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Aiko Yanai (柳井愛子, Yanai Aiko, born 22 November 1975), known mononymouslyasAiko (stylized in smallcaps), is a Japanese singer and songwriter. She is most famous for her hit songs Ashita, Kabutomushi, Hanabi, Sakura no Toki, Boyfriend, and Kira Kira.
Aiko
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柳井愛子
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| Born | Aiko Yanai[1] (1975-11-22) 22 November 1975 (age 48) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1996–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | J-pop |
| Instrument(s) |
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| Labels | Pony Canyon |
| Website | aiko |
In April 1996, Aiko became a radio host of FM Osaka after graduating from college. She released a CD which she produced independently with her friends of college in August. She participated in "The 5th Music Quest Japan Final" on 10 October, and was awarded the Excellence Award shared with Ringo Shiina.[3] She released an EP on an independent label in 1997, followed by a single and a mini-album in 1998.[citation needed]
In July 1998, Aiko debuted on a major label with her first single, Ashita (あした), which was used as the theme song for the movie Toire no Hanako-san.
In 2000, her second album, Sakura no Ki no Shita (桜の木の下), reached number one in the Oricon weekly charts, with the total CD sales amounting to 1.4 million copies. Her sixth single, Boyfriend, sold over 500,000 copies and became her best-selling CD single. She made her first appearance in NHK's 2000 Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Aiko has presented several regular radio programs, including local radio programmes in the Kansai area before she achieved widespread fame in July 1998.
| Year | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Music Quest Japan Final | Excellence Prize – Himawari ni Nattara |
| 2000 | Teen's Music Festival Final | Teen's Grand Prize – Aitsu o Furimukaseru Hoho |
| Saku ya Kono Hana Award, Music (Osaka city) | * This award is given to a person or an organisation who contributes to a promotion of Osaka culture. | |
| 2002 | Metropolitan Action on Smoking or Health | Stop-smoking Grand Prize |
| The Japan Gold Disc Award[5] | Rock Album of the Year – Natsufuku | |
| 2004 | The Japan Gold Disc Award[6] | Rock & Pop Album of the Year – Akatsuki no Love Letter |
| 2018 | MTV VMAJ[7] | Best Female Video -Japan- |
| 2020 | Space Shower Music Awards[8] | BEST POP ARTIST |