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Entertainment • Musician

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer-songwriter, model, and actress born in Niigata, Japan, in 1990.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer-songwriter, model, and actress born in Niigata, Japan, in 1990. She became known for genre-blending pop music, releasing her debut studio album, *Sawayama*, in 2020 and her second studio album, *Hold the Girl*, in 2022. She also made her film acting debut in *John Wick: Chapter 4* (2023).

Early life

Rina Sawayama was born on 16 August 1990 in Niigata, Japan, and later moved to London with her family when she was five years old.

Music career

She began her solo career in 2013 and released her debut EP, *Rina*, in 2017. Her first studio album, *Sawayama*, followed in 2020, and *Hold the Girl* was released in 2022.

Style and themes

Sawayama is widely described as genre-defying, with music that blends pop with rock, electronic, R&B, and other styles. Her work has also been noted for themes including identity, feminism, and personal experience.

Other work

In addition to music, Sawayama has modelled for fashion campaigns and appeared in film. Her acting debut was in the action film *John Wick: Chapter 4* (2023).

Key facts

  • Sawayama was born in Niigata, Japan, and moved to London at age five.
  • She is known for genre-blending pop that incorporates elements of alternative pop, rock, R&B, and electronic music.
  • Her debut studio album, *Sawayama*, was released in 2020 after she signed with Dirty Hit.
  • Her second studio album, *Hold the Girl*, was released on 16 September 2022.
  • She made her feature film acting debut in *John Wick: Chapter 4* (2023).
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Canadian context

Sawayama has a significant audience in Canada as an internationally recognised pop artist, and her genre-blending style has been covered by Canadian music listeners and media; no specific Canada-only career milestone is established in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rina Sawayama?
Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer-songwriter, model, and actress known for genre-blending pop music.
When was Rina Sawayama born?
She was born on 16 August 1990.
Where was Rina Sawayama born?
She was born in Niigata, Japan.
What was Rina Sawayama’s debut studio album?
Her debut studio album was *Sawayama*, released in 2020.
What is Rina Sawayama known for musically?
She is known for versatile, genre-blurring pop that combines influences from alternative pop, rock, R&B, and electronic music.
Has Rina Sawayama acted in films?
Yes. She made her feature film acting debut in *John Wick: Chapter 4* in 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rina_Sawayama
    Supports: Debut studio album *Sawayama*, second studio album *Hold the Girl*, Dirty Hit signing, fashion modelling, and acting debut in *John Wick: Chapter 4*.
  2. Universal Music Japan — https://www.universal-music.co.jp/rina-sawayama/biography/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and Japanese singer-songwriter background.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52380231
    Supports: Birthplace in Niigata and move to London at age five.
  4. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rina-sawayama-mn0003639509
    Supports: Genre-defying musical style and pop classification.
  5. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rina-sawayama/638343826
    Supports: Solo career starting in 2013, debut EP *Rina*, debut album *Sawayama*, second album *Hold the Girl*, and genre-blending description.