Rina Sawayama: Biography

Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer, songwriter, musician, model and actress known for blending pop, rock, R&B, metal and electronic music. Her work frequently explores identity, family, immigration and contemporary culture.

Early Life

Rina Sawayama was born on 16 August 1990 in Niigata, Japan. She moved to London with her family when she was a child and was raised in the United Kingdom.

She attended University College London, where she studied politics, psychology and sociology. During this period she also became involved in music and modelling.

Early Music

Sawayama began releasing music independently during the 2010s. Her early work included the EP RINA, released in 2017.

The project attracted attention for combining contemporary pop production with elements of R&B and alternative music.

SAWAYAMA

In 2020, Sawayama released her debut studio album, SAWAYAMA. The album received widespread critical attention for its ambitious combination of pop, rock, metal and electronic influences.

Songs such as XS, Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys) and STFU! helped establish her distinctive musical style.

Hold the Girl

Sawayama released her second studio album, Hold the Girl, in 2022. The album explored themes including family relationships, identity and personal growth.

It included songs such as This Hell, Catch Me in the Air and Hold the Girl.

Acting Career

Sawayama expanded into acting with a role in the 2021 film John Wick: Chapter 4. She played Akira, a character connected to the film’s central storyline.

The role introduced her to a wider audience outside the music industry.

Music and Identity

Sawayama’s music frequently addresses her experiences as a Japanese person living in Britain. Her songs have explored themes of cultural identity, belonging, sexuality, family and social expectations.

Career

Rina Sawayama has developed a multidisciplinary career spanning music, modelling and acting. Her genre-blending approach and visually distinctive performances have made her a notable figure in contemporary alternative pop.