Megumi Asaoka, born Kayoko Fujii on October 11, 1955, in Japan, began her career at age three with stage productions and television commercials. She modelled for Seventeen magazine during junior high school, leading to a recording contract offer, which she initially declined but later accepted to support her family. Asaoka debuted musically in June 1972 with the single "Mebae", which sold over 400,000 copies and reached number 3 on the Oricon charts, earning her the Best Newcomer prize at the 14th Japan Record Awards. In 1973, her song "Watashi no Kare wa Hidarikiki" (My Boyfriend Is a Lefty) hit Number 1 on the Oricon charts and sold over 500,000 copies, becoming her signature tune. She appeared on Kohaku Uta Gassen with this song and won the popularity award at the 15th Japan Record Awards. Alongside Saori Minami and Mari Amachi, Asaoka helped establish the modern Japanese idol concept. Asaoka married Mitsuo Watanabe in September 1977 and retired from showbusiness but returned in 1983 after their divorce. She celebrated her 50th year in showbusiness with a performance at Sogetsu Hall in 2009, occasionally performing songs from her old repertoire. In 2011, she was listed as number 47 on Music Station's Top 50 Idols of All-time based on sales exceeding 3 million units.