Eiko Koike is a Japanese actress and former gravure idol born in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. Her parents ran a pachinko parlor founded by her grandfather, and she graduated from Yosawa Elementary School and Kudan Japanese and Western Girls High School.
As a child, Koike was fascinated by the creative dance club at school and devoted herself to the club, even participating in the "Utchan Nanchan no Urinari!" project and winning a national title. She also attended the Blackpool Dance Festival in the UK in 2005.
Initially, Koike wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but she was scouted by Yoshiharu Noda and entered the entertainment world. She started her career as a gravure idol, but later shifted her focus to acting, starring in films such as "The Kiss" (2007),"A Chorus of Angels" (2012),and "Vengeance Can Wait" (2010).
Koike has been married to professional wrestler Wataru Sakata since 2007 and has participated in mixed martial arts events, including PRIDE. She has also been involved in the establishment of the "Portrait Rights Protection Association" and has advocated for the rights of women who appear on TV.
In addition to her acting career, Koike has been known for her dancing skills and has won several awards for her performances. She has also been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Japan Academy Prize for her outstanding performance in the film "Rebirth" (2011).
