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!
Nicole Fujita (Nikorun)
Popteen8月号発売しました🌻
— 藤田 ニコル(にこるん)🌙 (@0220nicole) June 29, 2017
そして私、にこるんは8月のイベントでPopteenモデルを卒業します🙊大好きなpopのモデルになって約３年間短かったけど全てが宝物です。ここまで支えてくれたファンの皆本当にありがとう。ラスト号、全部語ったの絶対に読んでください😭pop大好き。 pic.twitter.com/9e1GtkTR5s
Born February 20, 1998.
Nicole Fujita, known by her nickname "Nikorun," is also well-known for appearing as a talent on various TV shows and media platforms.
After working as a model for the teen fashion magazine "nicola," she transferred to Popteen in 2014. After the transfer, she often represented casual styles featuring colorful items, which resonated with readers and led her to become a top model.
Together with Michopa (Miyuu Ikeda) and Yurayura (Yurano Ochi), the trio earned the nickname "Yurachoparun," gaining immense popularity among people of the same generation.
In August 2017, she graduated from Popteen. As of 2022, she is an exclusive model for ViVi.
Besides her modeling work, she is also active as a TV personality and is involved in producing the cosmetic brand "cimer" and the fashion brand "CALNAMUR," which launched in June 2021.
Miyuu Ikeda (Michopa)
今日で「Popteenモデルのみちょぱ」とはお別れです。約5年間色々なことを学ばせてもらってこんなに大きく育ててもらって感謝しかないです。Popteenと出会えてなかったら今のみちょぱは絶対にいません。約5年間お世話になりました！本当に本当にありがとうございました！Popteenが大好きです♡ pic.twitter.com/xCIndIc1q7
— みちょぱ(池田美優) (@michopaaaaa) May 31, 2018
Born October 30, 1998.
Miyuu Ikeda, known by her nickname "Michopa," was active as an exclusive model for Popteen.
She made her debut as a reader model for the magazine at age 14. By the time she was 15, she graced the cover, earning the title of "charisma model."
Despite a period where demure gyaru styles were popular, she stayed true to the classic gyaru style, which garnered overwhelming support from many girls.
She also produced color contact lenses, false eyelashes, and glasses.
Thanks to her strong speaking abilities, she began appearing on various variety shows.
Currently, besides being a model and talent, she has been working as a commentator on the morning news program "Sukkiri" since January 2021.
Yurano Ochi (Yurayura)
【報告と感謝】
— 越智ゆらの (@yulayula8) June 30, 2016
Popteen８月号発売。
初のピン表紙を
飾らせていただきました、、！！❤️
ずっとみんなに見せたかったもの。
今日まで手を離さないでいてくれて
ほんとうに、ありがとう。
愛しかないです。#Popteen pic.twitter.com/5sszShTRbH
Born October 18, 1998.
Yurano Ochi, affectionately known as "Yurayura," debuted with Popteen in 2012 while she was still in junior high school, an exceptional achievement that made headlines at the time.
She became popular as a "Yumekawa model" (a dreamy-cute style) with her black hair and whimsical fashion, gaining a strong following.
Along with Michopa and Nikorun, she was one of the top models of Popteen, nicknamed "Yurachoparun," and was beloved by people of the same generation.
She maintained her unique style (black hair and fancy fashion) throughout her career and was active as a top model for about six years.
However, she graduated in the October 2018 issue. After graduation, she became a regular model for "LARME" and continues to remain popular by sharing videos on her YouTube channel.
Natsue Tokumoto (Nachos)
本日popteen10月号発売日
— なちょす(徳本 夏恵) (@nachos_tokumoto) August 31, 2016
私なちょすこと徳本夏恵は、Popモデルデビュー＆表紙をさせて頂くことが出来ました。
ただただ感謝の言葉でしかないです。
皆がおるからあたしがおれる、ここまで支えてくれた皆に本当に本当にありがとう。 pic.twitter.com/xC7IXajtN6
Born July 20, 1998.
Natsue Tokumoto, known by her nickname "Nachos," started her career as an exclusive model for Popteen in the October 2016 issue.
With her blonde hair and doll-like face, she garnered support from girls of her generation and quickly rose to fame, often appearing on the cover alongside the popular trio "Yurachoparun."
During her time as a Popteen model, she dated Taito Nasu, a men's model for Popteen, and the two were a highly popular couple known as the "Nachokororin Couple."
She graduated from Popteen in the August 2019 issue and has since modeled for magazines like "LARME" and "bis."
Other models who also helped boost Popteen’s popularity during the same period included:
- Ena Nakano (Chan-ena)
- Reina Tsuchiya (Reipoyo)
With a lineup of prominent names like “Nikorun” and “Michopa,” who continue to thrive as talents in the Reiwa era, many of these names are likely familiar to you.
Popteen has produced numerous popular talents and fashion industry professionals.
As a gateway to stardom, Popteen continues to feature a diverse range of active models.
We can't wait to see which talented models will emerge next and look forward to their continued success!
