Yamamoto Susan Kumiko (山本スーザン久美子) is a Japanese-American author and former Japanese idol and a former member of Onyanko Club.
She joined Onyanko Club on December 13, 1985, and graduated on September 26, 1986.
History[]
Yamamoto was born in Tokyo and primarily raised by her grandmother. She spent some time in Hawaii as a child but mainly lived in Japan, resulting in "elementary level" English skills. With a slight desire to be on television, she auditioned for Onyanko Club in December 1985, introducing herself as "Susan" and singing traditional Japanese folk songs. This contrast between her appearance and song choice quickly made her popular, and she passed the audition on December 13, 1985, becoming the 32nd member.
About eight months later, Yamamoto announced her graduation from Onyanko Club and retirement from entertainment, graduating on September 26, 1986. While she did not participate in the final concert, she returned for the last Yuuyake Nyan Nyan episode on August 31, 1987, and has joined several reunion projects, including the 2002 Onyanko Club revival.
After retiring, she worked as an editor and graphic designer for various magazine companies. As of 2017, she is a printed media editor and sales director for the Central Japan Railway Company.
Profile[]
- Member Number: 32
Trivia[]
- She is half Caucasian-American.
- Yamamoto was the first openly mixed-race idol in a major Japanese idol group.
- She was the tallest Onyanko Club member.
- She remains close friends with former members, including Tatsumi Rika, Watanabe Minayo, Nitta Eri, and Okamoto Takako.
- She is a big fan of the Takarazuka Revue theater troupe.
- She graduated early from Onyanko Club to focus on completing university.
- Her audition led to changes in the selection process after Tunnels influenced the audience to vote for her, which was later abolished in favor of decisions by Fuji TV staff.