Ikko (make-up artist)

2.1. Early Life and Education

IKKO was born on January 20, 1962, in Fukuchi Town, Tagawa District, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, as the eldest of four children, with two older sisters and one younger sister. Her early interest in beauty was significantly influenced by her mother, who was a beautician; IKKO herself stated that by the sixth grade of elementary school, she was already skilled enough to style traditional Japanese hair (日本髪_Nihongami^Japanese). As a teenager, IKKO experienced gender dysphoria, which led her to become socially withdrawn. She attended Fukuoka Prefectural Nishitagawa High School before graduating from Kitakyushu Beauty College, now known as Fukuoka Beauty College Kitakyushu Campus.

2.2. Transition to Hair and Makeup Artist

After completing her education, IKKO began her career as a beautician, working for eight years at "Kamiyuidokoro Sawaii," a high-end beauty salon in Yokohama. Following this period of rigorous training, she decided to transition into a career as a hair and makeup artist, leaving her position to pursue freelance work. Initially, securing consistent work proved challenging. However, she eventually passed an audition for an agency that represented many hair and makeup artists. Within six months of joining the agency, she achieved a significant milestone by being responsible for the cover of the prestigious magazine Utsukushii Kimono, featuring actress Azusa Mano.

3.1. Founding "Atelier IKKO"

In 1992, at the age of 30, IKKO established and became the principal of her own makeup studio, "Atelier IKKO." This marked her independence and a pivotal step in her professional journey as a hair and makeup artist. Through "Atelier IKKO," she actively engaged in various projects, including styling for magazine covers, television commercials, and stage productions.

3.2. Work with Actresses and Style Development

IKKO developed a distinctive approach to makeup, specializing particularly in traditional Japanese hair and makeup. Her unique style, which she termed "IKKO-ryu 'Actress Makeup'," garnered significant support and acclaim from numerous actresses. This signature style became a hallmark of her work, solidifying her reputation in the beauty industry.

3.3. Celebrity and Media Work

IKKO's professional engagements extended to working with a wide array of celebrities. Notably, she served as the exclusive hair and makeup artist for the renowned television host Masataka Henmi shortly after he became a freelancer. Following Henmi's passing, IKKO was entrusted with performing his death makeup, a testament to their close professional relationship. She continues to maintain close ties with Henmi's family, sending flowers on his monthly memorial day.

Beyond her work with individual celebrities, IKKO contributed extensively to major women's magazines such as non-no, MORE, and Bijin Hyakka, where she often managed serial columns. She also actively participated in dinner shows and talk shows, where she conducted live makeup demonstrations, showcasing her expertise directly to audiences. In addition to her primary role as a beauty professional, IKKO also embraced her identity as an entertainer, performing her own songs and covers of popular tracks like Linda Yamamoto's "Dō ni mo Tomaranai" at these events. In 2009, she embarked on a nationwide tour across 30 locations, further blending her roles as a beauty expert and an entertainer.

4.1. Television Appearances

IKKO has made significant and regular appearances on numerous Japanese television programs. She was a prominent figure on おネエ★MANS_{Onē MANS}^Japanese (Nippon Television) from October 2006 to March 2009, where she primarily provided skincare and makeup guidance in an easy-to-understand manner for general audiences, and performed celebrity makeovers. She also regularly appeared on 世界バリバリ☆バリュー_{Sekai Baribari Value}^Japanese (Mainichi Broadcasting System) and served as a Wednesday commentator on めんたいワイド_{Mentai Wide}^Japanese (Fukuoka Broadcasting System).

Other notable television appearances include:

• Just (TBS, 2003-2005), where she had a regular segment titled "IKKO's Happy Makeup."
• Merenge no Kimochi (Nippon Television, 2005-2006, 2009).
• Tetsuko's Room (TV Asahi, 2007).
• Omoikkiri DON! (Nippon Television).
• Hirunandesu! (TBS).
• Himitsu no Kenmin SHOW (Yomiuri TV).
• Narutomo! (Yomiuri TV).
• SmaSTATION (TV Asahi, 2007, 2008).
• VivaVivaV6 (Fuji TV, 2008).
• Sanma no SUPER Karakuri TV (TBS, 2009, 2010).
• Downtown DX (Yomiuri TV, 2009, 2010).
• IKKO's Sekirara TV (DATV, 2009-2010), her own solo program.
• Majo-tachi no 22-ji (Nippon Television).
• Shabekuri 007 (Nippon Television, 2010).
• SMAP×SMAP (Kansai TV/Fuji TV, 2010).
• Viking (Fuji TV, 2014-2019), as a Monday regular.
• Bibitto (TBS, 2018-2019), with her segment "IKKO's Sore Nani? Dō Nano?".
• Pintoko Kan-Kan (TBS, 2019-).
• Twitter TV "Nama IKKO" (2021-), a monthly live stream.
• QVC Japan "IKKO Beauty Revolution SAIMDANG Premium" (CS/BS12 Twelvi).
• Dōshite Watashi ni!? Totsuzen! Buttobi Offer (TBS, 2022).
• Another Stories: Unmei no Bunkiten (NHK, 2023), in an episode about "Onē" figures.
• Tsurube no Kazoku ni Kanpai (NHK, 2023).
• Koisuru★Korea! (TV Tokyo, 2011)
• Kokoro to Karada Mitsuru Toki: Ofu~ (NHK BS Premium, 2012) - Narrator
• Time Chōberu! Jikan Dondake? (TV Asahi, 2019) - MC

4.2. Music and Entertainment Activities

IKKO ventured into the music industry, debuting as a singer with the single "どんだけ~!の法則_{Dondake no Hōsoku}^Japanese" (The Law of Dondake) in December 2007, released by Avex. This song significantly popularized her catchphrase "Dondake." The single also featured a cover of "Dō ni mo Tomaranai," a 1972 hit originally by Linda Yamamoto. She followed up with other musical releases, including the single "Ultra Ageage Dancing" in April 2009, which involved a dance group called Happy Girls selected from 10,000 applicants. In April 2010, she released "Gorgeous~!", with lyrics by Tsunku. IKKO embarked on a nationwide tour in 2009, visiting 30 locations, where she combined makeup demonstrations with storytelling about her life and performances of her songs.

4.3. Fashion and Modeling

IKKO has actively participated in various fashion events and shows, showcasing her versatility beyond the beauty industry. She made appearances at the prestigious Kobe Collection in 2007, 2009, and 2010, often as the secret guest or the final model. She also walked the runway at the Fukuoka Asia Collection in 2009 and GirlsAward in 2010. In September 2010, she was the closing model for the fashion show at "FASHION'S NIGHT OUT," an event organized by Vogue in Omotesando and Aoyama. Her runway presence was highly praised, with model Ai Tominaga likening her to "Japan's Naomi Campbell." Since 2005, IKKO has also developed and sold her own brand of furisode kimonos.

4.4. Catchphrases and Public Image

IKKO is widely recognized for her distinctive catchphrases, the most famous being "どんだけ~!_Dondake~!^Japanese" (roughly "How much?!" or "Unbelievable!"). While often attributed to her, IKKO herself has publicly stated that she did not create the phrase. Its origin is traced to Yasuko Mama, a gay bar owner in Shinjuku 2-chome, whose catchphrase was picked up by comedian Toshifumi Fujimoto of FUJIWARA and subsequently popularized and evolved by IKKO. The phrase was nominated for the 2007 U-Can New Words and Buzzwords Awards. IKKO's signature accompanying gesture involves shaking her index finger horizontally, a movement she says originated from nervousness during her first television appearance. Other notable catchphrases include "まぼろし~_Maboroshi~^Japanese" (illusion/fantasy, used to dismiss inconvenient truths), "おごと~_Ogoto~^Japanese" (a Fukuoka dialect term meaning "big deal," "terrible," or "amazing"), "背負い投げ~_Seoinage~^Japanese" (a judo throw, meaning to throw away or forget something inconvenient), and "すっからけっち~_{Sukkarakecchi~}^Japanese" (a nonsensical phrase chosen for its good sound). These phrases, along with her flamboyant style and warm personality, have significantly contributed to her unique public persona and widespread cultural influence.

5.1. Publications and Essays

IKKO is a prolific author, having published numerous books covering beauty, lifestyle, Korean culture, and personal essays that share her life philosophy and experiences. Her first essay, 超オンナ磨き~美のカリスマIKKOの幸せを呼ぶゴールデンルール_{Chō Onna Migaki: Bi no Charisma IKKO no Shiawase o Yobu Golden Rule}^Japanese (Super Woman Polishing: Beauty Charisma IKKO's Golden Rules for Calling Happiness), published in July 2006, shared practical tips derived from her own experiences, emphasizing that "complexes are the origin of women's refinement." Her books IKKO女の法則_{IKKO Onna no Hōsoku}^Japanese (IKKO's Law of Women) and IKKOキレイの魔法_{IKKO Kirei no Mahō}^Japanese (IKKO's Magic of Beauty), both published by Sekai Bunka Publishing, collectively sold over 300,000 copies.

Her extensive bibliography includes:

• IKKO no Furisode Romantic (2004)
• IKKO Wedding: Eien no Girlish Wedding (2005)
• Miracle Beauty Shape Up Bikyaku Kakumei (Miracle Beauty Shape Up Beautiful Legs Revolution) (2008)
• IKKO Kirei o Migaku in Kankoku (IKKO Polishing Beauty in Korea) (2008)
• IKKO Bijin-dō (IKKO's Way of Beauty) (2009)
• Datsu-Complex IKKO-ryu Bi no Golden Rule (Overcoming Complexes: IKKO's Golden Rules of Beauty) (2009)
• Otoko ni mo Yonde Moraitai Onna Juku (Women's School I'd Like Men to Read Too) (2011)
• Ai no Onee Meshi: Otoko o Toriko ni Suru! (Love's Onee Meals: Captivating Men!) (2011)
• IKKO no Seoul Daisuki: 24-jikan Tanoshinjaū~♥ (IKKO Loves Seoul: Enjoying 24 Hours~♥) (2011)
• IKKO no Kirei ni Naru Hawaii: PRECIOUS HAWAII (IKKO's Hawaii for Becoming Beautiful: PRECIOUS HAWAII) (2012)
• IKKO no Shin-Ōkubo ni Ikitai~! (IKKO Wants to Go to Shin-Ōkubo~!) (2012)
• IKKO no Jigatari Essay: Michi (IKKO's Calligraphy Essay: The Path) (2012)
• IKKO Kokoro no Kakugen 200 (IKKO's 200 Maxims of the Heart) (2014)
• IKKO no Chotto Kaiun (IKKO's Little Bit of Good Fortune) (2015)
• IKKO no Yamitsuki Recipe: Ryōri wa Mahō no Hitotema (IKKO's Addictive Recipes: Cooking is a Magical Extra Step) (2020)
• 1-miri no Yasashisa: IKKO no Mae o Muite Ikiru Kotoba (1 Millimeter of Kindness: IKKO's Words for Living Forward) (2021)
• IKKO Jinsei Jūkorobi Yaoki. Ke Sera Sera (IKKO's Life: Ten Falls, Eight Rises. Que Sera, Sera) (2023)

5.2. Calligraphy and Artistic Endeavors

In addition to her work in beauty and entertainment, IKKO has cultivated a parallel career as a calligrapher, using the pseudonym 雅冬炎_{Miyabi To-en}^Japanese. Her calligraphy, often featuring her self-penned maxims, has been displayed in her publications and serials. She has also showcased her calligraphic works at exhibitions, including a dedicated booth at "IKKO WORLD Bi no Tobira" in Nagoya in 2009. From the age of 50, IKKO began seriously studying calligraphy under the tutelage of calligrapher Kimishiki Shinbou. Her dedication has led her to receive several awards in various calligraphy exhibitions, including:

• Excellence Award in the Harmony Style Division at the 22nd Saga Prefecture Calligraphy Exhibition.
• Semi-Second Class Award at the 2014 and 2015 Sogen Exhibition.
• Selected for the Kanji Division at the 65th, 67th, and 68th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition.
• Excellence Award in the Kanji Division at the 66th Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition for a Chinese poetry work in clerical script.
• Special Award (Saga Prefectural Arts and Culture Association Award) in the Second Class - Kanji Division at the 24th Saga Prefecture Calligraphy Exhibition.

6.1. Promoting Korean Culture and Beauty

IKKO has been a prominent figure in introducing and promoting Korean culture, especially its beauty products, to the Japanese market. Her deep affection for Hallyu (the Korean Wave), sparked by the drama Winter Sonata, led her to watch numerous Korean dramas, including My Name Is Kim Sam-soon, East of Eden, and Brilliant Legacy. This passion fueled her efforts to bridge cultural understanding between the two nations. She actively promotes Korean tourism, food, shopping, and beauty through her publications, such as IKKO Kirei o Migaku in Kankoku.

6.2. Ambassadorships and Cross-Cultural Exchange

IKKO's contributions to cross-cultural understanding have been formally recognized through several ambassadorships. On February 27, 2009, she was appointed an Honorary Ambassador for Korean Tourism, tasked with promoting the country's appeal and fostering cultural experiences abroad. In June 2009, the city of Seoul honored her with the "2009 Seoul Tourism Award" in the Popular Seoul Tourism Entertainer (Overseas Category) for her significant efforts in boosting tourism. Her role in spreading Korean cosmetics in Japan and facilitating Japan-Korea exchange has been acknowledged as a form of private diplomacy. In October 2009, a dedicated "IKKO Makeup Room" booth, featuring life-sized panels and handprints, was opened at STAR AVENUE LOTTE TOWN in Seoul, alongside other prominent Hallyu stars. Additionally, a miniature house inspired by IKKO's Karuizawa villa, named "Dreaming House," was completed inside an Etude House store in Korea. Domestically, in November 2011, she was appointed Tourism Ambassador for her hometown, Fukuchi Town in Fukuoka Prefecture. In October 2010, she was also appointed Goodwill Ambassador for "Hitomi no Ōgon Hīritsu" (Golden Ratio of the Eyes) by the "Kagayaku Hitomi" Promotion Committee, based on her expertise in creating captivating eyes. In 2020, she was named a PR Ambassador for the special exhibition "KIMONO" at the Tokyo National Museum, expressing her hope to help people reconnect with kimonos as a symbol of Japanese aesthetics during the Tokyo Olympics.

6.3. Influence on Beauty Trends

IKKO has been a significant trendsetter in the Japanese beauty industry. A notable example of her influence is the popularization of BB cream in Japan. Her introduction of BB cream as a Korean cosmetic on the television program Onē MANS in January 2008 is widely credited with sparking a widespread BB cream boom in Japan by mid-2008. She also played a role in popularizing "Korokoro Rollers" (facial massage rollers). Her ability to introduce new beauty concepts and products to the Japanese public has earned her the title of "New Beauty Charisma."

7.1. Lifestyle and Health

IKKO maintains a disciplined lifestyle focused on health and well-being. Daily walking is a regular part of her routine; she typically walks twice a day, approximately 4.7 mile ^{(7.5 km)} each time, totaling around 9.3 mile ^{(15 km)} per day, rarely skipping it. She states that morning walks inspire ideas and energy, while evening walks are for reflection. She prioritizes self-cooked meals for beauty and health, often bringing homemade lunchboxes to work. Her refrigerator is meticulously organized with pre-chopped vegetables in containers. To combat her sensitivity to cold, she uses hot water bottles and stoles, and carries chopped ginger in her bag to consume with meals.

7.2. Hobbies and Personal Interests

Beyond her professional endeavors, IKKO has several deep personal passions. She expresses a profound affection for kimonos, describing them as "treasures of the heart." She received guidance on kimonos from her mentor, Shigeko Ikeda, and pays meticulous attention to every detail, from the kimono itself to the undergarments, collars, obi, and accessories. She also has a fondness for jewelry, particularly diamonds. IKKO is an accomplished cook, with skills often described as professional-level. She frequently prepares dinner for her staff, and her efficiency, creative ideas, and seasoning skills have been highly praised on her website and TV programs, leading to many invitations to cooking segments. She is also a dog lover and currently owns two dogs. She possesses a luxurious villa in Karuizawa (Kitakaruizawa), a renovated corporate retreat, which has been featured in media.

7.3. Life Philosophy and Values

IKKO frequently shares her personal philosophy on life, self-acceptance, kindness, and resilience through her media appearances and writings. She believes that "complexes are the origin of women's refinement," drawing from her own experiences. She emphasizes that "life's treasure is the memories in one's mind." According to her, while the 40s are for showcasing beauty, the 50s require expressing beauty through one's inner self, which necessitates a re-evaluation of one's core character. She asserts that "living with pride allows one to live correctly without wavering, no matter how difficult or miserable things become," and that "creativity and ingenuity can overcome any obstacle."

During her dinner shows, IKKO holds popular Q&A sessions where she answers audience questions on the spot, ranging from beauty tips to life advice. She aims to connect with her fans and empathize with their feelings, and many attendees are moved to tears by her heartfelt responses. She believes that "not loving oneself prevents one from becoming a truly kind person" and stresses the importance of self-love. She proudly states that her life, filled with "barriers," has allowed her to realize the importance of kindness to others. In her acceptance speech for the "HAPPY WOMAN AWARD 2024 for SDGs," she spoke of her desire for a "borderless era" and how her life, despite its many setbacks, has allowed her to feel a sense of "seamlessness," suggesting she has moved "one step, one millimeter" beyond those barriers. She is also known for being one of the earliest Japanese celebrities to use Twitter (now X), starting in 2008, and has since expanded her social media presence to Instagram and TikTok.

8.1. Major Awards and Honors

IKKO has received numerous awards and accolades across the entertainment, beauty, and cultural sectors, recognizing her diverse contributions and achievements:

• 2007:**
  • "Dondake~" nominated for the U-Can New Words and Buzzwords Awards.
  • NAIL QUEEN Culture Award.
• 2008:**
  • First recipient of the Marie Claire Japan "Planet Muse Award."
• 2009:**
  • Appointed Korean Tourism Honorary Ambassador (February).
  • Received the 2009 Seoul Tourism Award (Popular Seoul Tourism Entertainer Overseas Division) from the city of Seoul (June).
  • BEST HIT Award (August).
  • Voted "BEST Entertainer" by nationwide beauty and barber school students (November).
• 2018-2022:**
  • QVC BESTSELLER Award (received consecutively in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022).
• 2019:**
  • Kimono Queen in the Japanese Attire Division at the 1st Best Formal Wear Award (September).
• 2020:**
  • PR Ambassador for the Special Exhibition "KIMONO" (June).
  • Kimono Queen in the Japanese Attire Division at the 2nd Best Formal Wear Award (November).
  • @cosme BEAUTY PERSON OF THE YEAR (December).
• 2022:**
  • Platinum Ageist Award (Beauty & Anti-Aging Division) (July).
  • Kimono Queen in the Japanese Attire Division at the Best Formal Wear Award (6th consecutive win, inducted into the Hall of Fame) (December).
  • Merit Award from Korean Saimdang (December).
  • Merit Award from the Korea Cosmetic Industry Association (December).
• 2023:**
  • Kimono Queen at the 5th Best Formal Wear Award (November).
  • HAPPY WOMAN Award in the Individual Category for SDGs (March 2024), recognizing her contributions to a sustainable society and women's empowerment.

8.2. Cultural Impact and Public Perception

IKKO is widely regarded as a cultural icon in Japan, often affectionately referred to as the "Charisma of Beauty." Her unique blend of beauty expertise, flamboyant personality, and relatable life philosophy has made her a beloved figure across generations. She has significantly influenced Japanese popular culture, not only through her beauty advice and trendsetting but also through her widespread catchphrases and her open discussion of her personal journey. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences, whether through makeup demonstrations, heartfelt life advice, or entertaining performances, has solidified her status as a respected and influential personality in Japanese society.

9.1. Dramas and Films

IKKO has also taken on acting roles in television dramas and films:

• Shigeshi Embalmer Mamiya Shinjiro (TV Tokyo, 2007) - Guest as Reimei Hiroshi, a designer of death costumes.
• Barairo no Seisen (TV Asahi, 2011) - Portrayed YUKIKO.
• Dokushin Kizoku (Fuji TV, 2013).
• Bijo to Danshi (NHK General, 2015) - Portrayed Masayuki Niimi.
• Kin'yō Premium "Keppeki-kun no Satsujin File 2" (Fuji TV, 2015) - Played herself.
• Kuro Sasori (BS Fuji, 2016) - Portrayed Kozue Kiryu.
• Keishichō Ikimono Gakari (Fuji TV, 2017) - Portrayed Anita (real name Samejima).
• Kangoku no Ohime-sama (2017) - Played herself.
• Totsukawa Keibu Series 5 (2018) - Portrayed Momo-mama.
• Nippori Charlies (Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, 2020) - Portrayed Imosaka.
• Watashi tte Sabasaba Shiteru kara 2 (2025) - Portrayed Sabasaba-san.
• Umami (2021) - Portrayed Matsuba in this French-Japanese co-production film directed by Slony Sow.

9.2. Commercials and Endorsements

IKKO has an extensive portfolio of commercial and endorsement work, appearing in advertisements for a wide array of brands and products:

• NTT East "Flets Hikari" (2008)
• Frente International "FRAGRE" (2008)
• Schick Japan "Sapphire" (2008), "Quattro4 for Women" (2009)
• Toyota Passo "Hana Joshi Daigaku" (2010)
• Lotte "Lemovita Nodo Ame" (2010), "Fuyu no Choco Pie Campaign" (2014)
• Etude House "Lip Perfume"
• GORGEOUS (her own perfume brand)
• Hakataya (Fukuoka) Mentaiko CM
• "Bigen | Bizan" Treatment Lip Glossy
• Orbis Cosmetics
• NIKKO (Oita)
• Q'sai "CollaRich EX"
• Kanebo Cosmetics "Ururi"
• Somi Shokuhin "Somi Shantan Powder Type"
• Shiseido "Senka All Clear" (2018)
• SmartNews (2019)
• Bandai Namco Online "Graffiti Smash" (2018)
• Shinsei "Torokeru Kinako" (2019)
• Chidoriya Honke "Chidori Manju"
• Planex Communications "Smacame NEKKO" (2019)
• Morinaga & Company "DARS" (2019), "Cacao no Chikara " (2021)
• House Mate Partners (2019)
• PRAIA "Hills Avenue" (2020)
• P&G Japan "Lenor Reset," "Kin no Febreze" (2020)
• LG Electronics Japan "LG style3" (2020)
• Fujifilm "Astalift White Jelly Aquarysta" (2021)
• Aigan "Aigan UV420 Lens" (2021)
• Daesang Japan "Kimchi no Megami Tōjō" (2021)
• AirTrip (2021, 2022)
• Empower "Kaitori Daikichi" (2021)
• LEC "Mizu de Hajimeru Rakuraku Balsan" (2022)
• Sun Chlorella "Sun Chlorella A" (2022)
• Suntory Beverage & Food Limited "Craft Boss Amakunai Italiano" (2023)
• Ensuiko Seito "Oligo no Okage" (2023)
• Soken Group "Soken Paint" (2023)
• Neo First Life Insurance (2023)
• Yakult Honsha "Lactdew" (2023)
• Nissin Foods "Raoh (Bag Noodles) 3-Pack" (2024)
• Sunpack "Magical Puff α" (2014) - Image character
• Odakyu Electric Railway "Odakyu Denki" (2019) - Image character

11.1. Singles

• "どんだけ~!の法則_{Dondake no Hōsoku}^Japanese" (The Law of Dondake) (December 5, 2007) - Reached 119th on the Oricon Chart.
• "ウルトラアゲアゲDancing_{Ultra Ageage Dancing}^Japanese" (Ultra Pumped-Up Dancing) (April 15, 2009) - Released with IKKO Happy Girls.
• "ゴージャスゥ~!_Gorgeous~^Japanese" (April 28, 2010) - Lyrics by Tsunku. Reached 89th on Oricon, 96th on CDTV, and 31st on M-ON! Countdown.

11.2. DVDs

• 美脚革命_{Bikyaku Kakumei}^Japanese (Beautiful Legs Revolution) DVDBOX (Magazine House)