Miri Sugihara

About Miri Sugihara

​Overview and Personality
​Miri Sugihara (born August 11, 1975, in Gosen City, Niigata Prefecture) is a versatile media personality whose broad career spans radio hosting, acting, comedy, non-profit leadership, and a former stint as an AV actress. Of French descent through her French-American grandfather, Miri Sugihara stands 168 cm (5'6") tall—a height she nearly reached in middle school, where she was frequently mistaken for being older than she was. Her reported measurements are 88–60–88 cm (G-cup bust), with a shoe size of 24.5 cm and blood type O.

​Known both personally and publicly as a tough, reliable "older sister" figure, her self-proclaimed specialty is fighting. In elementary school, when told by a teacher that girls could not run for student council president, she vehemently protested and ultimately served as vice president. Her strong sense of justice was evident from a young age; during middle school, she famously accepted and won a duel against a male student from a rival school to defend a bullied friend. Beyond her tough exterior, Miri Sugiharai holds a second-degree (2nd-dan) black belt rank in calligraphy and possesses a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese culture, including Noh theater and incense arts.

​Background and Diverse Career
​After dropping out of high school, Miri Sugihara experienced marriage, childbirth, and divorce, becoming a single mother before entering the entertainment industry. In her late teens, she served as the second-generation leader of Kijorenmei, an all-female biker gang (bosozoku) based in Niigata. Simultaneously, she worked as a club manager in Niigata's Furumachi entertainment district and as a race queen for the local agency Joyful. Recalling this period, she noted that juggling all three roles left her with virtually no time to sleep, contributing to a career history that encompasses over 30 different occupations.

​Her break into entertainment came when a friend recommended a newspaper ad seeking extras. In 2000, she appeared as a salon customer in the premiere episode of the TBS drama Beautiful Life. Her performance landed her a recurring role as a salon staff member from episode two onward. She subsequently transitioned into radio, hosting shows for stations such as SHIBUYA-FM and NACK5.

In 2002, she debuted in the adult video industry under the stage name Miri Sugihara. To raise money for her sick mother’s medical expenses, she pledged to retire after exactly one year. She appeared mainly in lesbian- and nymphomania-themed films, including uncensored releases, and as promised, retired from the industry in 2003.

​Multifaceted Activities and Social Contribution
​In 2004, Miri Sugihara opened an inclusive "mix bar" in Tokyo's Kabukicho district, employing a diverse staff of gay, lesbian, cross-dressing, transgender, and straight individuals (the venue has since closed). In 2005, she produced the "Princess Hoppy in Enoshima 2005" event sponsored by Hoppy Beverage and performed as a diva in DDT Pro-Wrestling. Beginning in 2006, she frequently collaborated with the Niigata comedy troupe NAMARA and the performance festival Kowaremono no Saiten.

​In April 2007, she formed the comedy duo Mint Siblings with Rakushingo (then performing simply as "Shingo"), playing the "straight man" (tsukkomi) role during their debut on NTV's Enta no Kamisama. In 2008, she published her autobiography, Sakihashiri☆Hot Road (Kodansha), and began delivering lectures on bullying and sex education at middle and high schools. Starting in 2009, she actively produced, emceed, and hosted charity comedy shows in Tokyo, including an event in Fuchu City that drew an audience of over 500 people.

​In 2010, she established the non-profit organization Military Airport and assumed the role of representative director. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, her organization launched the "Love in Boots" initiative, delivering rubber boots to relief zones in Miyagi Prefecture, including Watari and Minamisanriku.

​Transition to Her Real Name and Recent Activities
​On April 1, 2013, she officially adopted her real name, Rie Nishiwaki, as her professional stage name. She hosted the late-night variety show Yangotonaki! (Niigata Television 21) for four years—a project she helped conceive from the development stage. The show achieved remarkable success, at times outperforming the local ratings of the nationwide hit Suiyō Dōdeshō (How do you like Wednesday?). Around the conclusion of filming for the movie Sengoku Bloody Agent, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent surgical treatment while continuing her career commitments.

​In 2015, she launched Harajuku Ginbachi, a unit themed around delinquent (yankee) subculture, followed in 2016 by the musical group Hanaya. Billing herself as the "Maiden Gang Leader" and the "Lonely Boss Gorilla," she entered the idol scene with the hit debut single Boing to the World, leading to back-to-back appearances on AbemaTV's year-end specials hosted by Mari Yaguchi.

​Today, Miri Sugihara plans, produces, and emcees cross-genre events such as FUJIYAMA Tokko★Yappy, promoting Japanese subcultures—including tokkofuku (embroidered gang jackets), "Yankee Calligraphy," and mabudachi (sworn friendship) culture—to an international audience. Concurrently, as the head of her NPO, she remains active as an entertainer while frequently providing counseling and delivering lectures on youth issues, bullying, and sexual health.