Born Shigeko Kotakari in Yotsuya,[1] Hayama attended Aoyama Gakuin Senior High School, where she was discovered while singing jazz.

She debuted at the age of 18 in 1952, and two years later entered the Kohaku Uta Gassen for the first time.

[1] Hayama was known for singing the Japanese-language version of "Do-Re-Mi", a show tune from The Sound of Music later placed on the Nihon no Uta Hyakusen in 2007.

Hayama's famous Japanese songs included "Having Left Tosa", "School Days", and "Shimabara Lullaby".

[1][3] Hayama was honored by the Ministry of Education in 1993 for her contributions to fine arts in Japan.