Gravure idol

Gravure models posing in Akihabara

A gravure idol (グラビアアイドル gurabia aidoru), often abbreviated to gradol (グラドル guradoru),[1] is a Japanese female model who primarily models in magazines, especially those marketed to men, photobooks, or DVDs. Gravure idols, in most cases, emphasize their sexual attractiveness and often model in swimsuits.

Gravure idols appear in a wide range of photography styles and genres. Their photos are largely aimed at male audiences. Though they never appear nude, their poses are seen as semi-provocative.

Gravure models may be of any age but usually range from their late teens to their mid-twenties. In addition to appearing in mainstream magazines, gravure idols often release their own professional photobooks and DVDs for their fans. Many popular female idols in Japan launched their careers by starting out as gravure idols.

Gravure models are commonly photographed wearing bikinis or lingerie, but may also appear wearing schoolgirl uniforms, Japanese street fashion, and kimonos. Since 2008, ZAKZAK magazine has awarded a Gravure Idol Award.[2]

The word グラビア (gurabia), used in Japanese to describe female models of this kind, is derived from the English-language term rotogravure, which is a printing method that was once commonly used in the production of illustrated magazines. The modern meaning of the term "gravure idol" is thus loosely "magazine model", a reference to the medium in which most of the idols gain stardom.[3]

In the Philippines

In 2012, Summit Media, the publisher of FHM Philippines released the first gravure book featuring Korean Model/DJ Jinri Park entitled Jinri Experience, and later actress Ellen Adarna on A Weekend With Ellen in 2013. In late 2014, FHM released a mini-gravure book attached with the magazine, notably featuring Roxanne "Roxee B" Barcelo. In 2015 FHM shifts their "Online Babe" section into the "#NewCrush" featuring Filipina Korean newcomer model Yuri Choii,[4] and later former Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 housemate and UST volleyball player Tricia Santos,[5] which became an instant hit to FHM fans.

List of gravure idols

See also

References

  1. ↑ Goo Dictionary: "Gravure idol" (Japanese)
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ "Japan 101: Guide to Gravure Idols". axiommagazine.jp. 2012-03-10. Retrieved 2015-10-20.
  4. ↑ "Yuri Choii - FHM's #NewCrush February 2015". FHM.com.ph. 2015-02-23. Retrieved 2015-04-16.
  5. ↑ "Tricia Santos - FHM's #NewCrush March 2015". FHM.com.ph. 2015-03-23. Retrieved 2015-04-16.

External links

Media related to Gravure idols from Japan at Wikimedia Commons


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