Fashion model Sayoko Yamaguchi was born on September 19, 1949, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. She passed away on August 14, 2007. Born and raised by a mother who loved dressmaking, she developed an interest in fashion from a young age. She attended Sugino Gakuen Dressmaker Girls' School, where she was invited to become a model while still a student. She officially debuted after graduating in 1971. After her debut, she gained popularity after appearing in a Kansai Yamamoto show, and was offered a position in France by Jean-Marie Armand. In 1972, she became the first Asian model to appear in the Paris Collection, and her mysterious Asian beauty and makeup that emphasized her long, narrow eyes instantly attracted attention. She subsequently appeared in shows for Japanese designers such as KENZO and ISSEY MIYAKE. In the fall of 1999, she made her debut appearance in the 2000 Spring/Summer collection, the final collection designed by Kenzo Takada. Meanwhile, in 1973, she became an exclusive model for Shiseido and appeared in their commercials.

Yamaguchi subsequently received high praise, especially in Europe. In response, London-based Adelou created a bob-haired "SAYOKO mannequin," which would later be displayed in shop windows around the world. In 1977, Yamaguchi became the first Asian to be selected as one of Newsweek's "Top Six Models in the World," making her a true and prestigious figure.

In the 1980s, she also began to work as a creator in a variety of fields. She appeared in numerous dance performances, including the Teshigawara Saburo Dance Company. In 1989, she appeared in the NHK musical fantasy program "Carmen," for which she won an International Emmy Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. She also worked as an actress, and in 2001, her appearance in the film "Pistol Opera," directed by Seijun Suzuki and starring Makiko Esumi, garnered attention.

She also appeared in stage productions and operas, and even designed their costumes. Despite captivating fans with her many talents, she died of acute pneumonia in 2007. She was only 57 years old at the time.

For Kenzo's 2013-14 Autumn/Winter collection, the designer was inspired by the ribbon dress that Yamaguchi wore in the show's finale, and reflected the image of an "ancient Asian temple" in the design. Her presence remains strongly felt among Japan's top models and designers.