Rina Aiuchi

Rina Aiuchi (愛内 里菜, born 31 July 1980) is a Japanese J-pop singer from Higashiōsaka, Osaka. She has been active since 2000 and is associated with Giza Studio. Before moving into music, she worked as a Gal fashion magazine model. In 1999 she joined GIZA studio through the SUPER STARLIGHT CONTEST, and on 23 March 2000 she made her debut with the single "Close To Your Heart," the opening theme for "Monster Farm". Her early releases drew on trance and club-dance styles, then expanded toward rock and ballads. She wrote the lyrics to most of her songs and also took an active role in costume, staging, and sound direction. Her songs were used for anime tie-ins, including the "Meitantei Conan" openings "Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense (恋はスリル、ショック、サスペンス)", "I can't stop my love for you♥", "Start", and "MAGIC". Her first album, Be Happy (2001), was certified Gold in Japan. Her second album, POWER OF WORDS (2002), became her best-selling release and was certified Platinum in Japan. Aiuchi also performed under the names Rikako Kakiuchi, Rika Kakiuchi, and R. Between 2011 and 2014, she stepped away from music, studied for dog-related licenses, and created the dog brand Bon Bon Copine. She later returned to performing as Rika Kakiuchi, continued as R until 2021, and then resumed the name Rina Aiuchi.