Yakushimaru Emi embarked on a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, kick-starting her illustrious career with a triumphant audition for a film produced by the highly acclaimed Haruki Kadokawa. This remarkable achievement catapulted her into the spotlight, alongside fellow teen idols Tomoyo Harada and Noriko Watanabe, who also made their debut under the esteemed Kadokawa Haruki Corporation, thereby earning Yakushimaru Emi the distinction of being part of the renowned "Kadokawa Sannin-musume" trio, a moniker that would forever be associated with her in the early stages of her illustrious career.
Yakushimaru's acting career commenced in 1978 with a pivotal role in the film Never Give Up, thus initiating her transition into the world of cinema, a milestone that would pave the way for her future endeavors. It was, however, her 1981 appearance in the film Sailor Suit and Machine Gun that truly catapulted her to fame, as she took on the leading role, mesmerizing audiences across the nation with her captivating performance. To further amplify the film's lasting impact, Yakushimaru also contributed to its soundtrack by recording the same-titled theme song, which subsequently reached the highest echelons of Oricon's charts in late 1981, remaining at the coveted top spot until January 18, 1982, a testament to her immense talent and widespread appeal.
Yakushimaru's stardom underwent a meteoric ascent, as she deftly balanced the dual demands of her careers as an actress and a pop singer, earning widespread acclaim and financial triumph primarily during the 1980s.
Throughout her illustrious and multifaceted career, she has consistently showcased an extraordinary level of adaptability, functioning as a highly prolific recording artist until her marriage to Kōji Tamaki, the esteemed and accomplished leader of the renowned band Anzen Chitai.
