Atsuko Tanaka was born in Tokyo. She moved to the U.S. in 1991 and studied photography in Los Angeles before relocating to New York, where she quickly gained recognition for her images of hip-hop artists. Equipped with a distinct sensibility that captured subtle expressions and moods of her subjects, it didn't take long before Atsuko found herself shooting the likes of Eminem, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, as well as album cover art for popular Japanese artists.

While continuing to photograph celebrities, artists and street fashion for both American and Japanese media, in 2006 Atsuko was named one of the "100 Most Respected Japanese in the World" by Newsweek Japan. Since then, her already wide clientele has further expanded to include well recognized names, such as international fashion retailer Uniqlo. Her iconic images of hip-hop artists have been also reprinted in photo books and used as T-shirt graphics.

In fall 2011, Atsuko moved her base back to Tokyo after two decades in the States.