Takako Uehara 上原 多香子 |
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Born |
Tomigusuku, Okinawa, Japan |
January 14, 1983
Genres | Pop, R&B |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Actress, Model |
Instruments | Vocals, Piano, |
Years active | 1995–present |
Labels |
Toy's Factory 1996— 2001 Sonic Groove 2002 — present |
Website | Avex Uehara Takako |
Takako Uehara (上原 多香子 Uehara Takako?, born January 14, 1983) is a Japanese pop singer, actress, and former radio host. She is a member of the group Speed. Uehara was born in Okinawa, Japan.
She was married to one of Jpop group TENN singer ET-KING in 2012 but only lasted for two years after her husband committed suicide in 2014.
Her first solo single "My First Love" was released in January 1999, and was produced by Ryuichi Kawamura (of Luna Sea). "My First Love" was the beginning of a prosperous collaboration between Uehara and Kawamura. The single sold over 500,000 copies. The promotional video along with the cover and leaflet photos for 'My First Love' were all shot on location in Hawaii. Uehara followed up with her second and third singles, 'Come Close to Me' and 'My Greatest Memories'. In July 2000 following the disbandment of Speed, she became the first member of the group to release a solo album: My First Wing.
After Speed, Uehara continued with a solo career as well as acting in various TV dramas. Takako is also a model endorsing many brands such as Shiseido mainly on Proudia & Tsubaki Shampoo, Dunlop Tyres, NTT DoCoMo, FujiFilm FinePix Camera, SAGAWA, FamilyMart, KC Card, Meiji Chocolate, NEC FOMA and other food & beverages. She teamed up with Vivian Hsu to promote Shiseido's 'Proudia' range of products aimed at the more youthful market.