Eriko Imai

Eriko Imai is a multi-talented Japanese figure known for her work as a singer, actress, and politician. She first gained fame as one of the youngest members of the popular music group SPEED, making her debut in the late '90s. Her acting career took off in 1998 with her role in the film "Andromedia," which featured all members of SPEED. Following the group’s split in 2000, Imai embarked on a solo journey, initially collaborating with the dance group Crunch under the moniker "Eriko With Crunch." After their partnership concluded in 2004, she re-entered the music scene as "Elly."

In her personal life, Imai married Shogo, the lead vocalist of the band 175R, in 2004. The couple welcomed a son the same year but eventually divorced in 2007. As a devoted mother, Imai's life took a turn when she learned that her son is deaf. In response, she began studying sign language in 2008 and later took on the role of host for NHK’s sign language education program, "Minna No Showa," in 2010.

Imai’s ambitions also extend to politics; she successfully ran for a seat in the Japanese House of Councillors with the Liberal Democratic Party during the 2016 elections, marking her entry into the political arena.