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グラビアアイドル (gurabia aidoru). This term has always puzzled me. I knew the kind of work these women did but the job title threw me off.

Wikipedia comes to the rescue:

Gravure idols (グラビアアイドル, gurabia aidoru?) are Japanese models who often pose in bikinis and other provocative clothing for photo spreads in magazines aimed largely at men. They are known for their large breasts and suggestive poses. However, they do not pose nude or perform sexually explicit acts in their work. The term comes from photogravure, a type of printing process.

If you’re a fan of Japanese TV variety shows, there’s a good chance you’ve seen your fair of gravure idols. Popular idols include Wakatsuki Chinatsu, Kumada Yoko, MEGUMI, and Koike Eiko.

It takes more than a pretty face and large breasts to make it in the crazy business of Japanese variety TV. Having an interesting personality and being able to work well with other talent is of paramount importance. The people I just mentioned were able to make the transition from gravure idols to popular TV personalities.

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[Photo courtesy of Danny Choo]