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Mamiko Takai
Mamiko Takai
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Mamiko Takai (高井麻巳子, Takai Mamiko, born December 28, 1966) is a Japanese idol from the eighties, who debuted in 1985 with the J-pop girl band Onyanko Club, and its first sub-group, duo Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi with her co-worker Yukiko Iwai.[1][3] She quit those two bands in 1987, becoming a solo artist, and released four albums before marrying producer Yasushi Akimoto and subsequently retiring.[1][3] Her older sister Masayo made her record debut in July 1986 as a part of a 20-member dance group named Dee-Dee (Dee-Dee).[4] She has two other younger sisters.[5]

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Takai's family owned a local bike shop.[2] She played softball at Obama Municipal Junior High School (小浜市立小浜中学).[6] After entering Fukui Prefectural Wakasa High School (福井県立若狭高校), she became popular among the students and was dubbed Miss Jakkō (ミス若高, Misu Jakkō) (Jakkō is an abbreviation for Wakasa High School).[7] At that time, she dreamed of becoming an actress in the future.[7] After graduating from high school, she moved to Tokyo to attend Joshibi Junior College.[7][8][9] On April 15, 1985, she was approached by Katsunobu Itō (伊藤克信, Itō Katsunobu), a reporter for the variety show "Yūyake Nyan Nyan"(Sunset Meow Meow) (夕やけニャンニャン), while she was shopping in Harajuku.[3][7] This led to an audition for that show, which was accepted, and she became a member of Onyanko Club.[3][7] Note that since she already was affiliated with an entertainment agency, some say that her being approached in Harajuku was a staged act disguised as a coincidence.[3] She became a center of attention as soon as she joined Onyanko Club because she was considered a legitimate beauty.[3][10] In October 1985, she teamed up with Yukiko Iwai and made their record debut as Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi.[3][10]

In June 1986, she made her solo debut with the song "Cinderella-tachi e no Dengon" (シンデレラたちへの伝言), which became number one on the Oricon chart in its first appearance.[3][11] This song was very different from surrealistic novelty songs of Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, and was a ballad with a calm and quiet tone.[3][12] Since then, three more of her songs reached number one in a row.[12] On July 6, 1986, a large-scale Handshake Event (握手会, Akushukai) was held at Osaka-jō Hall and she shook hands with 16,000 fans who gathered there.[13][14] In October 1986, her radio program, Smiling Message (微笑伝言・ほほえみメッセージ, Bishōdengon Hohoemimessēji), was launched on Nippon Broadcasting System.[15] In December 1986, Tōhō premiered the movie Women in love (恋する女たち), in which she co-starred with Yuki Saitō and Haruko Sagara.[3][16] In this film she played the role of a fun-loving disco queen.[3] In reality, however, she had never been to a disco, and her character was considered to be sober and reserved, the opposite of a playful person, which made her role terribly perplexing to her fans.[3][5][17] She also starred in the idol dramas Daddy Longlegs (あしながおじさん, Ashinaga Ojisan) and Secret Half Moon (ないしょのハーフムーン, Naisho no Hāfumūn).[11][13] In April 1987, she graduated from Onyanko Club along with Sayuri Kokushō, Aki Kihara, Rika Tatsumi, and Kazuko Utsumi (内海和子, Utsumi Kazuko).[3][18] Along with this, Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi also disbanded.[19] She mentioned that Onyanko Club's first concert, held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in October 1985, was one of the most memorable events for her as a member of the group.[20]

She then became a solo singer and actress.[21] She was oriented more toward acting than singing.[7][20] As an actress, she appeared in dramas such as Wait until it's hot (熱くなるまで待って, Atsukunarumade Matte) and The stories of the snapping anchors (アナウンサーぷっつん物語, Anaunsā Puttsunmonogatari).[13] In addition, she starred in the drama The Wizard of Oba (オバの魔法使い, Oba no Mahōtsukai).[13] In July 1987, she released two videos: a feature-length promotional video titled Clockwork Fantômas (時計仕掛けの小悪魔(ファントマ), Tokeijikake no Fantoma) filmed in Southern Europe and a video titled Mamiko Takai First Concert DO・RA・MA (高井麻巳子ファースト・コンサート DO・RA・MA, Takai Mamiko Fāsuto Konsāto Dorama) featuring her first solo concert at NHK Hall in June of that year.[22] She also published a photo book titled Soleil (ソレイユ, Soreiyu), taken in Southern Europe.[22] On May 23, 1988, just three weeks after the official fan club was formed, she married Yasushi Akimoto and retired from the entertainment industry.[3][23][24]

They then lived in New York for a year and a half.[9] In March 2001, after 13 years of marriage, she finally had a baby girl.[9] In the 2000s, she published three books of essays on food under the name of Mamiko Akimoto: Ordering for two people living together (二人暮らしのお取り寄せ, Futarigurashi no Otoriyose), Sweets to order at tea time (お茶の時間のお取り寄せ, Ocha no Jikan no Otoriyose), and Happy Orders (幸福のお取り寄せ, Kōfuku no Otoriyose).[3][9][25] Moreover, in December 2002, she and her husband published a picture book titled Elephant Cat (ぞうネコ, Zouneko).[9] In October 2013, they invited Shinzō Abe, then Prime Minister, to their home and served him dinner.[25] She also became an statutory auditor of Yasushi Akimoto's office.[9]

Relationship with Yukiko Iwai

[edit]

She and Yukiko Iwai, who were partnered in Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, were said by those around them to be not on good terms with each other.[26][27] However, at least in the early days, it is considered otherwise.[27][28] They often took a cab home together after appearing on Yūyake Nyan Nyan at the time, since they were going home in the same direction.[10][28] When Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi disbanded, they both said that it was a very pleasant memory and that they loved this subgroup.[28] Kazuji Kasai, chief director of Yūyake Nyan Nyan, supervisor of Onyanko Club, explained the relationship between the two as follows. "This subgroup was originally formed by our decision without regard to their wishes. So it is true that there were differences in orientation between the two, but they were not as incompatible as they were said to be."[26]

However, Iwai subsequently admitted on a TV program that she and Takai did not get along well.[27] She mentioned that since they were in different groups, they spent little time together and had no conversations with each other outside of work.[27][29] Iwai felt that Takai was privileged by Akimoto, which was also not amusing to her.[27][30] Iwai made a curt comment about the successive marriages of Takai and Ruriko Nagata (永田ルリ子, Nagata Ruriko), saying that they should not have rushed into marriage since they were only 21 years old.[31] Note that Eri Nitta, one of the most popular members of Onyanko Club, considered Takai to be one of her best friends.[32] On the other hand, Takai herself recalled that when she was in Onyanko Club, there were no members she was particularly close to, and she was frequently alone.[27][29]

Takai's characteristics and Yasushi Akimoto

[edit]

Many of Takai's fans interpreted her sudden marriage as Akimoto forcibly taking her away from them.[1] Although they directed their uncontrollable anger toward Akimoto, sometimes even directly harassing him, they accepted this fact over time.[1][27] In the summer of 1986, she was secretly being stalked by the paparazzi of the photo magazine Friday, which was brought to her attention by one of her most enthusiastic fans.[33] She was also stalked by Akimoto when she and Aki Kihara went to see the movie Year of the Dragon at midnight.[34][35] On this occasion, Akimoto approached Takai at the movie theater, feigning coincidence.[34][35] On the other hand, actress Yuki Saitō, who admits to being Takai's close friend, In her collection of essays, About people whom I like (私の好きなあの人のコト, watashi no Sukina Anohitonokoto), she claimed that, contrary to popular perception, Takai was in fact actively courting Akimoto.[27] He wrote many lyrics for the members of Onyanko Club, but only one song was written for her.[3][27]

In addition, when Akimoto talked with her in the summer of 1986, he made the following comments about her.[36] "She is naive because she was nurtured by the warm love of her family. Such characteristics of hers make her very clean image stand out in the greasy entertainment industry. While Sonoko Kawai and Eri Nitta will definitely have affairs, she will never commit adultery."[36] In July 1985, when the members of Onyanko Club stayed at a hotel near Oiso Long Beach (大磯ロングビーチ) in Ōiso, Kanagawa, While all of them excitedly watched the pornographic videos, the "pure-hearted" Takai was the only one who was shocked into silence by them.[37][38][39] She was considered by the members of Onyanko Club to be the most feminine of the group.[40] Her plain, unassuming, ordinary manner was described as her greatest appeal.[1] On the other hand, Akimoto and others described her as having an awkward and quirky side, despite her calm outward appearance.[41]

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Details Peak chart
position (Oricon)
1986 "Cinderella-tachi e no Dengon" (シンデレラたちへの伝言)
  • Released: June 25, 1986
  • B-side: "Kowarekaketa Piano" (こわれかけたピアノ)
#1
"Melody" (メロディ)
  • Released: September 21, 1986
  • B-side: "Toki no Tsugegoto" (時のつげごと)
#1
"Yakusoku" (約束)
  • Released: December 21, 1986
  • B-side: "Haru wa Na Nomi" (春は名のみ)
#1
1987 "Kagerō" (かげろう)
  • Released: March 18, 1987
  • B-side: "Nemuri no Opera" (眠りのオペラ)
#1
"Jōnetsu Rainbow" (情熱れいんぼう)
  • Released: June 10, 1987
  • B-side: "Yūgure no Piano" (夕暮れのピアノ)
#2
"Usotsuki" (うそつき)
  • Released: September 21, 1987
  • B-side: "Jūgatsu no Tabibito" (十月の旅人)
#2
"Tender Rain" (テンダー・レイン)
  • Released: December 16, 1987
  • B-side: "Hoshi no Seseragi" (星のせせらぎ)
#3
1988 "Komorebi no Season" (木洩れ陽のシーズン)
  • Released: April 6, 1988
  • B-side: "Kegarenaki Itazura" (汚れなき悪戯)
#12

Albums

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • Itoguchi (いとぐち) (1987)
  • Kokoro Biyori (こころ日和) (1987)
  • Watashi no Mama de... (私のままで…) (1988)
  • Message (1988)

Compilation albums

[edit]
  • My Kore! (Myこれ!) series
    • My Kore! Ction: Takai Mamiko BEST (Myこれ!クション 高井麻巳子BEST) (2002)
    • My Kore! Lite: Takai Mamiko (Myこれ!Lite 高井麻巳子) (2010)
  • Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi Uta no Daihyakka Sono 2: Takai Mamiko (うしろゆびさされ組★うたの大百科 その2 高井麻巳子) (2004)
  • Takai Mamiko SINGLES Complete (高井麻巳子 SINGLESコンプリート) (2004)

Videos

[edit]
  • 高井麻巳子ファースト・コンサート DO・RA・MA [Mamiko Takai First Concert DO・RA・MA] (Videotape) (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Pony Canyon. 1987-07-21.
  • 時計仕掛けの小悪魔(ファントマ) [Clockwork Fantômas] (Videotape) (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Pony Canyon. 1987-07-05.

References

[edit]

Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mamiko Takai is a Japanese former idol singer and actress known for her prominent role in the 1980s idol group Onyanko Club and its first sub-unit, the duo Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi. Born on December 28, 1966, in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, Takai joined Onyanko Club in 1985 as its 16th member and quickly rose to popularity through the group's television appearances and music releases. She formed Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi with fellow member Yukiko Iwai, contributing to some of the group's most notable early successes. After graduating from Onyanko Club in 1987, she pursued a short solo career, releasing several singles and four albums between 1987 and 1988. Takai also acted in films including O-nyanko za mûbî Kiki ippatu! (1986) and Young Girls in Love (1986), as well as appearing regularly on the television program Yûyake nyan nyan from 1985 to 1987. She retired from the entertainment industry in 1988 following her marriage to lyricist and producer Yasushi Akimoto, with whom she has one child.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Mamiko Takai was born on December 28, 1966, in Obama, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. She grew up in her family's home where they operated a local bicycle shop, which became well-known among her early fans. As the second of four sisters, Takai had one older sister and two younger sisters. During junior high school, she played softball. In high school, she was popular among her peers due to her bright and cheerful personality. She later moved to Tokyo for college.

Education

Mamiko Takai attended Fukui Prefectural Wakasa High School in Fukui Prefecture, completing her secondary education there. After graduating from high school, she moved to Tokyo to enroll in Joshibi Junior College (女子美術短期大学), but she dropped out shortly after her entry into the entertainment industry. She had relocated from her hometown in Fukui Prefecture to pursue higher education in the capital.

Onyanko Club (1985–1987)

Scouting and joining

Mamiko Takai was scouted on April 15, 1985, while walking in Harajuku as part of a segment on Fuji TV's variety show Yūyake Nyan Nyan. The segment featured scouts approaching potential idols on the street, and Takai was approached by reporter Katsunobu Ito. After an audition, she was accepted and joined Onyanko Club as member number 16. Having moved to Tokyo earlier that year after graduating from Fukui Prefectural Wakasa High School to attend preparatory school for an art university, her entry into the group was directly tied to the television program Yūyake Nyan Nyan, which served as the platform for the group's formation and on-air activities beginning in 1985.

Popularity and group activities

Mamiko Takai quickly gained attention within Onyanko Club for her refined beauty and elegant demeanor, earning her status as one of the group's most popular top-class members. She embodied a graceful Yamato Nadeshiko image, noted for her politeness toward staff and composed presence that set her apart in the ensemble. From 1985 to early 1987, Onyanko Club achieved rapid mainstream popularity through daily appearances on the Fuji TV program Yūyake Nyan Nyan, where the group performed and engaged with viewers. Their debut single "Sailor-fuku wo Nugasanaide" was released in July 1985 and sold 247,000 copies, reflecting the group's swift ascent in the idol scene. The ensemble continued with further single releases and performances that sustained their momentum during this period. One of Takai's most memorable experiences in the group was Onyanko Club's first concert, titled "KICK OFF," held at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall on October 5, 1985. This debut live event marked a key milestone in the group's early activities, highlighting their growing fanbase and performance energy.

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi sub-unit

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi was the first sub-unit of the Japanese idol group Onyanko Club, formed as a duo consisting of Mamiko Takai (member number 16) and Yukiko Iwai (known as Yuuyu, member number 19) in October 1985. The unit was established within the larger Onyanko Club framework, marking the beginning of sub-group activities for the collective. The duo made their record debut on October 5, 1985, releasing their first single as an extension of Onyanko Club's activities. Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi disbanded on April 5, 1987, coinciding with Mamiko Takai's graduation from Onyanko Club. This marked the end of the sub-unit's run after approximately one and a half years of activity.

Graduation from Onyanko Club

Mamiko Takai graduated from Onyanko Club on April 5, 1987, alongside Sayuri Kokushō, Aki Kihara, Rika Tatsumi, and Kazuko Utsumi. This graduation coincided with the disbandment of her sub-unit Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi on April 5, 1987, following her exit from the main group.

Solo career (1986–1988)

Solo debut and early singles

Mamiko Takai launched her solo career with the release of her debut single "Cinderella-tachi e no Dengon" (シンデレラたちへの伝言) on June 25, 1986. This track quickly reached number one on the Oricon weekly singles chart in its initial appearance. Her early solo efforts demonstrated immediate commercial success, as she achieved four consecutive number-one singles on the Oricon chart during 1986 and 1987. Following her debut, "Melody" (メロディ) was released on September 21, 1986, and topped the Oricon chart. Subsequent releases included "Yakusoku" (約束) on December 21, 1986, and "Kagerō" (かげろう) on March 18, 1987, both of which also peaked at number one. These singles solidified her standing as a prominent solo artist emerging from the Onyanko Club.

Continued success and later releases

Takai maintained her popularity as a solo artist with a series of successful singles through 1987 and 1988, though they did not replicate the number-one peaks of her earlier releases. Her next single, "Jōnetsu Rainbow", was released on June 10, 1987, and reached number 2 on the Oricon weekly singles chart. This was followed by "Usotsuki" on September 21, 1987, which also peaked at number 2. "Tender Rain" arrived on December 16, 1987, charting at number 3, demonstrating her consistent appeal among fans. Her final single of the period, "Komorebi no Season", was issued on April 6, 1988, and peaked at number 12. Alongside her singles, Takai released four studio albums during this phase of her solo career. The album Itoguchi came out in 1987, followed later that year by Kokoro Biyori. In 1988, she issued Watashi no Mama de… and Message, completing her main studio output before retiring from entertainment. These albums reflected her evolving musical style within the late-1980s Japanese idol landscape.

Concerts, videos, and photo books

In July 1987, Mamiko Takai released the promotional video Clockwork Fantômas, which was filmed in Southern Europe. That same month, she published the photo book Soleil, also shot in Southern Europe. These visual releases complemented her solo music activities during this period. Her first solo concert video, Mamiko Takai First Concert DO・RA・MA, was recorded in June 1987 at NHK Hall and released in July 1987. The video captured her live performance following her transition to solo activities after Onyanko Club. These works represented key elements of her promotional efforts in 1987.

Acting career

Film and television roles

Mamiko Takai's acting career primarily spanned the mid-1980s, coinciding with her prominence as an idol in Onyanko Club and her early solo activities, with credits concentrated in 1986 and 1987. Her roles were mostly supporting or cameo-like, often in youth-oriented films and idol dramas produced during the height of the Onyanko Club phenomenon. In film, Takai appeared in the Onyanko Club vehicle O-nyanko za mûbî Kiki ippatu! (1986), where she performed as part of the group in a comedic storyline. She took a supporting role as Midoriko Enami in the romance Young Girls in Love (恋する女たち, 1986), directed by Kazuki Ohmori. She also featured in Comic Magazine (1986), another film from the same period. Takai's television credits included early appearances in idol-focused dramas, such as Ashinaga Ojisan (1986). She appeared in Naisho no Hāfumūn (Secret Half Moon, 1987). In the 1987 drama Announcer Puttsun Monogatari, she portrayed the announcer Taki Mari (滝真理). Her later television work was limited, with additional roles in dramas including Atsukunarumade Matte (1987) and the special Oba no Mahōtsukai (1987). Takai also provided voice acting in the anime High School! Kimengumi (1985–1986), making a guest voice appearance in one episode (episode 63). Her acting engagements were brief and closely linked to her music career before her retirement in 1988.

Retirement and later life

Marriage and immediate retirement

Mamiko Takai married lyricist and producer Yasushi Akimoto on May 23, 1988. The marriage occurred three weeks after the establishment of her official fan club, which had been celebrated with a concert on April 29, 1988. At age 21, she immediately retired from the entertainment industry upon her marriage. Following the wedding, the couple relocated to New York City, where they lived for about 1.5 years.

Post-retirement family and activities

After her retirement from the entertainment industry in 1988, Mamiko Takai, now known as Mamiko Akimoto, focused on family life and private activities while maintaining a low public profile. In March 2001, thirteen years after her marriage to Yasushi Akimoto, she gave birth to a daughter. Under the name Mamiko Akimoto, she authored several food-related essay books centered on gourmet deliveries and personal recommendations: Futarigurashi no Otoriyose (2000), Ocha no Jikan no Otoriyose (2003), and Kōfuku no Otoriyose (2004). These works feature her writings on selected foods, often accompanied by her own illustrations. In 2002, she co-authored the picture book Zouneko (Elephant Cat) with her husband Yasushi Akimoto, contributing the illustrations to his text. She served as a statutory auditor for Yasushi Akimoto's office. In October 2013, she hosted then-Prime Minister Shinzō Abe for dinner at their home. There are no documented instances of her returning to entertainment activities.

Discography

Singles

Mamiko Takai released eight solo singles between 1986 and 1988, marking the main phase of her individual recording career following her time with Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi. The singles demonstrated strong commercial performance, particularly in the early phase. The following table lists her solo singles chronologically, with release dates and highest positions on the Oricon singles chart.
TitleRelease DateOricon Peak
Cinderella-tachi e no Dengon1986-06-25#1
Melody1986-09-21#1
Yakusoku1986-12-21#1
Kagerō1987-03-18#1
Jōnetsu Rainbow1987-06-10#2
Usotsuki1987-09-21#2
Tender Rain1987-12-16#3
Komorebi no Season1988-04-06#12
Her early singles achieved consistent top positions on the Oricon chart.

Studio albums

Mamiko Takai released four studio albums during her solo career in the late 1980s. Her debut album, Itoguchi (いとぐち), appeared in 1987 on Canyon Records. This was followed later that year by Kokoro Biyori (こころ日和), also released through Canyon. After switching to Pony Canyon, she issued Watashi no Mama de… (私のままで…) in 1988. Her final studio album, Message, was released the same year on the same label. These four albums constitute the entirety of her solo studio discography.

Compilations and videos

Several compilation albums featuring Mamiko Takai's music have been released years after her retirement, primarily as part of reissue and best-of series aimed at preserving her catalog. My Kore! Ction: Takai Mamiko BEST appeared in 2002 as a comprehensive best album collecting her notable tracks. Takai Mamiko SINGLES Complete followed in 2004, compiling her single releases into one collection. The series concluded with My Kore! Lite: Takai Mamiko in 2010, offering a lighter selection of her material. During her active career, Takai also produced visual media including videos and a photo book. The promotional video Clockwork Fantômas (also known as Tokeiji Kake no Shouakuma (Fantômas)) was released in 1987. Her first concert was documented in Mamiko Takai First Concert DO・RA・MA, issued the same year. Additionally, the photo book Soleil was published in 1987.

Filmography

Acting credits

Mamiko Takai's acting credits consist primarily of films and television appearances in the mid-1980s, during her tenure with Onyanko Club and shortly thereafter. Her film roles include O-nyanko za mûbî Kiki ippatu! (1986), Young Girls in Love (1986), and Comic Magazine (1986). Her television credits feature the long-running variety program Yūyake nyan nyan (1985–1987), along with dramas Ashinaga Ojisan, Naisho no Hāfumūn, Atsukunarumade Matte, Anaunsā Puttsunmonogatari, and Oba no Mahōtsukai. She also contributed voice acting to one episode of High School! Kimengumi in 1987.

Soundtrack contributions

Mamiko Takai contributed to the soundtrack of the anime series High School! Kimengumi (1985–1987) as a performer on several songs. These contributions were made as part of the duo Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, which she formed with fellow Onyanko Club member Yukiko Iwai. She performed the tracks "Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi", "Banana no Namida" (Banana Tears), "Zōsan no Scanty" (Elephant's Scanty), and "Nekojita-gokoro mo Koi no Uchi" (My Sensitive Heart Falls In Love Too). "Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi" served as the opening theme for the series' early episodes, while "Banana no Namida" was used as an ending theme, with the other two songs featured as insert tracks. Her work on this soundtrack tied directly to her activities with Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, highlighting her role in providing music for anime during her career.

References

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