Biography

Yui Asaka (浅香唯, Asaka Yui, born December 4, 1969) is a a J-Pop singer, idol and actresses who came to fame in the 1980s. . Asaka made major debut with single Natsu Shojo in 1985 under Warner Music Japan and in 1987 acting debut with main role in the third series of Sukeban Deka. Yui was born in Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan, and later attended Nakano High School. In 1984, she was the Grand Prix Winner for a Young Girls Comics Magazine. Yui was featured as the main character of the comic "Shooting Star". A year later, she debuted as a singer with the single Natsu Shoujo. Up until the end of 1986, Asaka enjoyed a moderately successful career as a singer and an idol.

Her fame grew when she starred in the third series of cult TV Show Sukeban Deka in 1987. In 1989, she starred as the heroine of popular manga Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl in its 1989 live movie adaptation. Capitalising on this exposure, Asaka started to write her own songs, starting with the single "Self Control", which was based on her waging a bet with her 3 friends as to who would cave in and masturbate first.

In 1993, problems arose when her management began limiting her rights concerning her stage name (Yui Asaka). Asaka decided to temporarily withdraw from the limelight and took a break from show business. Her former label Hummingbird was acquired by Warner Music Japan the following year. She returned to the music scene in 1997 as Yui (not to be confused with another Japanese singer called Yui). Soon after, Asaka reconciled with her agency and was allowed to perform under the name "Yui Asaka" once more. Asaka decided to focus on her acting career, frequently appearing in Japanese TV dramas and variety shows (see full discography below).

In 2020, she released her first digital single Light a Shine. Coinciding with its release, it would be the first time in fifteen years that she released new music. In 2022, music from her idol years has been added to the music streaming services.