Rayko is a bilingual Japanese-American singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Tokyo, Japan. She first rose to prominence in the late 1980s as a recording artist with Victor Entertainment. Decades later, her music experienced a remarkable worldwide resurgence through the global City Pop revival after her signature song, “Sunset Road,” was selected by acclaimed DJ Notoya for the influential 2018 compilation album Tokyo 1980’s Victor Edition. The release introduced Rayko’s music to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners around the world, helping establish her as one of the recognized voices of the international City Pop movement and leading to more than 34 million Spotify streams.
Now based in Los Angeles, Rayko works full-time as a composer, producer, session vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist for the Los Angeles-based music library FrankiKMusic.
Career Highlights
Childhood star and vocalist for the opening theme of the hit Japanese television drama series Tsumatachi no Kagai Jigyou (Nippon TV) through Victor Entertainment.
Composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist of “Until We Meet Again” and “Sumidagawa,” featured in the two-time Emmy Award-winning Amazon Prime series The Man in the High Castle.
Vocalist on “Happy Ride with Baymax” at Tokyo Disneyland.
Composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist of “Forgiveness,” the end-title theme for the feature film The Wolves of Savin Hill, starring Kurt Fuller, Jack McGee, and the late Michael Massee.
Signed exclusive publishing agreements with APM Music (through Mpath Music), Black Toast Music, and Universal Records Japan.
Featured in an exclusive interview by Thrive Global, founded by Ariana Huffington.
Vocalist and actress with the house band on The Eric Andre Show (Adult Swim, Season 5).
Made history as the first Japanese-American singer to perform the U.S. National Anthem at Banc of California Stadium during Angel City FC vs. Kansas City Current.
Composer and instrumentalist of “Fence,” performed by the late Nolan Neal (America’s Got Talent / The Voice).
Featured vocalist and instrumentalist at the opening gala for the “Animal” exhibition at LACMA and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Performed as vocalist and guitarist during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Anime Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Rayko’s musical journey began at the age of four, composing her first song by age five. Recognized as a child prodigy, she was signed to Victor Entertainment as a teenager. After relocating to the United States, she expanded her repertoire, composing hundreds of published and unpublished works spanning countless genres, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from ABBA to Zappa.
A SAG-AFTRA actress, Rayko has toured throughout the United States and Japan as a solo artist, with Lolita Dark, and previously with Dig Jelly.
Current Projects
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of her recording debut, Rayko will release her self-produced Sunset Road 2.0 – Limited Collector’s Edition EP on August 17, 2026. Limited to 700 individually numbered translucent magenta vinyl records, the anniversary release reimagines two of her signature recordings for a new generation.
She is also currently producing her first full-length City Pop album in nearly four decades, scheduled for release in 2027, featuring brand-new collaborations with legendary musicians from her original Victor recordings, including “Sunset Road” composer Kingo Hamada and lyricist Junko Sato.
In addition, Rayko has been commissioned by APM Music (Sony Music Publishing / Universal Music Publishing Group) to compose, produce, and perform two full-length production music albums—one inspired by Japanese Hip-Hop and the other by K-Pop—for worldwide release.
Beyond Music
Associate Professor of the Japanese Way of Tea (Urasenke School, Kyoto), receiving her certification from the 16th Grand Master Sen Sōshitsu. Under her tea name, Sorei Takahashi, she presents authentic Japanese tea ceremonies throughout Southern California.
Co-writer and participant in the suicide prevention documentary Stay Alive, alongside Kevin Hines and the late Dr. Mark Goulston. The documentary is available free on YouTube for anyone who may benefit from its message.
Passionate advocate for suicide prevention, foster children, senior citizens, animal rights, and environmental conservation. Her lifelong dream is to establish a sanctuary where neglected children and elderly individuals can live alongside rescued companion and farm animals in a safe, loving community.
