Majored in English and American Literature at Seikei University. Finished Vantan Design Institute and joined Alpha Cubic Co., Ltd in 1990. Joined Almond Eye in 1983 and launched her own eponymous label in 1984. Debuted her runway collection line at Tokyo Collection in 1988. Worked at Paris Atmosphere Exhibition in 1995. Began to export to Europe and the US in 1996 and has sold to 50 shops in 10 countries. Opened her Ritsuko Shirahama shop in Daikanyama, Tokyo. Started Re*r Ritsuko Shirahama in 2004.
