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Ranzuki's all-time popular models Part 2

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When you think of "Ranzuki," many might recognize it as a gyaru magazine.

Originally launched in 1998 as "Ranking Daisuki," it was rebranded as "Ranzuki" on July 22, 2000.

Initially, the magazine focused heavily on kuro-gyaru (*1) fashion and makeup, gaining significant support from teenage gyaru.

Today, we will introduce some of the R's (exclusive models of Ranzuki) who were active in the magazine!

.Kuro-gyaru... Refers to gyaru who tan their skin at tanning salons, and it is used as the opposite of shiro-gyaru, who do not tan.

Aya Suzuki (Suzu)

Born January 2, 1990.

Aya Suzuki, affectionately known as "Suzu," made her Ranzuki debut in the July 2007 issue.

For the next four years and eight months, until the March 2012 issue, she was a top Ranzuki model who contributed greatly to the magazine.

She appeared on the cover many times, even gracing it for 19 consecutive issues!

In 2009, a special Ranzuki edition titled "Suzu Ranzuki," entirely dedicated to Suzu, was also published.

Throughout her time at Ranzuki, she appeared on the cover a total of 42 times, a feat remembered as the "Suzu Legend."

She was well known for her love of the color blue and regularly showcased numerous casual outfits featuring blue items each month.

She also openly expressed her love for Pochama, a popular character from Pokémon, naming her official blog "Techitechi Pochama."

She even featured her room filled with Pochama merchandise in the magazine.

Besides her work as an Ranzuki model, she also served as the long-time image model for the surf-inspired 109 brand "COCOLULU," making her a key figure in the gyaru scene.

In March 2012, at the peak of her popularity, she graduated from Ranzuki.

Afterward, she continued her modeling career with magazines like "EDGE STYLE" and "S Cawaii!" In November 2019, she announced on social media that she had a wedding in Hawaii.

Currently, she is the director of the accessory brand "ChinguRing."

Nicole Abe (Nicorun)

Born December 22, 1993.

Nicole Abe, known as "Nicorun," debuted as the youngest-ever Ranzuki model while still in her third year of junior high school in 2008.

During her three-and-a-half-year stint with the magazine, she appeared on the cover 16 times, gaining recognition as a rising young gyaru model.

Despite her young age, she quickly became a standout gyaru model and appeared in various features.

In November 2011, she graduated from Ranzuki and transitioned to the adult gyaru magazine "nuts" in the December issue.

She even appeared on the cover of her first issue with nuts, showing the high expectations for her. Nicole became a leading model for nuts as well.

In September 2021, she launched her fashion brand "SHEROSE," where she works as a producer, designing and planning products.

Natsumi Saito (Natsuuumi)

Born August 7, 1992.

Natsumi Saito, known as "Natsuuumi," began her career as a Ranzuki exclusive model in 2009.

Her bold and colorful fashion choices made her a hit with readers, and after the graduation of Suzu (Aya Suzuki), she became one of Ranzuki's main models.

She was also close with fellow models Arichan (Arisa Kamata) and Rei (Rei Yasui), and the "Arinatsu combo" with Arichan became popular among fans.

During her modeling career, she was known for her relationship with Takezo (James Yamada), a men's egg model.

After graduating from Ranzuki with the November 2013 issue, she transitioned to "EDGE STYLE" magazine and continued to model in various fashion genres.

In 2014, she also launched a singing career, expanding into different fields.

In April 2019, she opened "NO IDEA CAFE," where she sells items from her apparel brand "PEANUTS CAT" and works as a cafe staff member.

Arisa Kamata (Arichan)

Born July 21, 1992.

Arisa Kamata, known as "Arichan," was a former Ranzuki exclusive model.

She was scouted while working as a shop assistant for the surf-style brand "COCOLULU" at Shibuya 109, and from 2009 to 2013, she modeled for Ranzuki.

She was close with fellow models Natsuuumi (Natsumi Saito) and Rei (Rei Yasui), and the "Arinatsu combo" with Natsuuumi became especially popular.

In 2011, while balancing her modeling career, Arichan made headlines for being accepted into Keio University's Faculty of Policy Management.

She became known as the "smart gyaru," challenging the stereotype that gyaru couldn’t be academically successful.

Her study methods were even featured in Ranzuki, helping to change the image of gyaru.

Arichan was also involved in charity work, inspired by a trip to Bali as a middle schooler where she saw children struggling in poverty.

She continued fundraising and other charitable efforts during her gyaru modeling career.

She graduated from Ranzuki in the December 2013 issue and completed her degree from Keio University in March 2015.

She then pursued graduate studies and, starting in 2018, became a part-time lecturer at Keio University, teaching "Pattern Language" in the Faculty of Policy Management and the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies.

Additionally, she works as an ethical fashion planner and serves as the co-representative of the nonprofit organization Unisteps.

Other models who also helped boost Ranzuki’s popularity during the same period included:

  • Takami Tsuha (Taa)
  • Namino Hata (Nami-Tee)
  • Yumi Yamanaka (Yuminyan)
  • Yoko Kunieda (Yossan)
  • Yui Minemura (Yuuyu)
  • Serika Nakayama (Serii)
  • Rei Yasui
  • Rika Mamiya (Rikachuu)
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