Rina Sawayama (リナ・サワヤマ, born 16 August 1990) is a Japanese–British singer-songwriter and model. Born in Niigata, Japan, she emigrated to London with her parents at age five. In 2017, she self-released her debut extended play, Rina. After signing to Dirty Hit in 2020, she released her debut studio album, Sawayama, to widespread critical acclaim. Her second studio album Hold the Girl was released on 16 September 2022. Outside her music career, Sawayama has modelled for several fashion campaigns, and is set to make her film acting debut in John Wick: Chapter 4.
Sawayama was born on 16 August 1990[non-primary source needed] in Niigata, Japan. She lived there until the age of five, when her family decided to move to London, where she was raised and currently resides. She holds an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) visa in the UK. According to Sawayama, the family's original plan was to return to Japan when she turned ten, but they ultimately chose to stay in London. Due to her inability to communicate in English, Sawayama struggled to understand her teachers and peers. She eventually connected with others through pop music. At age sixteen, she began posting music covers on Myspace, and during sixth form she formed a hip hop group called Lazy Lion.
Sawayama attended Magdalene College, Cambridge where she studied politics, psychology and sociology. She graduated from the university with a degree in political science.

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