Ikuta Erika

Ikuta Erika
Ikuta Erika (2018 - Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru)
Name
Kanji	生田絵梨花
Kana	いくた えりか
Romaji	Ikuta Erika
Nickname	Ikuchan (いくちゃん)
Birth Info
Birthdate	January 22, 1997
Birthplace	Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Hometown	Tokyo, Japan
Blood type	A
Current Age	27 Years Old
Sizes
Height	160cm
Professional Info
Agency	Ohta Pro
Social Networks	Official Website / 7gogo / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube
Idol Career Info
Former Group	Nogizaka46
Former Team	1st Generation
Debuted	June 2011 / 1st Generation
Graduated	December 2021

Ikuta Erika was a member of Nogizaka46's 1st Generation. She is currently affiliated with Ohta Pro.

Trivia

• Audition Song: Star (aiko)
• Charm point: Eyes
• Hobbies: Listening to music, watching variety shows
• Favorite food: Udon, apples, chocolates
• Least favorite food: Wasabi, spicy food
• Special skills: Piano, singing opera, calligraphy, alto horn, ballet
  • She is a very talented piano player, and has represented Tokyo in a national competition.
  • She has won various awards for her achievements as a musical actress.
• She lived in Germany until she was 5 years old.
• She has an elder sister.
• She is considered a genius for her piano and musical skills, but also has an eccentric side and is known to be gluttonous.
• She is very bad at cooking and drawing.
  • On Nogizakatte, Doko? Episode 79, she unveiled her infamous "Sphynx-kun" drawing.
• She sometimes thinks about philosophical topics, and will always tend to ask other members until she gets the answer she wants.
• She went on hiatus shortly before the release of Natsu no Free & Easy to focus on her studies. She returned for the following single release (Nandome no Aozora ka) in which she was center.
• Akimoto Yasushi commented that she is similar to Maeda Atsuko.
• Her 2-shot with Morning Musume member Ikuta Erina during FNS The Live 2015 caught the fans' attention for their notably similar names.
• Her favorite musical is Les Miserables, and was able to star in three runs of the musical in the roles of Cosette and later as Eponine.

History

Early Life

• At age 4, began learning to play the piano.
• In 2007, made her stage debut in musical "Coco Smile 5".
• Prior to joining Nogizaka46, she was an actress under Ohta Pro working under the name "Ikegami Kai (池上花衣)".

2011

• On August 21st, passed the Nogizaka46 1st Generation auditions. She was selected as one of the 16 provisional Senbatsu members.
• In December, was selected as a pianist at the 21st Japanese Classical Music Competition.

2012

• On January 8th, was selected as a Senbatsu member for the group's debut single on Nogizakatte, Doko?
• From September 1st to 9th, participated in Nogizaka46's musical, 16nin no Principal. For the musical, fans had the ability vote for the leading roles for each performance, and Ikuta was selected for the lead role of "Alice" in 6 of the 9 performances.

2013

• On December 17th, made a suprise appearance at 3rd AKB48 Kouhaku Utagassen, where she sang and played the piano for Watanabe Mayu's performance of Kimi no Na wa Kibou.

2014

• On June 28th, went on hiatus in preparation for entering university.
• On August 3rd, was selected as Center for the group's 10th single Nandome no Aozora ka? and resumed activities.
• On October 2nd, began starring in musical "Rainbow Prelude".

2015

• On January 14th, appeared in her first regular TV Drama role as Hosoi Mika in "Disappointing Husband".
• On March 20th, graduated from high school and began attending music college.

2016

• On January 21st, her first photobook, Tenchou, was released. It was first place in Oricon's book ranking and photobook category for the first half of 2016.
• On December 1st, became the ambassador for Sony's Classical Music Compilation release, "Best Classics 100".

2017

• On June 12th, won the encouragement award at the 8th Iwatani Tokiko Awards for her achievements as a musical actress.
• On December 25th, became the first Nogizaka46 member to hold a solo live with "MTV Unplugged: Erika Ikuta from Nogizaka46". The performance was broadcasted live on MTV, a first in the history of MTV Unplugged Japan.

2019

• From January to September, she consecutively starred in three musicals: "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812", "Romeo & Juliette", and "Les Miserables".
• On January 22nd, her second photobook, Intermission was released. It was first place in Oricon's annual book ranking and the photobook category.
• In April, won the 44th Kazuo Kikuta Theater Award for her role of Constanze in "Mozart" and Natasha in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812".
• In July, was ranked 5th in Nikkei Entertainment's 2019 Talent Power Ranking in the "Female Idol Ranking".
• On November 6th, received the special award at the 1st Noma Publishing Culture Award for Intermission.

2021

• In March, won the actress award at WOWOW's "Theatrical Awards 2020."
• On October 25th, announced her graduation from Nogizaka46.
• On November 5th, centered the main song of the group's best album, Saigo no Tight Hug.
• On December 14th, her graduation memorial book "Kanon" was released.
• On December 14th & 15th, held her graduation concert at Yokohama Arena.
• On December 31st, graduated from Nogizaka46 with her final performance of Kikkake at the 72nd Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

2022

• On January 5th, announced her new affiliation office, Ohta Pro.

2024

• Released first solo EP, 「capriccioso」, on April 10.
• Starting in summer, will be the lead role for the ABC TV and Asahi TV joint drama "Subarashiki Kana, Sensei!" (素晴らしき哉、先生！).

Singles Participation

Nogizaka46 A-Sides

Guru Guru Curtain (Shichi Fukujin) Oide Shampoo Hashire! Bicycle (Shichi Fukujin) Seifuku no Mannequin (Hachi Fukujin) Kimi no Na wa Kibou (Hachi Fukujin) Girl's Rule (Hachi Fukujin) Barrette (Hachi Fukujin) Kidzuitara Kataomoi Nandome no Aozora ka? (Center)

Inochi wa Utsukushii (Jyuu Fukujin) Taiyou Knock (Jyuu Fukujin) Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru (Jyuu Fukujin) Harujion ga Sakukoro (Jyuu Fukujin) Hadashi de Summer (Jyuu Fukujin) Sayonara no Imi (Jyuuichi Fukujin) Influencer (Jyuuni Fukujin) Nigemizu (Jyuuni Fukujin) Itsuka Dekirukara Kyou Dekiru (Jyuuni Fukujin)

Synchronicity (Jyuuyon Fukujin) Jikochuu de Ikou! (Jyuuyon Fukujin) Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru (Jyuuyon Fukujin) Sing Out! (Jyuuyon Fukujin) Yoakemade Tsuyogaranakutemoii (Jyuuichi Fukujin) Shiawase no Hogosyoku (Jyuuichi Fukujin) Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru (Jyuuni Fukujin) Gomen ne Fingers crossed (Jyuuni Fukujin) Kimi ni Shikarareta (Jyuuni Fukujin)

Nogizaka46 B-Sides

Nogizaka no Uta (Guru Guru Curtain) Aitakatta Kamoshirenai (Guru Guru Curtain) Ushinaitakunai Kara (Guru Guru Curtain) (WCenter with Ikoma Rina) Shiroi Kumo ni Notte (Guru Guru Curtain) Kokoro no Kusuri (Oide Shampoo) House! (Oide Shampoo) Hito wa Naze Hashiru no ka? (Hashire! Bicycle) Oto ga Denai Guitar (Hashire! Bicycle) Yubi Bouenkyou (Seifuku no Mannequin) Koko Janai Doko ka (Seifuku no Mannequin) Shakiism (Kimi no Na wa Kibou) Romantic Ikayaki (Kimi no Na wa Kibou) Sekai de Ichiban Kodoku na Lover (Girl's Rule) Ningen to Iu Gakki (Girl's Rule) Tsuki no Okisa (Barrette) Sonna Baka na... (Barrette) Yasashisa to wa (Barrette)

Romance no Start (Kidzuitara Kataomoi) Toiki no Method (Kidzuitara Kataomoi) Dankeschön (Kidzuitara Kataomoi) (Center) Korogatta Kane wo Narase! (Nandome no Aozora ka?) (Center) Watashi, Okiru (Nandome no Aozora ka?) (Center) Tender days (Nandome no Aozora ka?) (Center) Arakajime Katarareru Romance (Inochi wa Utsukushii) Muhyoujou (Taiyou Knock) (Duet with Matsumura Sayuri) Hane no Kioku (Taiyou Knock) Popipapapa (Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru) Kanashimi no Wasurekata (Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru) Harukanaru Bhutan (Harujion ga Sakukoro) (Center) Boku Dake no Hikari (Hadashi de Summer) Inochi no Shinjitsu Musical "Ringo Uri to Kamemushi" (Hadashi de Summer) (Duet with Sakamoto Kenji) Kodoku na Aozora (Sayonara no Imi) Onna wa Hitori ja Nemurenai (Nigemizu) Hito Natsu no Nagasa Yori... (Nigemizu)

Naitatte Iijanaika? (Nigemizu) Fuminsho (Itsuka Dekirukara Kyou Dekiru) Atarashii Kafun ~Musical “Mishiranu Sekai” yori~ (Itsuka Dekirukara Kyou Dekiru) (Duet with Kubo Shiori) Against (Synchronicity) Kumo ni Nareba ii (Synchronicity) (Center) Sora Tobira (Jikochuu de Ikou!) Anna ni Sukidatta no ni... (Jikochuu de Ikou!) Chopin no Usotsuki (Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru) Aimai (Sing Out!) (Duet with Matsumura Sayuri) Boku no Koto, Shitteru? (Yoakemade Tsuyogaranakutemoii) Boku no Omoikomi (Yoakemade Tsuyogaranakutemoii) Sayonara Stay With Me (Shiawase no Hogosyoku) Ashita ga Aru Riyuu (Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru) Wilderness world (Boku wa Boku wo Suki ni Naru) Zenbu Yume no Mama (Gomen ne Fingers crossed) Yasashii dake nara (Kimi ni Shikarareta) (Center) Tanin no Sora ni (Kimi ni Shikarareta)

AKB48 B-Sides

• Mazariau Mono (Kimi wa Melody)

Other Original Songs

• Twin Tail wa Mou Shinai (Otona Jelly Beans)
• Sekaijuu no Rinjin yo
• Route 246
• 1・2・3

Albums Participation

Nogizaka46 Albums

Boku ga Iru Basho (Toumei na Iro) (Center) Anata no Tame ni Hikitai (Toumei na Iro) (Solo) Kikkake (Sorezore no Isu) Taiyou ni Kudokarete (Sorezore no Isu) Teitaion no Kiss (Sorezore no Isu) (Solo) Settei Ondo (Umaretekara Hajimete Mita Yume)

Mangetsu ga Kieta (Umaretekara Hajimete Mita Yume) Skydiving (Umaretekara Hajimete Mita Yume) Arigachi na Renai (Ima ga Omoide ni Naru Made) Pocchito (Ima ga Omoide ni Naru Made) (Center) Saigo no Tight Hug (Time flies) (Center) Toki no Wadachi (Time flies) (Solo)

Units

Concert Units

Nogizaka46 Ikuta Erika Graduation Concert

• Kumo ni Nareba ii
• Muhyoujou
• Guuzen wo Iiwake ni Shite

Solo Songs

• Anata no Tame ni Hikitai (Toumei na Iro)
• Teitaion no Kiss (Sorezore no Isu)
• Toki no Wadachi (Time flies)

Photobooks

• [2016.01.21] Tenchou
• [2019.01.22] Intermission
• [2021.12.14] Kanon

Media Appearances

Stage Plays

• Coco Smile 5: Asu e no Rock 'n' Roll (ココ・スマイル5 〜明日へのロックンロール〜) (2007) - Coco
• Heidi (アルプスの少女ハイジ) (2009) - Clara Sesemann
• Rainbow Prelude (虹のプレリュード) (2014-2015) - Louise
• Ribbon no Kishi (リボンの騎士) (2015) - Princess Sapphire
• Romeo & Juliette (ロミオ＆ジュリエット) (2017, 2019) - Juliette
• Les Miserables (レ・ミゼラブル)
  • Role of Cosette (2017-2019)
  • Role of Eponine (2021)
• Mozart (モーツァルト!) (2018) - Constanze
• Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (ナターシャ・ピエール・アンド・ザ・グレート・コメット・オブ・1812) (2019) - Natasha Rostova
• Beautiful Woman -A Woman Who Has Met With God- (キレイ―神様と待ち合わせした女―) (2019)
• Whistle Down the Wind (ホイッスル・ダウン・ザ・ウィンド ～汚れなき瞳～) (2020) - Swallow
• Happily Ever After (2020)
• Shibuya de Aimashou (COCOON PRODUCTION 2021「シブヤデアイマショウ」) (2021)
• Your Lie in April (四月は君の嘘) (2022) - Miyazono Kaori

Movies

• Beginning of Toilet no Hanako-san (ビギニング オブ トイレの花子さん) (2011) - Hiiragi Hanako
• Hunger Games (2012) - Voice of Rue
• Psychic Power Research Club's 3 People (超能力研究部の3人 Chounouryoku Kenkyubu no 3 Nin) (2014) - Murata Ikuko
• Asahinagu (あさひなぐ) (2017) - Ichido Nene
• Kakegurui 2: Ultimate Russian Roulette (映画 賭ケグルイ絶体絶命ロシアンルーレット) (2021) - Miharutaki Sakura
• The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero (コンフィデンスマンJP 英雄編) (2020) - Hatakeyama Reina

Dramas

• Sabadoru (さばドル) (2012)
• Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou (ビブリア古書堂の事件手帖) (2013)
• Clinic on the Sea (海の上の診療所 Umi no Ue no Shinryoujo) (2013) - Episode 1
• Disappointing Husband (残念な夫。 Zannen na Otto) (2015) - Hosoi Mika
• Hatsumori Bemars (初森ベマーズ) (2015)
• Scary True Stories Summer 2016 (Another Elevator) (ほんとにあった怖い話) (もう1人のエレベーター) (2016)
• Shuudan Sasen!! (集団左遷!!) (2019)
• Go! Song of Love (とどけ!愛のうた Todoke! Ai no Uta) (2020) - Kinari
• Kakegurui Twin (賭ケグルイ双 Kakegurui Sou) (2021) - Miharutaki Sakura
• Ichikei's Crow: The Criminal Court Judges (イチケイのカラス Ichikei no Karasu) (2021) - Episode 5
• Matsuo Suzuki to 30-pun no Joyu 2 (松尾スズキと30分の女優2) (2022)
• Subarashiki Kana, Sensei! (素晴らしき哉、先生！) (2024) - Sasaoka Rio

Anime

• Pokemon (ポケットモンスター) (2021) - Voice of Minun

Variety Shows

• Nogizakatte, Doko? (乃木坂って、どこ?)
• NOGIBINGO!
• Nogizaka46 no Gakutabi!
• TEPPEN (芸能界特技王決定戦 TEPPEN) (2014)
• MTV Unplugged: Erika Ikuta from Nogizaka46 (2017)
• THE SKY ATTACK (LIFE!presents 忍べ！右左ヱ門 THE SKY ATTACK) (2019)
• Fantazaka Gakuen to Daigashou Keikaku (ファンタ坂学園と大合唱計画) (2019)
• Give me a truth! (行列のできる法律相談所) (2020)
• Shoten SP (笑点 お正月だよ！大喜利まつり) (2021)

Gallery

Ikuta Erika (2018 - Kaerimichi wa Toomawari Shitaku Naru)

Ikuta Erika (2017 - Influencer)

Ikuta Erika (2016 - Hadashi de Summer)

Ikuta Erika (2016 - Harujion ga Sakukoro)

Ikuta Erika (2015 - Ima, Hanashitai Dareka ga Iru)

Ikuta Erika (2015 - Taiyou Knock)

Ikuta Erika (2015 - Inochi wa Utsukushii)

Ikuta Erika (2014 - Nandome no Aozora ka?)

Ikuta Erika (2014 - Kidzuitara Kataomoi)

Ikuta Erika (2013 - Barrette)

Ikuta Erika (2013 - Girl's Rule)

Ikuta Erika (2013 - Kimi no Na wa Kibou)

Ikuta Erika (2012 - Seifuku no Mannequin)

Ikuta Erika (2012 - Hashire! Bicycle)

Ikuta Erika (2012 - Oide Shampoo)

Ikuta Erika (2012 - Guru Guru Curtain)

Ikuta Erika (2011 - Nogizakatte, Doko?)

Ikuta Erika (2011)