Rei Kikukawa (born February 28, 1978) is a Japanese actress, model and television presenter. Kikukawa was born in Urawa (now called Saitama), in Saitama Prefecture. She is a graduate of the University of Tokyo where she studied architecture, mathematics and biology. She was scouted by an agent while shopping, and eventually came to be represented by Oscar Promotions. Her first major role came in 2002 when she was chosen to co-host the Sunday night NTV show "Bankisha." In addition to her public career, she has volunteered for work with the UNHCR and spent time at a refugee camp in Dabaab, Kenya. Despite her collegiate pedigree, her lack of knowledge on a variety of subjects was exposed on a variety/quiz show, and along with her doing bra commercials, she became classified as an "obaka-aidoru" or "dumb idol" - entertainers known for their good looks and lack of intelligence.
