Popteen, a fashion magazine with a long history since its founding in 1980, focuses on casual and girly styles for teens and is still highly popular among middle and high school girls today.
However, Popteen was once known as a gyaru fashion magazine, producing numerous iconic models who represented the gyaru culture.
In this article, we will introduce some of the most popular models who were active in Popteen during its heyday!
Tsubasa Masuwaka (Tsu-chan)
見た目はギャルだけど海より室内が好き。ギャルが怖かったしパラパラも踊れない。毎日楽しいけど明日が不安だった。自分なんて必要なくなると当時雑誌も辞めた。無理して憧れ続けたギャルマインドは今も残ってるしやってよかったよ。だから内面とは別の見た目を繕う人の気持ちも理解できるし応援したい pic.twitter.com/JeFjuOsbiC
— 益若つばさTsubasaMasuwaka (@tsubasamasuwaka) June 10, 2022
Born on October 13, 1985.
Tsubasa Masuwaka, affectionately known as "Tsu-chan," was an iconic model for Popteen, known for leading gyaru culture.
While many associate her with Popteen, she actually started her career as a reader model for the gyaru fashion magazine egg.
Despite being only 150 cm tall, she stood out with her exceptional self-production skills, mastering various fashion styles such as princess, Barbie, and casual, all with her unique "Tsu-chan" twist. She became the envy of many gyaru girls.
The clothes, accessories, and cosmetics she wore sold out quickly, causing a phenomenon known as the "10 billion yen economic effect" and "Tsubasa-ure(Tsubasa-selling)."
At the height of her popularity, she graduated from Popteen in February 2008, after announcing her marriage and pregnancy.
She gave birth to her first son in April of the same year and later made a modeling comeback in PopSister, Popteen's sister magazine.
Besides modeling, she launched successful brands such as the cosmetics line "Candy doll" and the apparel brand "EATME."
She also pursued a music career under the name "Milky Bunny" and appeared in dramas and films as an actress.
In 2020, she posted a photo of herself wearing the "Jirai makeup" trend on social media, which caused a sensation among fans.
Even today, she continues to inspire many girls as a trendsetting influencer.
Jun Komori (Junpo)
Born on November 22, 1985.
Jun Komori, affectionately called "Junpo," was active as a Popteen model from 2003 to 2010.
While many associate her with Popteen, she was actually the first exclusive model (R's) for the gyaru fashion magazine Ranzuki.
In Popteen, she often modeled B-style and casual fashion, and, along with Tsubasa Masuwaka, became a popular model.
She also had the surprising skill of being a professional-level cook despite her gyaru image, and frequently shared delicious recipes during Christmas and Valentine's Day features.
When PopSister was launched in April 2010, Junpo transferred to that magazine as an exclusive model, where she continued to thrive until the magazine ceased publication in November 2011.
In addition to modeling, Junpo appeared on numerous variety shows, contributed lyrics to the debut single "Natsu Love" by the gyaru unit Juliet, and appeared in several music videos.
In her personal life, she married former Men's Egg model Ryo Imai in 2011, and they have two children together.
She is now a certified nail artist and runs her own nail salon.
Yui Kanno
popteen編集部にて
— 菅野結以 (@Yuikanno) July 3, 2014
現役時代の歴史の一部を発掘しました pic.twitter.com/zxYDSOdCtf
Born on October 6, 1987.
Yui Kanno was an exclusive Popteen model from February 2004 until the May 2010 issue, working for about six years.
While Popteen at the time featured many black gyaru models like Tsubasa Masuwaka and Jun Komori, Yui-chan stood out as a representative of the white skin gyaru style.
She often modeled cute fashion styles and served as a longtime advertisement model for LIZLISA.
Her background as a former delinquent (yankee) and band groupie (banga) was revealed in Popteen, surprising many fans due to her cute looks.
In April 2010, she transferred to PopSister as an exclusive model and remained active there until its last issue in November 2011.
Currently, Yui models for fashion magazines like "LARME" and "PECHE," the latter being LARME's inaugural issue, and she also produces the apparel brand "Crayme."
Aiku Maikawa
実家に帰るとある
— 舞川あいく (@AIKU0817_) January 1, 2024
懐かしい雑誌たち😊🫶💗#popteen#cancam#15歳からの思い出たち pic.twitter.com/AH7U43AxMS
Born on August 17, 1988.
Aiku Maikawa started appearing as a Popteen model in June 2005.
She quickly gained immense popularity as the "face of Popteen" but shocked her fans when she announced her graduation from the magazine at the annual summer event, "Ageru! Popteen Festival 2009."
Standing at 169 cm, Aiku-chan had a tall and slender model's physique, making her stand out among other Popteen models.
She often showcased simple casual and cool styles, such as pairing denim pants with a T-shirt.
In Popteen's personal style pages, she often featured mix-and-match looks with simple clothes and fashionable accessories like scarves and hats, inspiring many fans.
Aiku-chan was known for her disciplined lifestyle to maintain her figure, including taking two baths daily, each lasting an hour, and avoiding sweets at home. Her professionalism as a model left a lasting impression.
As announced, she graduated from Popteen with the February 2009 issue and later became an exclusive model for "CanCam," where she frequently appeared on the cover.
After leaving CanCam, she continued modeling in magazines like "steady" and "Bijin Hyakka," while also expanding into TV and media work.
She is now active as a freelance model and photographer.
Other models who also helped boost Popteen’s popularity during the same period included:
- Chie Hoshino
- Kana Hoshino
- Tomoko Higuchi (Higutomo)
- Miku Akiyama
- Yenah Hirano
After Tsubasa Masuwaka’s breakout as a charismatic gyaru model and her subsequent TV appearances, the term "former Popteen model" became more common for gyaru talents on television.
Popteen is now seen as a gateway to the entertainment industry, and we look forward to seeing the next generation of standout models!
