Noriko Sakai, born on February 14, 1971, is a renowned Japanese singer and actress. Initially recognized by her former stage name Nori-P, Sakai made her debut as an idol singer in 1986.
Despite facing a significant setback in her career due to a drug scandal in 2009, she has managed to make a successful comeback and remains popular in Japan and other Asian countries.
Noriko Sakai Wiki & Biography
Name
Noriko Sakai
Nickname
Noriko
Date Of Birth
February 14, 1971
Age
54 Years
Birth Place
Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
Gender
Female
Profession
Singer, Actress
Debut
“Otoko no Ko ni Naritai”
Famous For
Hoshi no Kinka
Zodiac Sign
Aquarius
Nationality
Japanese
Religion
Not Known
Noriko Sakai’s Net Worth
Salary
Not Known
Net Worth
$1.9 Million Approx
Height, Weight, and Color
Height in cm
157 cm
Height in Meters
1.57 m
Height in Feet Inches
5 feet 1inches
Weight
43 kg
95 lbs
Body Type
Slim
Body Measurement
33-24-34 inches
Waist Size
24
Shoe Size
5 (US)
Eye Colour
Brown Dark
Hair Colour
Brown Dark
Noriko Sakai Family and Relatives
Father
Mineki Sakai
Mother
Not Known
Brothers
Takeshi Yoshikawa
Sisters
Not Known
Boyfriends / Girlfriends
Yuichi Takaso (m. 1998-2010)
Marital Status
Divorced
Partner
Yuichi Takaso
Noriko Sakai with her ex-husband Yuichi
Sons
A son (Name Not Known)
Daughters
Not Known
Noriko Sakai Education School and Colleges
Education Qualification
Graduate
School
High School
College & University
Not Known
Favorite Things Of Noriko Sakai
Favorite Colour
Not Known
Favorite Actor
Not Known
Favorite Actress
Not Known
Favorite Food
Not Known
Favorite TV Shows
Not Known
Favorite Movie
Not Known
Favorite Pets
Not Known
Hobbies
Not Known
Favorite Destination
Not Known
Interesting Facts About Noriko Sakai
Sakai released her first single, “Otoko no Ko ni Naritai” (“I Want to Be a Boy”), on February 5, 1987, just nine days before her sixteenth birthday. The single sold over 40,000 copies, marking the beginning of her successful music career.
In the 1990s, Sakai gained popularity in Hong Kong and Taiwan. She ventured overseas for commercial shoots and concerts, receiving acclaim for her performances.
Sakai’s return to the spotlight came in 1993 with her role as Kashiwagi Koyuki in “Hitotsu Yane no Shita,” gaining recognition for her acting skills. She continued to excel, starring in “Hoshi no Kinka” in 1995, contributing to the theme song “Aoi Usagi,” which became her best-selling album.
In 1998, Sakai married Yūichi Takasō, and the couple welcomed a son in 1999. However, their marriage faced challenges, and Sakai’s career took a downturn after the 2009 drug scandal involving her husband.
The drug scandal led to Sakai’s arrest, disappearance, and subsequent negative impacts on her career. She turned herself in on August 7, 2009, and faced charges related to drug possession.
Sakai underwent drug rehabilitation and apologized to the public for her actions. The scandal resulted in canceled contracts, including a clothing line and endorsements.
Despite the setback, Sakai successfully completed her rehabilitation and returned to the entertainment industry. She attended the University of Creation; Art, Music & Social Work, earning a degree in welfare and nursing care in 2013.
In 2010, Sakai divorced her husband, signaling a new chapter in her personal life.
Sakai actively engaged in charity work, participating in campaigns to educate about the hazards of drug addiction in Beijing in 2011.
On November 24, 2012, after completing her suspended sentence, Sakai announced her return to the entertainment industry. She signed with the talent agency Office Nigun Niiba and resumed her career in acting and stage performances.
Sakai again recorded “Aoi Usagi” in October 2021, and auctioned an NFT of it to promote the fourth season of the drama series “Producer K,” marking her return to the drama scene after eight years.
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