Born in 1974 in Tokyo, Japan, Mizusawa began her career in the late 1990s, quickly making a name for herself in the Tokyo fashion scene. Her early work with prominent Japanese fashion brands and magazines, such as FRUiTS and Zoop , showcased her unique look, which blended elements of androgyny, avant-garde, and street style. Her fearless approach to fashion, often incorporating bold hairstyles, eclectic makeup, and daring outfits, resonated with a generation of young Japanese women seeking to express themselves through fashion.

She starred in the media title Seishun Yume Shojo (Teenage Dream Girl) alongside other models like Miyu Sasaki.

It is common for Eriko Mizusawa to be confused with other notable figures in the Japanese industry due to similar names: