Iijima Ai

Quick Facts: Who was Iijima Ai?

Subject:

Iijima Ai

Known for:

Japanese media personality who transitioned from AV idol to mainstream actress and activist.

Born:

1972-10-31

Died:

2008-12-24

Century / Era:

1972s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ai Iijima (Japanese: 飯島 愛, Hepburn: Iijima Ai; October 31, 1972 – December 17, 2008) was a Japanese media personality, writer, activist and actress who was an AV idol early in her career, starring in more than 100 films. She later became the hostess on the nighttime television program, Gilgamesh Night, and transitioned away from AV work. After ending her career in adult videos, Iijima released a musical single Naisho DE Ai! (ナイショ DE アイ!アイ!) in July 1993 and soon became a regular on daytime TV talk shows. Iijima became involved in campaigns to educate the public about HIV/AIDS, a cause that few Japanese celebrities were willing to undertake.

Career & Major Achievements

On December 24, 2008 at about 3:30 p.m. (JST), Iijima was found dead in her 21st floor Tokyo apartment. Pathology examination showed she had died of pneumonia shortly after retiring from the public eye. Born as Matsue Okubo (大久保松恵, Ōkubo Matsue) in Tokyo, Japan, Iijima described a troubled early life in her autobiography. She was raped in her early teens and had an abortion.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She ran away from home as a teenager, later stating, "I hated my parents, to the point where I would rather be coached by bums to sleep in parks wrapped in newspaper blankets." In order to make a living during this time, Iijima worked in karaoke establishments, snack bars, Ginza hostess clubs, and in enjo kōsai (paid dating). Iijima's adult video (AV) debut was All That Sexy Venus for the Tairiku Shobo Company's FOXY label in April 1992. She quickly became the top AV actress of the time, appearing in over 100 films. She entered mainstream media as a hostess on the nighttime television program, Gilgamesh Night, where she became known as the "T-Back Queen", for her practice of turning her rear to the camera, lifting her skirt and flashing her G-string, known in Japan as a "T-Back". In addition to adult videos in the early 1990s, Iijima also acted in a number of softcore V-cinema works including the August 1992 comedy Yuke yuke AV shinsengumi: Tenshi tachi no H na daisensō (ゆけゆけＡＶ新撰組　天使たちのＨな大戦争) (with Hitomi Shiraishi), and the erotic suspense comedy Costume Gourmet: T-Back Bride (コスチューム・グルメ Tバックの花嫁), released in January 1993 by Japan Home Video.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1972 (1972-10-31): Birth of Iijima Ai — Japanese media personality who transitioned from AV idol to mainstream actress and activist.
2. 1992: 1992 Milestone — Iijima's adult video (AV) debut was All That Sexy Venus for the Tairiku Shobo Company's FOXY label in April 1992.
3. 1993: 1993 Milestone — ) in July 1993 and soon became a regular on daytime TV talk shows.
4. 2008 (2008-12-24): Passing & Historical Legacy — Iijima Ai passed away on 2008-12-24, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Iijima Ai

“I hated my parents, to the point where I would rather be coached by bums to sleep in parks wrapped in newspaper blankets.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Iijima Ai

True or False: “Ai Iijima's early career involved her being known for a specific dance move called the 'T-Back'.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): She became famous on the program Gilgamesh Night for turning her rear to the camera and flashing her G-string, which was termed the 'T-Back' in Japan.

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• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• October 31 (10-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 31
• 2008 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2008
• December 24 (12-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 24

Frequently Asked Questions about Iijima Ai