even when not drinking
History[]
Ikuina had no plans to enter entertainment until her older brother introduced her to the Horipro Talent Scout Caravan contest in 1984. Ikuina entered because she was interested in the monetary prize. Although she didn’t win, she was nonetheless scouted as a model. In 1986, after a voice acting role fell through due to contractual issues, a Canyon Records representative recommended she audition for Onyanko Club. Accepted on June 13, 1986, she quickly became popular for her looks and was featured in commercials. She also was selected to sing lead vocals on two Onyanko Club singles, further boosting her fame.
In early 1987, Ikuina took a break from entertainment to study for university exams. Upon her return, she was named leader of the new subgroup Ushirogami Hikaretai, though she later stepped down. After Onyanko Club disbanded in September 1987, she continued with Ushirogami Hikaretai until it went on extended hiatus in May 1988 and launched her own solo music career, reaching the top ten on the Oricon charts. She retired from singing in 1995 but remained active as an actress. Ikuina then married a businessman in 2003. The couple have one daughter born in 2006.
In April 2022, she announced her candidacy for Japan’s House of Councillors representing Tokyo, and was elected in July. She will serve in this role until 2028. As a result, she is currently on hiatus from entertainment to focus on her political duties and obligations.
Discography[]
Albums[]
- [1988.11.21] "Ikuina" De-Dance (「生稲」 De-Dance)
- [1989.08.02] Nihon "Ikuina" Kiko (日本 「生稲」 紀行; Japan "Ikusei" Travelogue)
Best Albums[]
- [2002.07.17] MY COLLE!CTION IKUINA AKIKO BEST (Myこれ！ クション生稲晃子BEST)
- [2007.08.17] IKUINA AKIKO SINGLES COMPLETE (生稲晃子 SINGLESコンプリート)
- [2008.07.16] Nihon "Ikuina" Kiko + Single Collection (日本 「生稲」 紀行 + シングル・コレクション)
- [2010.04.21] My Kore! Lite Ikuina Akiko (Myこれ！ Lite生稲晃子; My This! Lite Ikuina Akiko)
Cover Albums[]
- [1989.11.21] Akko no X'mas Calendar (あっこのX'mas Calendar; Akko's X'mas Calendar)
Singles[]
- [1988.05.21] Mugiwara De-Dance (麦わらでダンス; A Dance by the Wheat Straw)
- [1988.09.21] Virgin Shounen ni Kuchizuke wo (Virgin少年に接吻を; A Kiss to a Virgin Boy)
- [1989.01.25] Fanfare ga Kikoeru (ファンファーレが聴こえる; I Can Hear the Fanfare)
- [1989.05.24] Japanese Girl
- [1989.09.27] Wasuretai no ni (忘れたいのに; I Want to Forget)
- [1990.03.07] Nichiyobi wa Iranai (日曜日はいらない; Unwanted Sunday)
- [1995.06.10] FUNKY LULLABY (ファンキーララバイ)
Collaboration Singles[]
- [1991.02.21] LUNA Great (w/ Tomizawa Michie)
- [2008.10.08] Oh! Sanpo Byori (Oh! 散歩日和; Oh! Ideal Weather for a Walk) (w/ Chii Taeko)
Video Releases[]
- [1989.02.01] 1917-AKKO♥REVOLUTION
- [1989.09.21] Imagination File ~NORTHSHORE no Natsu~ (Imagination File ~NORTHSHOREの夏~; Imagination File ~NORTHSHORE Summer~)
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Her maiden name is very unusual, both characters translating to a reading of "Raw Rice," so there are references to rice products like mochi and onigiri or rice fields in some of her lyrics.
- She is a breast cancer survivor. She had several surgeries, including a masectomy. She has been cancer free since late 2015.
- She owns a teppanyaki restaurant with her husband called "Sakichi" in Roppongi, Tokyo.
- She is currently friends with Nitta Eri and Jounouchi Sanae.
- Jounouchi also belongs to the same talent agency, and so they have collaborated many times over the years. Jounouchi also publicly endorsed Ikuina when she was running for office in 2022.