The sister magazine of Popteen, BLENDA, was a gyaru fashion magazine first published in September 2003.
It primarily targeted adult gyaru in their 20s, offering a mix of casual and overseas trends inspired fashion styles.
Foreign celebrities were often featured on the cover.
Despite its popularity, BLENDA ceased publication with its September 2014 issue.
In this article, we will introduce BLENDA's all-time popular models.
Reiko Ide
Born August 29, 1978
Reiko Ide became a BLENDA model at 25 and graced its cover numerous times, earning her status as one of its most iconic models.
Known for her tanned skin, bright hair, and signature curled locks, she represented the magazine's cool fashion.
Her style often featured modern, mature looks such as chic jackets and denim, complemented by accessories like hats and berets.
Reiko was also known for her ability to rock casual, adult-inspired outfits, often paired with glasses for a sophisticated touch.
She was also image model for the fashion brand DURAS, gaining immense popularity among women in their 20s.
In 2011, she joined the BLENDA-born unit "Be-ppin" and released the single "MY・EYE・AH."
After working as a BLENDA exclusive model for 9 years, she canceled her exclusive contract in 2013.
In 2014, she launched the fashion brand "Love is…TOKYO," but later stepped away from it by the end of the year.
Her current activities remain unknown.
Natsumi Yoshida
Born July 15, 1987
Natsumi Yoshida first rose to fame as a popular model for the gyaru magazine egg at 15, later transitioning to BLENDA around 2007.
Away from her egg days when she was a ganguro gal, she was active in a casual position at BLENDA.
She often wears casual and simple fashion, especially denim pants and shorts.
She briefly modeled for PINKY in 2009 but returned to BLENDA in 2010 after PINKY ceased publication.
Natsumi is also a member of the unit "Be-ppin" formed by BLENDA models, and is given the catchphrase "Flashy Body".
Today, she works as a fitness trainer and runs an online apparel shop, "Lit Vintage."
Yui Hasegawa
Born July 11, 1985
Yui Hasegawa became a BLENDA exclusive model after winning its 2006 model audition.
Initially plump, she lost 13 kg through dieting and stood out with her tall, 170 cm frame, which she used to dominate the magazine’s pages.
She often creates cool coordinations that incorporate overseas trends, mainly based on simple fashion items.
I also get the impression that she was good at using accessories, such as hats, sunglasses, and other accessories.
Yui continues to work as a model even after graduating from BLENDA.
It also seems that she sells overseas accessories that she has selected herself.
Yuika Nakano
Born September 7, 1987
Yuika Nakano was a BLENDA exclusive model from 2006 until 2014.
She became a BLENDA model through an introduction from her agency.
She is known for her distinct facial features, and was in charge of a sexy position in the same magazine.
She often wears sexy adult gal fashion such as LIP SERVICE, RESEXXY, and rienda, and dresses and tight skirts that emphasize her body line look good on her.
Known for her versatility, she could also effortlessly transition to chic, modern looks from brands like EMODA.
In addition to her modeling work, she appeared in major fashion events like the Tokyo Girls Collection and commercials for brands such as Nissin and Kose.
While her modeling career was prolific, Yuika has been inactive on social media since 2021, leaving her current endeavors unknown.
Asano
Born February 8, 1988
Asano was scouted through a street snap (a feature showcasing stylish gyaru in Shibuya) and became a BLENDA model in 2008, staying for six years.
Standing at 172 cm, she was known for her cool yet approachable vibe, often styling herself in casual, standout designs from brands like EMODA, MURUA, and SLY.
She announced her marriage and pregnancy on her blog in March 2014, and gave birth to her first child in July of the same year.
Since then, she has focused on raising her children and stopped updating her blog in 2016.
Other models who also helped boost Koakuma Ageha’s popularity during the same period included:
- Chikako Watanabe
- Yoko Takase
- Mariko Takeda
- Satomi Kondo
- Sachiko Fujikura
- Ayaka Yamamoto