Noriko Sakai

Fukuoka born Sakai Noriko initiated her career at age 15 in 1986. Her first single was called Otoko No Ko Ni Naritai ('I Want To Be A Boy') and was issued in February of 1987. Her music was classified as J-pop. She used the Nori-P (later also the name of a character she illustrated and marketed) alias at this time and for the next ten years. In the '90s she enjoyed much success not only as a singer, but also contributing to soundtracks for films and serials in which she also acted. She had been popular outside Japan since 1990. Her appearance in 1993's Hitotsu Yane No Shita serial, which was about orphan siblings, helped her become famous. She maintained the popularity for 1995's Hoshi No Kinka and also sold a million records as she also contributed a single to the soundtrack. She eventually became in-demand in China and South East Asia thanks to her concerts, tours and advertising work. She also began her own business in 1996. She toured most of East and Southeast Asia in 1998 and cap