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!
Kumiko Funayama (Kumicky)
【表紙で振り返りPopteen】
— Popteen(ポップティーン) (@Popteen_jp) August 26, 2015
2014年くみっきー卒業。くみっきーのPopteenの歴史が深すぎて卒業特集1号じゃ足りない！っていうのと、SNSの広がりによりネタバレ防げないってことで史上初の3号連続表紙が実現しました。 pic.twitter.com/OFLPpRsBPn
Born April 29, 1991.
Kumiko Funayama, known by her nickname "Kumicky," was a highly popular top model in Popteen and a leading figure of the next generation after Tsubasa Masuwaka (Tsu-chan) graduated.
She was scouted in Shibuya when she was 17 and made her modeling debut.
Initially, she worked not only for Popteen but also for egg, even gracing the cover of egg solo at one point!
After that, she became an exclusive model for Popteen and became the magazine's charismatic model.
From the March 2009 issue to the July 2010 issue, she achieved a new record by appearing on the cover of Popteen for 17 consecutive months!
This 17-month streak made headlines at the time.
Her signature "Kumicky Pose," where she made peace signs above her head with both hands, was often imitated by many gyaru when taking purikura (photo booth pictures).
She graduated from Popteen in the August 2014 issue, after which she started working for feminine fashion magazines such as "With" and "Bijin Hyakka," showcasing a different side of herself from her gyaru days.
Besides her modeling work, she also serves as the director of her own fashion brand "MICOAMERI," offering a wide variety of clothing that reflects her unique style.
On September 16, 2019, she married a non-celebrity man and gave birth to her first child on September 6, 2021.
As of February 2022, she is actively sharing her journey of raising her child on social media.
Mizuki Nishikawa (Mizukitty)
Popteenモデルの
— 西川 瑞希 (@mizukitty921116) November 10, 2013
みずきてぃこと西川瑞希です
Twitter始めました(=^ェ^=)
ゆるる〜んHAPPYLIFEを
毎日をUPしてくので
みなさん是非フォロー
してくれたら嬉しいです♪♪ pic.twitter.com/uO1nclI31j
Born November 16, 1992.
Mizuki Nishikawa, known by her nickname "Mizukitty," was a prominent Popteen top model who thrived alongside Kumicky.
Her blog, which she started as a high school student, became a hot topic, leading her to be scouted by the Popteen editorial team.
In June 2010, she began her modeling career with Popteen.
Her sunflower-like smile was so charming that she ranked second, just after Kumicky, in the "Favorite Popteen Model Ranking."
During her time with Popteen, she appeared on the cover 24 times over six years.
She graduated from Popteen in the September 2015 issue and transitioned to "Ray," a fashion magazine, starting with the December issue of the same year.
She expanded her career further by launching her apparel brand "Cherie Mona" in August 2016, where she serves as both director and designer.
In 2018, she graduated from Ray after about three years of activity.
She married a non-celebrity man in March 2021 and, in addition to her work with Cherie Mona, began producing fragrances for a new brand "MIII," which she launched in June 2021.
Rie Matsuoka (Okarie)
おかりえがこの前のイベントで付けていた香水は…?!
— Ank Rouge (@AnkRouge) March 5, 2013
パープルカラーの『Fairy Bouquet』でした～ヽ(*´ｖ｀*)ﾉ!!
"可憐なスズランの香りを身にまとい、バニラとムスクの元へ...♡" pic.twitter.com/zWTJJiN4AE
Born October 23, 1989.
Rie Matsuoka, also known by her nickname "Okarie," made her first appearance in Popteen in 2009 through a snap project while she was active as part of the popular blogging group "Blogirls" on CROOZ Blog.
Afterward, she became a Popteen model and contributed to the magazine for about four years.
Okarie was incredibly popular for her doll-like cute looks.
In addition to being a "Popular Blogger" and a "Popteen model," she also served as the director for the Shibuya 109 brand "Ank Rouge."
Ank Rouge was highly anticipated from the beginning, and when it opened at Shibuya 109, fans flocked to see Okarie, resulting in long lines and a huge turnout!
Despite her high popularity as a Amagyaru, she graduated from Popteen in May 2013.
After graduation, she became a model for "Koakuma Ageha," displaying a different vibe from her Popteen days but continuing to captivate readers with her unchanged cuteness.
In her personal life, she announced her marriage to a non-celebrity man in July 2020. She is now the director of the apparel brand "efla," which she launched in April 2021.
Hikari Shiina (Pikarin)
【８年前】popteen時代のメイクを再現してみたら••• 【全盛期ギャルメイク】 https://t.co/lvsvRF79pJ
— ✟椎名ひかり✟ぴ様😈 (@Pikarin_shiina) March 7, 2020
2万5千才ぴかりん、がんばった どーじゃかの？
びがりん pic.twitter.com/lcGQTcTwnK
Born November 18, 1994.
Hikari Shiina, affectionately known as "Pikarin," was scouted as a middle school student in 2009 and began her career as a reader model for gyaru magazines Ranzuki and egg.
In 2010, she became a Popteen model and continued to contribute to the magazine until 2016.
She often showcased rock or Gothic Lolita fashion, standing out as a unique presence in Popteen.
While she was a gyaru model, she was also known as a pioneer of unique fashion styles such as "Yamikawaii" (sick-cute) and "Itako-de" (pain fashion).
In 2012, she debuted as a singer under the name "Shiina Pikarin." Her concept as an idol from the demon world has garnered attention not only in Japan but also internationally.
Other models who also helped boost Popteen’s popularity during the same period included:
- Mari Murata (Marimo)
- Mai Hirose (Maimai)
- Misaki Izuoka (Izu)
- Miki Kasai (Mikipon)
- Minato Kobori (Minyatocchi)
- Yukiko Sano (Yukinoko)
- Natsuko Matsumoto (Otsuko)
- Yumika Hirao (Yumichii)
- Nozomi Maeda (Maenon)
- Ai Matsumoto (Maapipi)
- Serika Okuwaki (Serikamacho)
- Rena Takeda (Renarena)
- Rose Dakoda
- Sayaka Imai (Saaya)
