Hideaki "Emma" Kikuchi graduated from Nihon University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geography.

In 1989, Kikuchi was invited by his younger brother Eiji to join as lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band The Yellow Monkey.

He participated as a guitarist in Yoshii's second album White Room released in March 2005 (credited as EMMARSON).

He was also in charge of the guitar for the theme song of the movie Taiyō ni Hoero!.

[1] On January 8, 2016, The Yellow Monkey reunited and Kikuchi resumed his position as lead guitarist.