Japan’s sexual culture is quite unique compared to what would be considered “normal” from the western world. However, it is important consider a contrasting point of view when making a judgement on any culture.

1. JAPANESE GRAVURE
IDOLS
グラビアアイドル

2. The Japanese entertainment industry is know for its
over-the-top variety shows and wacky characters. From
robotic cats with no ears, to flamboyant semi-pro
wrestlers who make their careers by forcing kids to eat
their greens. Among this constantly revolving set of
media stars, lies the trademark profession that calls the
nation’s attention of salarymen, and women, alike, the
gravure model.

3. Anri Sugihara
杉原 杏璃

4. Since the 1970′s, the gravure idol industry has been a
prominent part Japanese media culture. The word
“gravure” comes from English and is used in Japanese as
a way to describe a type of female model. It is derived
from the term “Rotogravure” which is a printing method
that was once commonly used for magazine and photos.
Thus, the modern meaning can loosely be translated to
“magazine model”, the medium in which most of the idols
gain stardom.

5. Ai Shinozaki
篠崎 愛

6. Gravure idols (グラビアアイドル pronounced gu-ra-bee-ah
aye-do-roo) are easy to write off Japan’s disposal babes
who prance around in skimpy outfits making suggestive
poses to the camera. These female models often start
their careers as young as sixteen, after being scouted by
modelling agencies for their photogenic potential.
Following their debute in print magazines, most idols
often make their own DVD collections that show them
jumping around by themselves in suggestive clothing and
engaging in activities that exemplify their top-heavy
attributes.

7. Mano Erina
真野恵里菜里菜

8. From a westerner’s perspective it is difficult to
understand how an industry that uses such young
models can thrive without a public outcry to what
would be considered the exploitation of minors.
However, it is important to note the cultural
differences that make gravure idols such a popular
and widely accepted aspect of Japanese media.

9. Nagasawa Marina
長澤茉里奈

10. Contrary to AV (Adult Video) idols, gravure idols do not
pose for nude photography or engage in sexual acts.
Although they often do not leave much to the imagination,
gravure photography is not considered pornographic. It is
common to see the models grazing the front covers of
weekly comic books target for junior high school students
and up, lined in racks at convenience stores. Inside each
issue includes a full-color poster spread featuring a model
dressed up in a variety of loosely clad cosplay costumes.
Most Japanese people would probably agree that the
models are a bit suggestive in nature, but the overall
consensus would be 可愛い! (read as ka-wa-ee or cute).

11. Like most things in Japan, gravure idols careers are often
short lived. Model’s careers usually begin at a young age,
followed by a loss in popularity as they mature to adults
and their “innocent” appeal fades away. Although many
of the young idols tend to be swayed toward the adult
industry, a select few have gone on to shed their career
as eye-candy and make professional debuts as
announcers and actors. By taking their fan-base with
them and expanding on their popularity, former gravure
idols, such as Natsuna Watanabe, Aki Hoshino, and Koike
Eiko, have gone on to lead successful careers outside of
the modelling world.

12. Japan’s sexual culture is quite unique compared to what
would be considered “normal” from the western world.
However, it is important consider a contrasting point of
view when making a judgement on any culture. So
before you go on a rant, take some time to do some
research the perspectives that challenge your own. In
the case of gravure idols, you might find it to be more
enjoyable than you thought…