TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emi Ito, one of the identical twin sisters comprising Japanese pop duo The Peanuts, who graced TV shows and films mainly in the 1960s, died on June 15, people close to her said Wednesday. She was 71.

A native of Aichi Prefecture, Ito, whose real name was Hideyo Sawada, and her younger twin sister Yumi debuted in 1959 with "Kawaii Hana" (Cute Flower) and gained popularity through their appearances on the musical variety show "Shabondama Holiday" (Soap Bubble Holiday).

In 1961, they appeared in the movie "Mothra," featuring a moth monster, and released many hit songs such as "Koi no Bakansu" (Vacation of Love). The duo quit in 1975. Ito married popular singer Kenji Sawada in 1975 but divorced him in 1987.