Two years ago, we put together a list of who we considered to be the top ten gravure idols that have graced the screen (and glossy centerfold) up until 2012. Although the last version of this article was more of a general list based on overall careers, we decided to get with the times and find the newest ladies on the block. So without further ado we present to you, Axiom’s Top 10 Gravure Idols 2014.
-
10. Ayaka Noda (野田彩加)
Born on February 5th, 1988 in Saitama-ken
87 – 58 – 86 cm (161cm)
Ayaka is another gravure star that enjoys a large fan following on the internet and splits her career between modeling, radio, and television. With a lengthy career of almost seven years, she has received her fair share of rewards and recognition in the industry and keeps her fans happy with regular DVD releases. Besides the usual hobbies of shopping and going to the gym, Ayaka is apparently and avid swimmer and tennis player.
-
9. Manami Marutaka (丸高愛実)
Born on June 12th, 1994 in Tokyo
83 – 60 – 86 cm (164cm)
Manami has one of the most interesting backgrounds of gravure idols we have seen of late. With her increasing popularity, she has made the first big step in jumping from the gravure world into variety television. As part of the agency Avex Vanguard Inc., Manami has caught the attention of many TV programs as she reveals her unconventional athleticism as a fan of tennis, dance, and kendama. Not only that, but she also grew up in her family’s coffee shop (even though she doesn’t care for the taste).
-
8. Haruna Kojima (小嶋 陽菜)
Born on April 19th, 1988 in Tokyo
80 – 60 – 86 cm (164cm)
Okay, so technically Haruna is not a gravure idol and doesn’t belong on this list. However, as part of the B team of the famous AKB48 group, she has done her fair share of gravure photo shots which passes in our book.
Pursuing her career in entertainment around the age of 16, she actually had to drop out of school as it was against the rules to engage in such work. Later on she managed to re-enroll and graduate but the life of a famous idol is a full-time gig. With a resume of performances and debuts that would go on for pages, Haruna has shifted her focus into a successful acting career in televised dramas.
-
7. Mitsu Dan (壇蜜)
Born on December 3rd, 1980 in Akita
85 – 60 – 89 cm (158cm)
She makes all of our top ten lists so we no longer need to explain ourselves. But for those who are too lazy to click over to yet another series of engaging imagery, Mitsu is basically the reigning gravure idol veteran of the year. Check out why here:
Top 10 Women in Japanese Entertainment
Top 10 Gravure Idols 2012
-
6. Nana Ozaki (尾崎ナナ) recently changed to Akiko Aimoto (相本あきこ)
Born on September 12th, 1982 in Osaka
88 – 58 – 85 cm (163cm)
Nana (or Akiko) is the definition of a modern gravure idol who has made the digital jump to a widely popular blog and online fan following. Her career started in 2006 when she became famous as a regular magazine pin-up girl before she made her way to modeling stardom. Currently most of her work is based in the gravure world as a risque bikini model. However, as her entertainment career continues to develop she has since made a big push to enter the rounds of variety show appearances in hopes of a transitional career leap.
-
5. Anna Konno (今野杏南)
Born on June 15th, 1989 in Kanagawa
86 – 59 – 83 cm (156cm)
As part of the agency Vithmic, Anna has paved her way to stardom through a series of experiences in radio and television that have landed her in the spotlight. Although she is known for her television and event appearances as a talent, her gravure career is still one of the staples of her popularity. Not only is she a regular swimwear model, but she also was an ambassador to Japan during the London Olympics as a supporting staff.
-
4. Hinako Sano (佐野ひなこ)
Born on October 13th, 1994 in Tokyo
84 – 51 – 87 cm (160cm)
Hinako actually started her career in more tame industries such as radio and television before making the leap to gravure in mid 2013. As part of one of the largest entertainment agencies in Japan, Horipro, her career is sure to be long standing. Not only does Hinako have the assets to hold her own on in the modeling world, she is also currently completing a university degree.
-
3. Mikie Hara (原幹恵)
Born on July 3rd, 1987 in Hokkaido
94 – 61 – 88 cm (163cm)
After Mikie was scouted in Niigata, she moved to Tokyo on her own to pursue her career at 18 years old. Asserting her independence early, she made her way through the industry as a model and television talent while also being a member of a few girl groups. Well aware of her status and the nature of the entertainment business, she is well known for her commentary regarding the inequalities of woman in Japan being beyond her comprehension in a modern society. Not letting that get in the way of business, she supplements her calendar girl physique for more serious regular roles in a number of Japanese dramas.
-
2. Ai Shinozaki (篠崎愛)
Born on February 26, 1992 in Tokyo
87 – 60 – 88 cm (160cm)
As you have probably noticed with a bit of basic math, gravure idols in Japan start young. In western society, gracing a cover of a magazine in a bikini at 14 years old does not exactly sit well, but Ai kicked off her career at that age and has thankfully matured into a well-rounded young lady. She started in what is becoming an increasingly popular niche called a “gravure group” named AeLL. that melds the gravure and pop star world into one big money making machine.
Upon her first appearance, she was quickly singled out for her full-bodied features that quickly became her main selling point. A quick Google search will confirm exactly where her favorite foods, including fried chicken and Takoyaki, seem to be storing her energy reserves.
-
1. Risa Yoshiki (吉木りさ)
Born on July 27th, 1987 in Chiba
80 – 59 – 88 cm (162cm)
Risa is another multifaceted model who holds a university degree and originally aspired to be a manga artist. Besides being gifted in the visual arts, she also trained as an Enka singer and produced two successful albums. Much of her early academic and professional success was due to her parents being extremely against her being in the gravure idol business until she turned 20.
Although she is not as active in the gravure entertainment business as she once was, her popularity still keeps her on top selling lists of DVD and photo book sales. Risa is well known for her rather racy photos and enjoying cosplay.
Please note that all above images are copyright of their respective owners and are used as the primary means of visual identification of the article topic.