Reiko Kaioshi Sarcia Cadsawan (レイコカイオシサルシアカドサワン, born September 21, 2002), known professionally as REIKO (レイコ), is a Filipino singer/songwriter signed to Japanese management company BMSG. He made his major debut as a soloist with the single BUTTERFLY in October 2023 under the BMSG x Universal Music Japan joint label BE-U.
Prior to joining BMSG, REIKO took part in BMSG's boy group audition THE FIRST, where he was one of the 10 finalists. Although he was not selected to be a part of the final group, he was offered a trainee contract with the company.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
REIKO (2 years old) and his mom
Reiko was born in Manila, The Philippines to two Filipino parents. His family moved to Japan when he was two years old. His first language was Tagalog, which he learned from his parents and spoke at home, and soon after he also learned English from the media consumed at his house, since his parents didn't speak Japanese. However, he didn't start learning Japanese until he started elementary school, which led to communication issues with his peers. [1] Reiko also speaks Spanish and Portuguese, which he learned to be able to talk with Spanish and Brazilian friends he made during his high school years. [1]
Growing up, Reiko always felt somewhat culturally alienated. While he had friends, he didn't feel especially close to them and tended to notice the cultural differences. His closest friends were those who also loved singing, whom he met later on. [2]
While Reiko's family loved music and it was always playing at home, there was a particular incident that helped him realize that he "existed through singing": [2] during second grade, the music teacher praised his singing ability in front of everyone, which made him notice that others were aware of his existence. That was when he fell in love with singing. In spite of that, he lost his love for music once he started middle school, when he tried to join the brass band club, but since there were no male members, he felt that music wasn't for boys. Not wanting to be different from his friends made him scared of singing, and he quit everything related to music. However, later on he realized that music was the only thing that could help him express himself and understand his feelings, so he started singing again and decided that he wanted to become a singer, with the dream of being able to help others express themselves. [3]
Reiko never took any lessons for singing, dancing, or any musical instrument. He practiced singing at home studying from YouTube videos, and cites watching a live performance of "Break Free" by Ariana Grande on Facebook during his first year of middle school as his motivation to get better at singing. [2][4]
Inspired by the inexperienced girls who participated in JYP's Nizi Project and afterwards debuted in NiziU, Reiko decided to start auditioning to fulfill his dreams.[2]
2021[]
REIKO in THE FIRST, March 2021
REIKO, August 2021
REIKO in SING!!!, December 2021
Reiko applied for SKY-HI's THE FIRST because he was struck by his message, particularly BMSG's goal of "to not kill talent" and "being yourself". [4]
In February, Reiko auditioned for and passed the Quality screening round in Nagoya (conducted remotely) with "366 Days" feat. HY by Shimizu Shota (vocal performance) and Mr. PSYCHO by SKY-HI (dance performance). He ranked 28th out of the 30 contestants that passed.
In THE FIRST Artisism screening, Reiko sang "RAIN" by SEKAI NO OWARI, and was placed in Team E (with Oyama Ten, Furuie Ran, Misumi Akito, and Doki Raia) to sing "Beautiful Now" by w-inds. At the end of the 3rd round, Reiko was the last contestant (rank 15th) chosen to participate in the training camp.
In THE FIRST training camp Creativity screening, Reiko was placed in Team C with Shota, Shunto, Rui, and Taiki. The song they created in this round is titled "YOLO". Reiko ranked 10th after this round.
In THE FIRST training camp Mock Professional screening, Reiko was placed in Team "Be Free" with Junon, Leo, Sota, Manato, and Rui. They performed Be Free, and Reiko ranked 11th after this round.
In THE FIRST training camp VS. Pro Artist screening, Reiko performed To The First together with the remaining 10 . He ranked 9th after this round and was confirmed as one of the 10 finalists.
After a one month break from the training camp, Reiko and the other finalists returned to the same location to prepare for the final round. Reiko was placed in Team One, and performed Shining One with Leo, Ryoki, Ran, and Shunto.
In THE FIRST Creative NEO screening, he chose to team up with Ran to form the duo "RanRei". The song they created for this round is "Just FUN'ky", with instrumentals of "Adventure" by SKY-HI working as the backing track.
On August 13, he was not chosen to be a member of BE:FIRST but was offered a trainee contract under BMSG instead. While he was, of course, frustrated because of this outcome, he later realized that it was for the best: he was not familiar with the whole scope of an artist's job, as he had no experience prior to the audition, and there were many things he wanted to try, such as songwriting.[2] As a trainee, he decided to put special emphasis in dancing, and he took lessons in various genres, particularly hip hop, jazz and krumping. Singing wise, he focused on getting to sing stably in all registers, especially in the higher notes. [5]
On October 29, he performed "ONE MORE DAY" in SKY-HI's Hachimenroppi showcase.
On October 30, it was announced that he would be joining SKY-HI in his 2022 tour SKY-HI HALL TOUR 2022 -Hachimenroppi- alongside Aile The Shota. [6]
On November 25 and December 2 and 9, he participated in talk events for Tommy Hilfiger Japan with RAN [7].
On November 26, it was announced that he would take part in the THE FIRST FINAL concert alongside his fellow THE FIRST contestants on January 29 and 30, 2022.
On December 7, Reiko was cast in the musical "SING!!!", taking place in Fukuoka on January 14 and 15, 2022 [8]
On December 22 he made his first solo TV appearence, singing a cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You" in NTV's "Baguette". He later recorded the cover as a video for the BMSG YouTube channel.
2022[]
REIKO, January 2022
On January 14 and 15, he performed in the musical "SING!!!".
On January 29 and 30, he performed in THE FIRST FINAL concert.
During February, he was one of the opening acts and guests of the SKY-HI HALL TOUR 2022 -Hachimenroppi-. He later recorded one of the songs he sang, "LA LA LA LOVE SONG", as a cover and released it on the BMSG YouTube channel on March 30.
From March to May, he was a part of the MISSIONx2 project as a pre-debut member of MAZZEL. As such, he got to perform DA PUMP's CORAZON and original song Fantasy. However, as he started pushing himself too hard and putting too much pressure on himself, he developed anxiety and depression, and as his mental health continued to deteriorate, he and SKY-HI decided together that it would be better for him to step down from the group. During this time, he considered quitting BMSG, as he thought he would never be able to handle so much pressure, but SKY-HI and the staff didn't give up on him and encouraged him to continue with his career at his own pace.[5]
In August, he decided that he wanted to go solo instead of joining a group, and asked SKY-HI for a track so he could write his own song, which would later become his pre-debut single No More.[2]
On September 17 and 18 he performed at BMSG FES '22.
On September 18 he released New Chapter as a part of BMSG ALLSTARS.
On December 17, he released a cover of Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me".
2023[]
On March 5 and 12, he performed at the D.U.N.K. Showcase where he premiered his first original song No More. Reiko cites this performance as being a turning point for him, because it helped him realize that he would be ok as a solo artist. [2]
On May 14, he performed at the LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2023 as a part of the BMSG POSSE.
On May 28, he performed as an opening act for the SKY-HI ARENA TOUR 2023 -BOSSDOM-.
On July 31 and August 2, he performed at the BMSG TRAINEE Showcase 2023 with RUI, TAIKI, and KANON where he announced he would be making his major debut as a soloist later in the fall under BMSG and Universal Music Japan's joint label BE-U.
On September 1, he released his pre-debut digital single No More.
On September 18, he released The Moon in the WEST as part of BMSG WEST.
During the last two weekends in September, he performed at BMSG FES '23.
On October 6, he made his major debut under BMSG and Universal Music Japan's joint label BE-U with the digital single BUTTERFLY. His logo was revealed and his official website was opened.
On October 29, he performed at FM802 FUNKY MARKET.
On November 18, he and Aile The Shota performed at OSAKA DREAM LIVE 2023 -autumn-.
On November 24, he digitally released Itazura, as a holiday gift along with Hanggang Kailan Pa, a second version in Tagalog.
On November 27, he performed at the DOLCE & GABBANA HOLIDAY 2023 Private Party.
2024[]
On January 26, he had his first overseas performance as part of the lineup of UMUSIC NIGHT in Manila, Philippines.
On March 2, he performed at Fantastic Date fm RAD DAY 3.5.
On March 20, MAZZEL's song ICE from their first album Parade, which he was featured on, was released.
On May 1, he opened his official fanclub.
On May 3, BMSG POSSE appeared as a surprise guest during SKY-HI's VIVA LA ROCK 2024 set.
On May 10, he released his second digital single So Good.
On May 26, he performed at KOBE MELLOW CRUISE 2024 as part of the BMSG POSSE.
On May 29, he released Girlfriend, his first single as part of BMSG POSSE.
On May 30, he appeared as a support act for singer-songwriter Cautious Clay's concert in Tokyo.
On June 1, he held his first fanmeeting REIKO 1st Fan Meeting -So Good with you-.
On June 6, he started his own radio show, REIKO So far, so good, on air every Thursday on interfm TOKYO.
On June 21, he released his third digital single Neverland.
On June 26, he and BMSG POSSE released their second single MINNA BLING BLING.
On June 28, he performed at BEAT AX Vol.4 as part of BMSG POSSE.
On July 31, BMSG POSSE released their third single OVERDRIVE.
On August 3, he performed at ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2024 as part of BMSG POSSE.
On August 18, he performed at SUMMER SONIC 2024 as part of BMSG POSSE.
On September 21 till 23, he performed at BMSG FES '24.
On November 22, he released Tokyo Night Dreaming feat. No Rome as a part of BMSG Posse.
On November 26, he participated BMSG presents THE GAME CENTER (2024) as the leader of team yellow "Yellow arcades".
On November 29, he released the song First Christmas feat. JUNON (BE:FIRST).
On December 4, he released his first EP Debut.
On December 11, he performed at BMSG POSSE presents TYOISM at Toyosu Pit.
On December 12, he held REIKO's Winterland in Yokohama.
On December 19, he performed for JOYNT POPS a music show at NHK.
On December 31, he will perform at CDTV Live! Live! New Year's Eve Special! 2024→2025.
Fan Name Origin[]
REIKO's fandom name is "RAZE" (pronounced like race). The name of his fanclub in the BMSG app is "R&Me".
REIKO chose both names from a pool of suggestions submitted by fans who joined his fanclub in the first month of opening[9].
Personal Life[]
His father, Revonn, works in the video industry, and his mother's name is Aiko. His maternal great-grandmother was Japanese. He only told his parents about THE FIRST the day before the second screening took place, but they were supportive of him partaking in the audition as well as him becoming a member of the BMSG Trainees. However, while his father pushed him to move to Tokyo after signing the trainee contract, his mother tried to convince him to commute from Aichi. [4]
Reiko is the oldest of seven siblings, four boys and three girls. As such, he always felt a big sense of responsibility and didn't rebel much as a teenager. [4]
In March 2021, Reiko graduated from high school.
- RAN: he's been close to MAZZEL member RAN since they performed Beautiful Now together in the third round of the THE FIRST. REIKO considers him a brother with whom he can talk about anything, and they're close enough to fight. [11]
- TEN: he's close to fellow THE FIRST contestant TEN, starting when they performed Beautiful Now together in the third round of the audition
- KAIRYU: he's close to MAZZEL member KAIRYU since their BMSG Trainees period
- Aile The Shota: REIKO and Shota got close during THE FIRST Creativity Screening, and REIKO turned to Shota for advice during MISSIONx2. They got even closer once it was decided that REIKO would debut as a soloist. [11]
- Rei-chan (レイちゃん): used by fans and BMSG artists
- Rei (レイ): childhood nickname used by his family and friends
- Yoshi: nickname used by his family (from his second name, Kaioshi)
Reiko's name was coined by his parents through combining parts of their own names, Revonn and Aiko, and thus does not have any particular meaning. However, they weren't aware that Reiko is traditionally a female name in Japan, so it was a big surprise for them when they arrived in the country. [12]
Profile[]
- Birth Name: Reiko Kaioshi Sarcia Cadsawan (レイコカイオシサルシアカドサワン)?
- Stage Name: REIKO (レイコ)?
- Nicknames: Rei-chan (レイちゃん)?, Rei (レイ)?
- Birth Date: September 21, 2002
- Birth Place: Manila, The Philippines
- Origin: Kariya, Aichi, Japan
- Blood Type: ?
- Height: 171 cm (5 ft 7.3 in)?
- Western Zodiac:
Virgo - Eastern Zodiac: Horse
- Emoji: 🌙
- BMSG Status:
- 2021-08-13: Joined
- 2021-08-13: BMSG Trainees member
- 2022-03-11: MAZZEL pre-debut member
- 2022-06-03: Left pre-debut MAZZEL
- 2023-10-06: Solo debut
- BMSG Units:
- BMSG ALLSTARS (2022)
- BMSG POSSE (2023-present)
- BMSG WEST (2023)
- BMSG SKY (2024)
- Special Skills:
- Hobbies: playing Nintendo Switch games, particularly Mario Bros games[13]
- MBTI: ENFJ [14]
- Charm Point: smile
- Favorite Color: brown [12], white and green [15]
- Favorite Artists: Ariana Grande, Victoria Monet [16]
- Favorite Brand: Saturdays New York [17]
- Influences: Ariana Grande, Utada Hikaru [18], Beyonce [4], artists with big, positive, powerful energy such as Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake[13]
- Favorite Food: cinnamon rolls[16], cheese, chocolate milk, caramel, warm foods (black tea, soup)[19]
- Favorite Movies: Everything Everywhere All At Once, Marvel movies (especially Iron Man)[19]
- Dream: to spread love, joy and kindness through music [1]
- Dream Stage: a one-man show in Manila, music festivals in the United States (such as Coachella) [2]
- Dream Collab: Ayumu Imazu for an artist, Chaki Zulu for a producer (specifically a reggaeton or summery song)
- Disney movie that makes him cry: Coco[4]
Discography[]
Singles[]
EP[]
- [2024.12.04] Debut
Features[]
- [2021.10.27] SKY-HI - One More Day feat. REIKO
- [2024.03.20] MAZZEL - ICE feat. REIKO
Collaborations[]
- [2022.09.18] BMSG ALLSTARS - New Chapter
- [2023.09.18] BMSG WEST - The Moon in the WEST
- [2024.05.29] BMSG POSSE - Girlfriend
- [2024.06.26] BMSG POSSE - MINNA BLING BLING
- [2024.07.31] BMSG POSSE - OVERDRIVE
During the audition REIKO participated in each of below performance screenings:
- Creativity
- Team C
- Song: YOLO -You Only Live Once-
- Professional Trial Stage - Be Free vs Move On
- Team Be Free
- Vs Professional Artist
- Performance of To The First featuring all Top 11 finalists
- Creativity NEO
- Group name: RanRei (RAN, REI)
- Song: Just FUN'ky
- Final Screening - Team Shining vs Team One
- Team One
Live Events[]
- [2024.06.01] REIKO 1st Fan Meeting -So Good with you-
- [2021.10.29] SKY-HI - Hachimenroppi Release Commemoration Special Live
- [2022.01.29-30] THE FIRST FINAL
- [2022.09.17-18] BMSG FES '22
- [2023.03.05/12] D.U.N.K. Showcase
- [2023.05.14] LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2023 (as a part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2023.05.28] SKY-HI ARENA TOUR 2023 -BOSSDOM- (opening act)
- [2023.07.27] Odaiba Bohken-Oh 2023 SUMMER SPLASH! Mezamashi Live (as part of BMSG ALLSTARS)
- [2023.07.31-08.01] BMSG TRAINEE Showcase 2023
- [2023.10.29] FUNKY MARKET
- [2023.11.18] OSAKA DREAM LIVE 2023 -autumn-
- [2023.11.27] DOLCE & GABBANA HOLIDAY 2023 Private Party
- [2024.01.26] UMUSIC NIGHT
- [2024.03.02] Fantastic Date fm RAD DAY 3.5
- [2024.05.03] VIVA LA ROCK 2024 (guest as part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2024.05.26] KOBE MELLOW CRUISE 2024 (as part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2024.05.30] Cautious Clay in Tokyo (support act)
- [2024.06.28] BEAT AX Vol.4 (as part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2024.08.03] ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2024 (as part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2024.08.18] SUMMER SONIC 2024 (as part of BMSG POSSE)
- [2022.02.05-26] SKY-HI - SKY-HI HALL TOUR 2022 -Hachimenroppi- (opening act/guest)
Other Works[]
- [2021] THE FIRST / Hulu
- [2021] Ano Hi no THE FIRST / Hulu
- [2022] BE:FIRST TV Tokubetsu-hen Road to BMSG FES’22 / Hulu
- [2023] MISSIONx2
- [2023] BMSG 23x23
- [2023] M-ON! SPECIAL 「REIKO」 ～No More～
- [2021.10.27] Sukkiri / NTV
- [2021.11.17] Sukkiri / NTV
- [2021.12.22] Baguette / NTV
- [2022.09.23] Music Blood / NTV
- [2023.10.31] PLAYLIST / TBS
- [2024.05.13] J-MELO / NHK World
- Featured
- [2021] SKY-HI - ONE MORE DAY feat. REIKO
- Collaborations
- [2022] BMSG ALLSTARS - New Chapter
- [2022.01.14-15] SING!!!
- [2024.06-present] REIKO So far, so good
Publications[]
- [2021.12.15] with - February issue (with RAN)
- [2022.01.18] TOMMY JEANS x RAN&REIKO + AAPE photobook (with RAN) [22]
- [2023.10.27] Quick Japan vol. 168
Trivia[]
|
Honorary Titles[]
| Honorary Titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by KAIRYU |
Oldest member of BMSG Trainees October 31, 2022 – September 1, 2023 (0 Years, 10 Months, 1 Day) |
Succeeded by KANON |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 【JICA Magazine】SKY-HI × REIKO from BMSG Special Talk Extract
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 QJ Web - REIKO、デビューを実現した今語る「音楽しか居場所がなかった」ルーツと「世界で活躍するのは大前提」の未来. 2023/10/06.
- ↑ Reiko's Unesco Inter High school English speech competition
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Mi mollet - REIKO「ずっと音楽が救いでした」。SKY-HIが満を持して解き放つ逸材が振り返る学生時代〈ロングインタビュー前編・全３回〉 2023/10/06.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Mi mollet - 「夢を諦める選択も頭をよぎりました」REIKOが待望のメジャーデビュー！トレーニー時代に経験した挫折〈ロングインタビュー中編・全３回 2023/06/08
- ↑ Hachimenroppi Tour announcement
- ↑ Tommy Hilfiger Japan talk events announcement
- ↑ [ https://twitter.com/BMSG_official/status/1468052867642957824?s=20 "SING!!!" cast announcement]
- ↑ REIKO Twitter
- ↑ The Television - SKY-HI「REIKOはいっちばんがんばったんだ」 REIKOメジャーデビュー発表への軌跡と熱い思いにファン感涙 2023/08/03
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Mi mollet - REIKO「誰も置いていかないアーティストになりたい」世界に“LOVE と“HAPPY”を響かせる今後のビジョン〈ロングインタビュー後編・全３回〉 2023/10/09
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Instagram Live 2023/12/20
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 REIKO on HALLYU IL. November 2023.
- ↑ REIKO Twitter
- ↑ Tommy Hilfiger Japan Talk Event
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Universal Music Japan TikTok 2023/10/06
- ↑ Instagram Live 2024/05/14
- ↑ Introducing Reiko!
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 Instagram Live 2024.05.21
- ↑ https://twitter.com/BMSG_official/status/1466696483110264832?s=20
- ↑ https://twitter.com/BMSG_official/status/1482608805951459334?s=20
- ↑ https://twitter.com/BMSG_official/status/1482608805951459334?s=20
- ↑ Media:rei tattoo.jpg
- ↑ Media:Rei tattoo right.jpg
- ↑ Ano Hi no THE FIRST #12
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 企画会議 (YouTube Planning Meeting) REIKO YouTube Series Ep.01
