Find yourself wondering what the Axiom top 10 list of ladies in Japanese entertainment is in 2014? Don’t worry, we have done the research so you won’t feel so left out when the conversation comes up. Axiom has put together lists in the past, such as our ever popular Top 10 Gravure Idols article, but this time we would like to introduce you to a more varied selection of talented women in the industry.
-
10. Okubo Kayoko (大久保 佳代子)
Okubo is one of the most popular Japanese comedians to rise to the airwaves with her hilarious banter and crass remarks that go up against the most veteran of her counterparts. Known for her rather direct responses and slightly perverse thinking, she is readily a staple part of any interesting variety show’s guest line-up.
Her career started in 1992 as a part-time indulgence in the comedy-duo “Oashizu” (オアシズ) that was started at her university comedy group. As she continued to gain popularity perfecting her craft, she eventually left her day job to pursue a career in comedy full-time. Upon getting to the major leagues of televised comedy, she and her partner we labelled as “ugly comedians” when paired on stage with the usual eye candy counterparts. However, being the sharp lady she is, she quickly turned around the negative attention into fame and fortune.
-
9. Dan Mitsu (壇蜜)
Yes, we know that Dan made it on our Top 10 Gravure Idols [ link ] list a few years ago, but we assure you that she is on here again for a good reason.
Despite her obvious naturally given assets, Dan has managed to continue to power through the entertainment industry while maintaining her allure and prowess as a gravure idol. Being the ever-popular professional, she has also expanded her reach beyond 3-fold magazines to become the spokesperson for a variety of everyday commercial products from rice to drinks.
-
8. Nanao(々緒)
Nanao has made her way through the ranks as an upcoming talent and model that has continued to gather a buzz in the industry with her striking looks and reserved on-stage character. Starting off her career as a fashion model and race queen [ link ] she quickly gained some of the most prestigious titles and work in both industries including “Race Queen of the Year 2010″ and debuted in “The Tokyo Girls Collection” fashion show as “Miss TGC”.
In 2012, Nanao caught the industry’s attention again with the release of a photo series book “1028_24″ which highlighted her trademark poses in a rather racy set of photos. Naturally, making it to the Top 10 takes more than just a nice set of legs, so it is important to add that this upcoming star has continued to branch out into product endorsement. Although Nanao is still a bit under the radar, there is a good chance that she will be a household name within the year.
-
7. Darenogare Akemi (ダレノガレ明美)
Darenogare is one of the most exciting models-turned-television-talent we have seen in a long time. As one of the top fashion models in Japan, she has graced the cover of almost every popular magazine as a fresh look on Japanese fashion. With a heritage of Brazilian, Japanese, and Italian ancestry, it is easy to see how she managed to get the best of each in combination with a great onstage presence.
In slight contrast with her glamorous looks, Darenogare’s athletic abilities and charmingly husky voice make her one of the most quick-witted personalities on mainstream TV.
-
6. Suzuki Nana (鈴木奈々)
We will be honest that the first time we saw Nana on television as the hyperactive ditz, we were reaching for the remote immediately. However, it was not long until it was strikingly obvious that her bubbly, over-the-top character was the missing ingredient in much of what has become boring Japanese TV.
As apparent in her usually super-cute, Harajuku wear, Nana started off her career as a fashion model where she continues to thrive as a regular in young women’s magazines. In the last year, Nana has continued to develop her character into just the right balance of obvious airhead and self-sufficient adult that is proving to be a successful formula.
-
5. Imoto Ayako (イモトアヤコ)
If there was a nomination for “Wonderwoman of Japan” Imoto would have our pick 10 times over. She started off her career as a young, peppy comedian with an exception gift of physical endurance. Noticing the potential of her act, she was quickly signed onto Watabe Entertainment Agency where she made her mark on a weekly television show called “Itte Q” that highlights interesting things that are happening all over the world.
Imoto was more than often cast to carry out the most painstaking tasks which began to include a yearly climb of some of the most grueling mountains in the world. During the few weeks she has where she is not training for those intense expeditions, she is usually being chased by some sort of killer animal in impromptu races.
And did we mention her awesome eyebrows? Needless to say, Imoto is our kind of lady.
-
4. Kawakita Mayuko (河北 麻友子)
Axiom recently took notice of Mayuko on Japanese variety television when her perfect English caught us by surprise. This New York born Japanese star is making big jumps in the entertainment industry as she transitions from a career in fashion modeling into a much more suiting role of TV personality and reporter.
Mayuko’s lighthearted demeanor complimented by her sharp wit is a refreshing take on the usual cast of sidekick female characters. Although she can be found increasingly in the guest panel of popular variety shows, her character really shines on the internationally focused TV program, “Itte Q”
-
3. Kuroki Meisa (黒木メイサ)
It doesn’t take much to realize why Meisa is at the top of our list as a fashion model, singer, and actress that has wowed us from her big screen performances, to network television appearances. Her exotic look is a combination of being raised in Okinawa by her Japanese mother and Brazilian-American father.
Being the nerds that we are, our favorite appearance of Meisa was in the live action movie “Spaceship Yamato” where she played the role of Yuki Mori. If there was an actress we would bet on to make the jump to the global stage, our money’s on Meisa.
-
2. Mizuhara Kiko (水原希子)
If you follow the Japanese fashion blog and nightlife scene with any level of frequency, you will know that Kiko is at the center of it all. With both Korean and American heritage, she is easily the coolest singer, actress, and fashion model in Japan of the last decade.
Although rarely on variety television, she has proven her range as an entertainer through blockbuster movies and on world class fashion runways. As one of the coolest professionals on the list, Kiko is definitely the one we would like to hang out with the most.
-
1. Kyari Pyamu Pyamu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ)
Seeing as how Kyari just celebrated her 21st birthday, there is no doubt that the future of this eccentric performer is full of increasingly exciting projects. Her career started as a fashion model and blogger where her popularity on the internet fueled increased interest in mainstream media through her loyal fan-following.
Frequently referred to now as the “Queen of J-pop”, there is no end in sight for her uniquely styled wardrobe and complementary music videos which consistently go viral. With the recent success of her global tour and wide distribution overseas, Ms. Pyamu Pyamu is well on her way to becoming a legend.
Please note that all above images are copyright of their respective authors and are used as the primary means of visual identification of the article topic.