Born and raised in Japan, Yayoi is a graduate of Toho Gakuen College of Drama. In 1989, she became the first mime artist to receive the Japanese Ministry of Education Fellowship and spent a year collaborating with mime and dance artists in Germany and Canada.

She has lived in Vancouver since 2002. Yayoi has extensive experience with both western and traditional Japanese dance theatre. Her career as a solo performer includes numerous European, Asian festivals and five North American tours beginning with appearance at Vancouver Expo ‘86.