Wink

Wink is a Japanese pop duo active from 1988 to 1996. The group consists of Shōko Aida and Sachiko Suzuki, and is based in Japan. Their work is associated with dance-pop, hi-NRG, idol kayō, J-pop, pop and synth-pop. They release music on Polystar.

Formation and early success

In 1987, Aida and Suzuki both enter a beauty contest organised by the magazine Up to Boy. Suzuki wins the grand prize and Aida is one of the runners-up. The duo forms the following year and debuts in April 1988 with “Sugar Baby Love”. Their second single, “Amaryllis”, also performs well.

Chart success and image

Their third single, “Ai ga Tomaranai ~Turn It Into Love~”, a Japanese-language cover of Kylie Minogue’s “Turn It Into Love”, becomes a major hit and reaches number one on the Oricon charts. Many of their later singles also top the Japanese charts, including “Sabishii Nettaigyo”, which becomes their biggest hit and is later covered by W. Their first single appears on 27 April 1988 and their final release is on 31 March 1996.

Style and presentation

Wink stand apart from many other J-pop idols of the period through their stage image. They perform with little or no smiling, use largely emotionless expressions, and wear elaborate lolita-influenced outfits that give them a doll-like appearance. This visual approach becomes part of their identity during their peak years.

Winkers stores

During their period of success, the duo also runs a chain of stores called Winkers, which sells Wink merchandise. There are three Winkers shops in the Harajuku area of Tokyo alone.