Akiko Usuki (JP)

Born in Osaka in 1960. Influenced by her father, who was involved in the operation of discos and nightclubs in 70’s, she developed a close connection to night culture from her teenage years. Experienced the golden age of New York dance music culture in the 1980s, and began working in press and planning at Shibaura GOLD （A club that had a huge impact on Tokyo's club scene） in 1989. Subsequently, she was involved in planning and PR for clubs and restaurants operated by Era International, and established her own business in 1999. She began managing DJs and lighting artists. In 2006, she established Teal Inc. and started managing artists active in the nightlife scene, as well as producing events. From 2007, she was responsible for planning all music- related events and DJ bookings at Marunouchi House, located on the 7th floor of the Shinmaru Building (In front of Tokyo Station). In 2017, she spoke at the Chicks On A Mission conference for women in the night scene held in Amsterdam as the representative of Japan. In 2019, she started CHICKS ON A MISSION TOKYO, an organization focusing on women active in Tokyo's nightlife scene, and held an event and talk session for female artists at the Dutch Embassy with MIRIK MILAN, the first Night Mayor of Amsterdam. From 2020 to 2022, she planned and hosted an internet radio program called TOKYO NIGHT STORIES at CIC TOKYO. She invited 33 guests who were involved in the party, and the event in Tokyo's nighttime history from the 1980s to 2020.

In 2021, organized a photo exhibition of Shibaura GOLD. (13 days in Harajuku, Tokyo)

2023 Hosted a talk session titled “CHICKS ON A MISSION TOKYO SUMMER SESSION” at the Dutch Embassy. (round table session and after party)

From 2023 to 2024, she participated as a PR representative in Japan's largest drag queen event, “OPULENCE.”

As of 2025, she continues to be actively involved in various fields, with a focus on DJ culture-related work.