Aiko studied popular music vocals at the Osaka College of Music, and after graduating in 1996, she became a DJ on FM Osaka. She made her nationwide debut in July 1998 with her song "Ashita". Since then, she has had a successful career with her songs being used in television commercials and TV dramas.
After the release of her third single "Hanabi", Aiko became recognised nationwide, due to much television promotional coverage for every one of her subsequent commercial releases. Her second album, "Sakura no Ki no Shita" sold over one million copies, and her sixth single, "Boyfriend", became her best-selling CD single, and she achieved an appearance in NHK's 2000 Kohaku Uta Gassen. Incidentally, since the song's lyrics contain the word "tetrapot", similar to "tetrapod", a registered trademark, Aiko encountered controversy and brief legal problems since NHK is a public broadcasting station. However, the episode was resolved without any restriction being placed on the lyrics.
Japanese manga artist Yukari Ichijo based the character "Eiko", in Pride (2003-) on Aiko, and Aiko has several times expressed admiration for Ichijo.
Aiko also sang the insert song "KissHug" for the movie Hana Yori Dango Final which premiered on June 28, 2008 and "Mukai Awase" for the 2010 comedy film My Darling is a Foreigner.
Tours
- "Love Like Pop" (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009) Love Like (愛好 Aiko, love-like)
- College musical festivals (1999, 2003; 7 places in all)
- "Baby Peenats Meeting" (2001, 2004; fan club members only)
- "Baby Peenats" is a name of the Aiko's official fan club managed by "ever for music". Aiko loves Snoopy (and dogs in general). Her recent live tour books feature pictures of Aiko with a variety of dogs every time.
- "Love Like Rock" (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007(fan club members only), 2009; no-seat concerts)
- "Love Like Aloha" (Summer 2003, at Katase beech, Enoshima; Summer 2006 and 2008, at Southern Beach, Chigasaki)
