Model

Ranzuki's all-time popular models Part 3

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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.

Akiko Ishikawa (Akipoyo)

Born on February 7, 1994

Akiko Ishikawa, affectionately known as "Akipoyo," became Ranzuki's exclusive model at the age of 15.

She made her debut in the February 2010 issue and appeared on the cover for the first time in the April 2013 issue, which marked her fourth year as a Ranzuki exclusive model.

Akipoyo was a master of bold makeup and captivated many fans with her cute looks.

She was also known as a close friend of Mayu Koike (Chinpan), who was also a Ranzuki exclusive model, and together they were lovingly called the "Poyopan duo."

In addition to her work as a Ranzuki model, Akipoyo was also a member of the idol unit "Pimm’s," formed in 2012, where she was part of the first generation.

After working as a Ranzuki model for about 5 years, she graduated from the magazine with the March 2015 issue.

Currently, she is active as a "ViVi girl," an official influencer for the fashion magazine ViVi, and also produces her own apparel brand "VRIA CHARME."

Janen Kaneko

Born on January 29, 1994

Janen Kaneko is a former model for Ranzuki, having started in the February 2011 issue.

She made her debut in Ranzuki after being snapped during her time as the head of a Shibuya "gal circle."

She later became a Ranzuki exclusive model after passing an audition where reader models could be promoted to exclusive status.

Janen was known for her striking style, often featuring animal prints and cool outfits.

However, due to repeated absences and lateness for filming, an apology and pledge were published in Ranzuki.

After about two and a half years, she graduated from Ranzuki and later became a reader model for BLENDA.

She was also active as part of the third generation of the "Blogger DML" (Dokusha Model Leaders) unit, formed by popular reader models.

After her modeling career, she launched a YouTube channel under her Japanese name, Aya Kaneko, and gained over 360,000 subscribers, establishing herself as a popular YouTuber, though she has been inactive since December 2020.

Rena Igou (Retchi)

Born on January 27, 1994

Rena Igou, known as "Retchi," joined Ranzuki in the October 2011 issue after winning the Ranzuki exclusive model audition along with Seriko Hamasaki (Seri).

Retchi quickly gained popularity for her growing beauty, and within just four months, she graced her first cover in the February 2012 issue.

She continued to be one of the magazine's leading models until she graduated from Ranzuki in the November 2013 issue.

Retchi was known for her colorful, childlike casual outfits and even worked as a shop staff member at the 109 brand "Neon Soda" for a time.

She is now active as a video creator on her YouTube channel "Recchannel" and is also blessed with two children.

Sayaka Iwamoto (Saaya)

Born on December 15, 1994

Sayaka Iwamoto, known as "Saaya," began her modeling career in the August 2012 issue of Ranzuki.

Her debut gained attention because it came with the condition that she would be fired if she gained 5kg.

During her time as a Ranzuki model, she showcased a wide range of styles, including kuro-gal, American casual, mature sexy, and lolita, revealing different sides of herself.

She was also close friends with fellow model Maya Hasegawa (Maya-nyamu), and together they were known as the popular "Sayamaya duo."

After working with "Ranzuki" for about two and a half years, he graduated from the magazine with the January 2015 issue.

Afterward, she worked as an exclusive model for Koakuma Ageha and LOVEggg.

Since late 2016, she has been active on YouTube under the name "Usatani Paisen" and has gained over 400,000 subscribers.

Alongside her YouTube activities, she also serves as a tourism ambassador for her hometown, Fukushima Prefecture, and manages her own apparel brand "Rabintage" as well as her cosmetics brand "Parallel."

Chisato Yoshiki (Chiipopo)

Born on March 18, 1997.

Chisato Yoshiki, also known as "Chiipopo," began her career as a Ranzuki exclusive model in the December 2012 issue after winning second place in the "Kanto High School Freshman Beauty Contest" in August 2012.

She quickly rose to prominence, becoming the magazine's top model, and graced the cover of Ranzuki 32 times during her three-and-a-half-year (42-month) tenure.

Besides modeling for Ranzuki, she also produced colored contact lenses and published her own style book and other works.

She graduated from Ranzuki in the May 2016 issue and is currently an exclusive model for S Cawaii!

In the debut issue of S Cawaii! in July 2016, she appeared on the cover right away, and within just three months, she became the fastest model in the magazine's history to land a solo cover.

She continues to model for S Cawaii! and LARME, serves as the director of the lingerie brand "Lunangelina," which she launched in October 2020.

She remains active in a wide range of fields, from modeling to producing.

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

  • Mayu Koike
  • Seriko Hamasaki
  • Maya Hasegawa
  • Maho Kishida
  • Yue Miyatani
  • Rina Maekawa
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