Reiko Ike's journey in the film industry began when she was still in her late teens, with her discovery by Japan's Toei Studios shrouded in mystery. Some accounts claim she was spotted in a nightclub, while others suggest she was recognized as a model. Regardless of the circumstances, Ike's talent and charisma quickly made her a top sex star alongside Miki Sugimoto, and the duo dominated the screens of 1970s Japanese cinema.
Ike's remarkable career spanned over a decade, during which she appeared in an astonishing 12 films, primarily in the Pinky Violence/Yakuza Girl genre. Her breakthrough role came with "Girl Boss Guerilla" in 1972, which marked the beginning of her association with Toei Studios. Throughout the decade, Ike worked tirelessly, despite facing personal challenges, including arrests for drug use and illegal gambling.
Ike's collaborations with renowned directors, such as Kinji Fukasaku, further solidified her reputation as a sex icon in Japan. Her last film before disappearing from the public eye was "The Golden Dog" in 1979.
