Born in Tokyo in 1958. Graduated from the Department of Journalism (Newspaper/Printed Media), Nihon University with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. As a step towards reaching his aim of participating in the Paris-Dakar Rally, he made his first journey across the Australian Outback by a motorcycle, and instead discovered a passion for the Australian continent. Currently a free-lance photographer, Aihara is also active as a "Friend of Tasmania" (goodwill ambassador). Works by the renowned photographer have been exhibited in shows in Australia, Europe and around Asia.

"Sharaku" literally means the "fun of photography" and is also the name of a master of ukiyoe woodblock prints in the late 1700s, famed for his portraits of kabuki actors.