Yakushimaru Emi's illustrious career in the entertainment industry commenced with her successful audition for a film produced by the renowned Haruki Kadokawa. She joined the esteemed ranks of teen idols Tomoyo Harada and Noriko Watanabe, who also debuted under Kadokawa Haruki Corporation, earning her the moniker "Kadokawa Sannin-musume" in the early stages of her career.
In 1978, Yakushimaru made her acting debut in the movie Never Give Up, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of cinema. Her breakthrough role came in 1981 with the film Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, where she played the leading part, captivating audiences nationwide. To further amplify the film's impact, Yakushimaru recorded the same-titled theme song, which reached the pinnacle of Oricon's charts in late 1981 and remained at the top spot until January 18, 1982.
As Yakushimaru's fame skyrocketed, she successfully navigated the dual roles of actress and pop singer, achieving widespread recognition and commercial success primarily during the 1980s. Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated remarkable versatility, working as a prolific recording artist until her marriage to Kōji Tamaki, the esteemed leader of the band Anzen Chitai.
