Japanese gravure idols

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 …