Aya Sugimoto
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese TV personality, actress, dancer and author born in Kyoto
. She also had a J-pop career in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
As writer of many of her own lyrics which included erotic themes, she decided to turn her attention to writing erotic novels, publishing works including The Rules of Supreme Pleasure, Immoral and the book-length 2004 essay, Orgasm Life.
In early 2003, Sugimoto's figure led her to be chosen as the spokeswoman for B-Up Drops, or Bust Up Drops. A candy made from vegetables, B-Up Drops were promoted as a dietary supplement which would help increase and maintain a woman's bustline. Then 34, Sugimoto was quoted in the ad as claiming, "My boobs are so big, it's hard to maintain the right shape... Being my age, I knew I had to do something about it. And that's when I started using B-Up Drops."
In July 2003, Sugimoto went through a high-profile divorce from her husband of 11 years. Sugimoto claimed that there was not enough sex in her marriage, and the term "sexless divorce" became a catch-phrase among frustrated wives in Japan. Sugimoto said, "I didn't think it was such a big deal. I actually thought that it was a healthier reason for wanting out than a lot of other mud-dragging type of divorces."
talk show, Yearnings of the Goddess.
As an actress, she then appeared in the role of Queen Beryl in the 2003-2004 TV series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
, a live action adaptation of the 1990s anime
series.
In 2004, she starred in director Takashi Ishii
's remake of Oniroku Dan
's S&M novel, Flower and Snake.
Working with bondage master Go Arisue
, she reprised the role first played by Naomi Tani
in director Masaru Konuma
's version of the novel, Flower and Snake
(1974
). She spent approximately 75% of her screen time unclothed and participating in humiliating sexual acts but went on in the same year to be voted the second sexiest woman in Asia by Playboy magazine, beaten only by Zhang Ziyi
.
In 2006 Sugimoto appeared alongside Japanese adult actress Sora Aoi
in the midnight manga-inspired comedy-drama Shimokita Glory Days on TV Tokyo
. The show also featured other adult actresses such as Yuma Asami
in a story about a male college student moving to Tokyo and living in a shared house of women. Each of the twelve episodes were presented as 'lessons' which featured sexual themes and nudity. Sugimoto stated in an interview about the series that “society can’t consist only of ‘high-quality’ elements, and that’s also true for visual eroticism as well.”
In September 2008, Sugimoto became the first Japanese model in PETA
's international nude anti-fur campaign.
In November 2008 she performed a tango interpretation of the story of Sada Abe
, a notorious Meiji-era prostitute who asphyxiated and castrated her lover. Titled Tango Nostalgia, the show was an extension of her performances on Nippon Television
's Urinari Geinojin Shako Dansu-bu (ウリナリ芸能人社交ダンス部, a Japanese TV show similar to Dancing with the Stars
in which she performed with comedian Kiyotaka Nanbara
.
Sugimoto is currently a regular on the NTV variety show Majyotachi no 22ji, offering advice as a "love expert", alongside transsexual entertainer Ai Haruna
and model Tsubasa Masuwaka.
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
. She also had a J-pop career in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Early life
Aya Sugimoto grew up in Kyoto under a "strict" upbringing, making her first foray into the world of entertainment when she began modeling at age 15. Encouraged by her management company, she decided to embark on a singing career.Singer and author (1988~2003)
She released nine singles and six albums between 1988 and 1991, including number 1 hits Boys and Gorgeous. Her most recent album in 1995 (Femme Fatale) followed a hiatus following her marriage to music producer Toshinori Numata.As writer of many of her own lyrics which included erotic themes, she decided to turn her attention to writing erotic novels, publishing works including The Rules of Supreme Pleasure, Immoral and the book-length 2004 essay, Orgasm Life.
In early 2003, Sugimoto's figure led her to be chosen as the spokeswoman for B-Up Drops, or Bust Up Drops. A candy made from vegetables, B-Up Drops were promoted as a dietary supplement which would help increase and maintain a woman's bustline. Then 34, Sugimoto was quoted in the ad as claiming, "My boobs are so big, it's hard to maintain the right shape... Being my age, I knew I had to do something about it. And that's when I started using B-Up Drops."
In July 2003, Sugimoto went through a high-profile divorce from her husband of 11 years. Sugimoto claimed that there was not enough sex in her marriage, and the term "sexless divorce" became a catch-phrase among frustrated wives in Japan. Sugimoto said, "I didn't think it was such a big deal. I actually thought that it was a healthier reason for wanting out than a lot of other mud-dragging type of divorces."
Acting (2003~)
After the notoriety she gained from the publicity surrounding the divorce, Sugimoto was one of the outspoken guests on the Friday late-night TV TokyoTV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...
talk show, Yearnings of the Goddess.
As an actress, she then appeared in the role of Queen Beryl in the 2003-2004 TV series Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
is a Japanese tokusatsu television series in the Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon metaseries originally created by Naoko Takeuchi. It is produced by Toei, the same company that produces the Super Sentai Series and the Kamen Rider Series and of which their animation firm Toei Animation, produced the...
, a live action adaptation of the 1990s anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series.
In 2004, she starred in director Takashi Ishii
Takashi Ishii
is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. He has directed several pinku eiga erotic films, but his most notable feature was the 1995 nihilistic crime thriller Gonin starring Takeshi Kitano.-Director: is a Japanese film director and screenwriter...
's remake of Oniroku Dan
Oniroku Dan
was a Japanese author who had been called, "the most celebrated writer of popular SM novels in Japan." Many of his stories have been filmed, most notably by Nikkatsu studio in their Roman Porno series. Dan had a close professional association with actress Naomi Tani throughout her career...
's S&M novel, Flower and Snake.
Working with bondage master Go Arisue
Go Arisue
is one of the world's top kinbakushi .Born in 1954 he became interested in rope bondage at an early age inspired by paintings of the legendary bondage artist Seiu Ito and the works of Akira Minomura....
, she reprised the role first played by Naomi Tani
Naomi Tani
is a Japanese actress who is best known for her appearances in Nikkatsu's Roman Porno films with an S&M theme during the 1970s.-Early career:Born October 20, 1948, in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka, Naomi Tani moved to Tokyo at the age of 18. After arrival in Tokyo, she was featured in a photo layout...
in director Masaru Konuma
Masaru Konuma
is a Japanese director most famous for his Roman Porno films for Nikkatsu during the 1970s.-Early life:Masaru Konuma was born in Otaru, Hokkaidō, on December 30, 1937. Konuma retains no memories of his father who was a teacher...
's version of the novel, Flower and Snake
Flower and Snake
aka Flowers and Serpents is a Japanese soft-core S/M film starring Naomi Tani, directed by Masaru Konuma and produced by Nikkatsu. Based on a novel by Oniroku Dan , Japan's best-known author of S&M fiction, Flower and Snake was the first of Nikkatsu’s Roman Porno films to deal with an S&M theme...
(1974
1974 in film
The year 1974 in film involved some significant events.-Events:*February 7 - Blazing Saddles is released in the USA.*August 7 - Peter Wolf, lead singer of The J...
). She spent approximately 75% of her screen time unclothed and participating in humiliating sexual acts but went on in the same year to be voted the second sexiest woman in Asia by Playboy magazine, beaten only by Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is a Chinese film actress. Zhang is coined by the media as one of the Four Young Dan actresses in the Film Industry in China, along with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and Zhou Xun...
.
In 2006 Sugimoto appeared alongside Japanese adult actress Sora Aoi
Sora Aoi
is a Japanese AV idol, nude model, and media personality. In addition to being a multiple award winning actress in the AV field, she has also attained mainstream media recognition.- Early life :...
in the midnight manga-inspired comedy-drama Shimokita Glory Days on TV Tokyo
TV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...
. The show also featured other adult actresses such as Yuma Asami
Yuma Asami
is a Japanese adult video actress. Beginning in 2005 Asami appeared in AVs for Alice Japan and S1 No. 1 Style. Her adult videos have won first prize in Japanese Adult Video Awards, and she has won awards as an adult actress...
in a story about a male college student moving to Tokyo and living in a shared house of women. Each of the twelve episodes were presented as 'lessons' which featured sexual themes and nudity. Sugimoto stated in an interview about the series that “society can’t consist only of ‘high-quality’ elements, and that’s also true for visual eroticism as well.”
In September 2008, Sugimoto became the first Japanese model in PETA
Peta
Peta can refer to:* peta-, an SI prefix denoting a factor of 1015* Peta, Greece, a town in Greece* Peta, the Pāli word for a Preta, or hungry ghost in Buddhism* Peta Wilson, an Australian actress and model* Peta Todd, English glamour model...
's international nude anti-fur campaign.
In November 2008 she performed a tango interpretation of the story of Sada Abe
Sada Abe
is remembered in Japan for erotically asphyxiating her lover, , on May 18, 1936, and then cutting off his penis and testicles and carrying them around with her in her handbag...
, a notorious Meiji-era prostitute who asphyxiated and castrated her lover. Titled Tango Nostalgia, the show was an extension of her performances on Nippon Television
Nippon Television
is a television network based in the Shiodome area of Minato, Tokyo, Japan and is controlled by the Yomiuri Shimbun publishing company. Broadcasting terrestrially across Japan, the network is commonly known as , contracted to , and abbreviated as "NTV" or "AX".-Offices:*The Headquarters : 6-1,...
's Urinari Geinojin Shako Dansu-bu (ウリナリ芸能人社交ダンス部, a Japanese TV show similar to Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is the name of several international television series based on the format of the British TV series Strictly Come Dancing, which is distributed by BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC. Currently the format has been licensed to over 35 countries...
in which she performed with comedian Kiyotaka Nanbara
Kiyotaka Nanbara
is a Japanese comedian known as a member of the manzai duo Utchan Nanchan along with Teruyoshi Uchimura. He is the boke of the two.-Career:...
.
Sugimoto is currently a regular on the NTV variety show Majyotachi no 22ji, offering advice as a "love expert", alongside transsexual entertainer Ai Haruna
Ai Haruna
is a Japanese transsexual TV personality and singer, famous for imitating popular idol Aya Matsuura.In October 2009, Haruna won the "Miss International Queen 2009" transsexual beauty pageant held in Pattaya, Thailand, becoming the first Japanese contestant to win the title.-Singles:* "Iu Yo Ne" *...
and model Tsubasa Masuwaka.
Albums
- Aya (1988) -mini album
- Mizu no Naka no Chiisana Taiyou (水の中の小さな太陽 - The Little Sun in the Water) (1988)
- Shakunetsu Densetsu (灼熱伝説 - Red Hot Legend) (1989) -mini album
- Body & Soul (1990)
- Japanese Dream (1990)
- Shiseikatsu (私生活 - Private Life) (1991)
- Femme Fatale (1995)
Singles
- Boys (1988) - Cover version of the 1987 italo discoItalo discoItalo disco encompasses much of the dance music output in Europe during the 1980s. It is one of the world's first forms of mostly electronic dance music and evolved during the late 1970s and early 1980s in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and other parts of Europe...
song by Sabrina SalernoSabrina SalernoSabrina Salerno , also known in her singing career as Sabrina, is an Italian singer, television hostess, model, actress and record producer... - 13nichi no Luna (13日のルナ - Luna on the 13th) (1988)
- Nichiyoubi wa Dame yo (日曜日はダメよ - Sunday is No Good) (1989)
- B & S (1990)
- Usagi (うさぎ - Rabbit） (1990)
- Gorgeous (ゴージャス) (1990)
- Kagayaitete... (輝いてて・・・ - Shine On) (1991)
- Ai ga Shiritai (愛が知りたい - I want Love) (1992)
- Le Soir ~Eien no Wakare~ (Le SOIR～永遠の別れ～) (1993)
Filmography
- 2010 : Kamen Rider W Forever: A to Z/The Gaia Memories of Fate (Kamen Raidā Daburu Fōebā: Ē tu Zetto/Unmei no Gaia Memori), dir. Koichi SakamotoKoichi Sakamotois a Japanese-born stunt actor, and producer for films and television. He is best known for his work as executive producer, as well as fight coordinator and frequent director, for the long running Power Rangers franchise.-Early career:...
- 2009 : BLOOD Buraddo, dir. Ten Shimoyama
- 2008 : Johnen: Sada no ai, dir. Rokuro MochizukiRokuro Mochizukiis a Japanese film director who has worked in pink film, adult videos and mainstream cinema. He won the award for Best Director at the 19th Yokohama Film Festival for Onibi and A Yakuza in Love.-Early career - Pink film:...
- 2007 : Taitei no KenTaitei no Ken' is a series of novels by Baku Yumemakura. They blend samurai action with sci-fi elements. The first novel was adapted into a 2007 movie directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi.-Cast:*Hiroshi Abe as Yorozu Genkurou...
, dir. Yukihiko TsutsumiYukihiko Tsutsumiis a Japanese television and film director. He began directing commercials and music promotion videos as an employee of Nihon Television. After spending time abroad, he returned and started his own production company, Crescendo, from which he works independently... - 2006 : Ghost Train (Otoshimono), dir. Takeshi Furusawa
- 2006 : Trapped Ashes, dir. Sean S. Cunningham, John Gaeta, Monte HellmanMonte HellmanMonte Hellman is an American film director, producer, and film editor.Hellman is among a group of directing talent mentored by Roger Corman, who produced several of the director's early films...
, Ken RussellKen RussellHenry Kenneth Alfred "Ken" Russell was an English film director, known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his flamboyant and controversial style. He attracted criticism as being obsessed with sexuality and the church...
and Joe DanteJoe DanteJoseph "Joe" Dante, Jr. is an American film director and producer of films generally with humorous and science fiction content.... - 2006 : LoveDeath, dir. Ryuhei KitamuraRyuhei Kitamura-External links:*...
- 2005 : Hana to hebi 2: Pari/Shizuko, dir. Takashi Ishii
- 2005 : Gokudô no onna-tachi: Jôen, dir. Hajime Hashimoto
- 2004 : Girlfriend: Someone Please Stop the World, dir. Ryuichi HirokiRyuichi Hirokiis a Japanese artist, film director, and film editor.-Biography:Ryūichi Hiroki is now one of the most prolific film directors in Japan. He is a pioneer in using digital video to shoot theatrical films in Japan...
- 2004 : Hana to hebi, dir. Takashi Ishii
- 2003 : Jam Films 2Jam FilmsJam Films and its sequels are collections of short films, each by a different Japanese director.-Jam Films:Jam Films is a 2002 suite of 7 shorts produced by Sega/Amuse Jam Films and its sequels are collections of short films, each by a different Japanese director.-Jam Films:Jam Films is a 2002...
, dir. Hidenori Inoue - 2002 : Ultraman Cosmos 2: The Blue PlanetUltraman Cosmos 2: The Blue Planetis Cosmos theatrical film adaptation, was released in Japan on August 3, 2002. It is a tokusatsu film series Ultraman franchise, it also direct sequel to the original Ultraman Cosmos television series.-Summary:...
(Urutoraman Kosumosu: Za Burū Puranetto), dir. Tsugumi Kitaura - 1998 : Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light (Urutoraman Tiga & Urutoraman Daina: Hikari no hoshi no senshi tachi), dir. Kazuya Konaka
- 1994 : A New Love in Tokyo (Ai no shinsekai), dir. Banmei TakahashiBanmei Takahashiis a Japanese film director. Takashi started his career in the pink film industry, making his directorial debut in 1972 with Escaped Rapist Criminal. Due to a disagreement with his producer, Takahashi quit the film industry for a couple years...
- 1993 : Megami ga kureta natsu, dir. Takeo Imai
- 1987 : Shonan bakusozoku: Bomber Bikers of Shonan (Shônan bakusôzoku), dir. Nobutaka Nishizawa and Daiki Yamada
Television
- Pretty Guardian Sailor MoonPretty Guardian Sailor Moonis a Japanese tokusatsu television series in the Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon metaseries originally created by Naoko Takeuchi. It is produced by Toei, the same company that produces the Super Sentai Series and the Kamen Rider Series and of which their animation firm Toei Animation, produced the...
as Queen Beryl - Jigoku ShōjoJigoku Shojo, also known as Jigoku Shōjo: Girl from Hell, is an anime series produced by Aniplex and Studio Deen. It focuses on the existence of a supernatural system that allows people to take revenge by having other people sent to Hell via the services of the mysterious titular character and her assistants...
as Hone Onna
External links
- Official Blog (Japanese)
- Office Aya Official Site (Japanese)
- Liberata - Aya Sugimoto's skincare & make-up brand (Japanese)
Sources
- Ketchum, Jack. (2007). "Flower and Snake 2: A Dialogue" in Asian Cult Cinema, #54, pp. 57–62.
- Aya Sugimoto is Nude for PETA Biography, Photos and video.