aiko (singer)

aiko

aiko is a Japanese singer-songwriter under the Pony Canyon label.

Profile

• Name: Yanai Aiko (柳井 愛子)
• Stage Name: aiko
• Birthday: November 22, 1975
• Birthplace: Osaka Prefecture, Japan
• Blood Type: AB
• Hobbies: Bathing, sleeping, dogs, driving
• Favorite food: mustard mentaiko, yams, umeboshi (plum)
• Height: 152 cm / 5'0"
• Footsize: 21.5 cm

Information

aiko promoting "Shiawase" (2007)

aiko during "Ashita" promotion (1998)

aiko, full name Yanai Aiko, began her music career early, forming her own band while still in school. However, when she graduated, the group disbanded and aiko went her own way. She attended music school in Osaka, and while there showed a talent for music winning first prize in a teen music festival.

Later aiko was spotted by a producer, and in 1998 she debuted with the single Ashita. The slightly child-like quality to her vocals lends itself well to the upbeat and cheery tracks she commonly puts out, though no doubt you'll find the odd ballad lurking in her collection. She draws inspiration from her favorite artists: Carole King, The Jackson 5, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder.

So far, she has released 7 albums on the Pony Canyon label. Her latest album, which was very successful, was released in the end of 2006.

Discography

Mini-Albums

• [1997.12.20] astral box (Indies) - failed to chart
• [1998.05.30] GIRLIE (Indies) - failed to chart

Albums

• [1999.04.21] Chiisa na Marui Koujitsu (小さな丸い好日; Little Calm Good Day) #30
• [2000.03.01] Sakura no Ki no Shita (桜の木の下; Below the Cherry Blossom Tree) #1
• [2001.06.20] Natsufuku (夏服; Summer Clothing) #1
• [2002.09.04] Aki Soba ni Iru yo (秋 そばにいるよ; Autumn is Beside Me) #2
• [2003.11.27] Akatsuki no Love Letter (暁のラブレター; Love Letter of Daybreak) #1
• [2005.03.02] Yume no Naka no Massugu na Michi (夢の中のまっすぐな道; Within the Dream, the Straight Ahead Path) #1
• [2006.08.23] Kanojo (彼女; Girlfriend) #1

Singles

• [1997.xx.xx] Doutei Omnibus (どうていオムニバス; Itinerary) (Indies) - failed to chart
• [1998.05.20] Hachimitsu (ハチミツ; Honey) (Indies) - failed to chart
• [1998.07.17] Ashita (あした; Tomorrow) #89
• [1999.03.03] Naki Mushi (ナキ・ムシ; Crybaby) #26
• [1999.08.04] Hanabi (花火; Fireworks) #10
• [1999.11.17] Kabutomushi (カブトムシ; Beetle) #8
• [2000.02.17] Sakura no Toki (桜の時; Cherry Blossom Time) #12
• [2000.09.20] Boyfriend (ボーイフレンド) #2
• [2001.02.21] Hatsukoi (初恋; First Love) #3
• [2001.05.30] Rosie (ロージー) #2
• [2001.11.21] Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい; Good Night) #2
• [2002.04.24] Anata to Akushu (あなたと握手; I Shake Hands With You) #6
• [2002.08.14] Kondo Made ni wa (今度までには; By This Time) #3
• [2003.04.23] Chouchou Musubi (蝶々結び; Butterfly Union) #4
• [2003.08.06] Andromeda (アンドロメダ) #3
• [2003.11.06] Eriashi (えりあし; Nape of Neck) #5
• [2004.04.28] Kaban (かばん; Briefcase) #3
• [2004.09.01] Hana Kaze (花風; Flower Wind) #2
• [2005.02.16] Mikuni Eki (三国駅) #2
• [2005.08.03] Kirakira (キラキラ; Glitter) #2
• [2005.11.30] Star (スター) #4
• [2006.07.12] Kumo wa Shiro Ringo wa Aka (雲は白リンゴは赤; Cloud is White, Apple is Red) #3
• [2007.03.21] Ashita (re-release) (あした; Tomorrow) #16
• [2007.05.30] Shiawase (シアワセ; Happiness) #2
• [2007.08.22] Hoshi no Nai Sekai / Yokogao (星のない世界 / 横顔; World Without Stars / Face in Profile) #2

VHS / DVDs

• [2000.11.22] Utau Inu (ウタウイヌ; Singing Dog)
• [2000.11.22] Love Like Pop
• [2002.03.20] Yuurakucho de Aimashou ~Love Like Pop Vol.VI~ (有楽町で逢いましょう～Love Like Pop Vol.VI～)
• [2003.03.19] Utau Inu 2 (ウタウイヌ2)
• [2004.04.14] Love Like Rock
• [2005.05.11] Love Like Pop add.
• [2006.09.20] Utau Inu 3 (ウタウイヌ3)
• [2007.03.21] LOVE LIKE POP add. 10th Anniversary

Compilation / Other Albums

• [2002.05.29] The Japan Gold Disc Award 2002 (Boyfriend)
• [2006.03.25] aiko Collection -Relaxing Orgel- (aikoコレクション)

Books

aiko bon

• [2005.03.29] aiko bon

External Links

• Official Website