Rayko, a prodigious musician and vocalist renowned for her bilingual prowess and instrumental versatility, originated from Tokyo. She now resides in Los Angeles, where she dedicates her time as a composer, session vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist for the Los Angeles-based Library/Publishing companies Mpath and FrankiK Music.
Rayko's journey into music began when she was just four, discovered by a progressive Japanese female piano teacher. By the age of five, she had composed her first song about her mother. This early talent caught the attention of Japanese TV stations and record labels such as NHK and RCA Victor Records, who considered her a prodigy and signed her in her early teenage years. Upon her arrival in the US, she expanded her repertoire considerably, amassing hundreds of both published and unpublished songs that span a vast array of musical styles, drawing influences from ABBA to ZAPPA.
In addition to her music career, Rayko is a SAG/AFTRA actress, and serves as the leading force behind the symphonic rock band "Lolita Dark." She has embarked on extensive tours across the US and Japan with "Lolita Dark" and her previous band, "Dig Jelly."
Another side of Rayko: With over a decade of rigorous study, Rayko achieved Master Certification from the 16th Grandmaster Sen Soshitsu of the Kyoto Urasenke School of Tea. As a certified Tea Master, she performs authentic Japanese Tea Ceremonies at various events, including a bi-weekly ceremony at the Rafi Lounge in Malibu, California, and Houdini Estates in Los Angeles.
Outside her artistic pursuits, Rayko is a committed advocate for suicide prevention, passionately defending the voiceless sectors of our society: foster children, the elderly, animals, and the environment. She believes in the importance of every life, regardless of age nor species, and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Her ultimate ambition is to establish a sanctuary for neglected children and elders, providing them a loving home alongside shelter animals and rescued farm animals.
A summary of her recent notable works include:
- History-making performance as the first Japanese American singer of the National Anthem at Angel City Football Club vs Kansas City Current in front of 22,000 fans at the Banc of California Stadium (May 21, 2022).
- Signed a 5-year exclusive contract with Mpath Music through APM/Sony/Universal Music (March 2022).
- Composer/Instrumentalist of “Fence,” performed by late Nolan Neal, former contestant of “America Got Talent” and NBC “The Voice” team vocalist.
- Vocalist on “Happy Ride with Baymax” at Tokyo Disneyland (Opened September 2021).
- Vocalist/Actress in the House Band of Eric Andre Show (Season 5 - 2021).
- Co-writer and participant in the suicide prevention documentary “Stay Alive” alongside Kevin Hines, a Golden Gate Bridge suicide survivor, and former UCLA suicide specialist Dr. Mark Goulston. Available on Amazon Prime.
- Composer/Vocalist/Instrumentalist of songs “Until We Meet Again”, and “Sumidagawa” featured on the Emmy-winning Amazon Prime series "The Man in The High Castle”
- Composer and performer on “Gratitude”, meditation podcast. Available on Apple and Google Podcasts, also on Amazon Music.
- Featured Vocalist/Instrumentalist at the opening gala for the "Animal" exhibit at the LACMA and Peterson’s Automobile Museum.
- Performed as the Vocalist and Guitarist at the Opening and Closing ceremonies of Anime Expo 2019, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
- Contributed as a Composer, Vocalist, and Instrumentalist for the song "Forgiveness", which features in the end credits of the feature film "The Wolves of Savin Hill" (starring Kurt Fuller, Jack McGee, and the late Michael Massee).
- Served as a full-time Composer, Vocalist, and Multi-Instrumentalist for the FrankiK Music Publishing Company from 2016 to present.
Rayko’s prolific career continues to evolve, and her music library can be explored on various platforms such as SoundCloud, under Rayko_Offical, and with her band Lolita Dark. Additional information about her journey and her work on the suicide prevention project "Stay Alive" can be found on Ariana Huffington’s Thrive Global.
