Signature Smiles
A dazzling smile has become a vital part of the allure of Japanese celebrities. Their perfect teeth—frequently showcased on TV, in magazines, and across social media—represent more than just beauty; they signify professionalism and a sense of cleanliness.
Yet, these radiant smiles aren’t purely natural. They are crafted through expert dental procedures and consistent oral care. In this article, we explore the journeys of Japanese stars who have embraced dental treatments to achieve their striking smiles.
Nishikigoi Masaki Hasegawa
Masaki Hasegawa, one half of the comedy duo Nishikigoi and winner of the M-1 Grand Prix, underwent dental implant treatment on a TV show before his career took off. His remarkable transformation—from having only a few remaining molars to going through extractions, orthodontics, whitening, and finally implants—became widely discussed.
The story of how he regained both a bright smile and the ability to enjoy meals again drew considerable public attention.
Rino Sashihara
Rino Sashihara, a former AKB48 member who is now active on variety shows and as a producer, has openly shared that she once felt insecure about the alignment of her teeth.
After about two and a half years of lingual orthodontic treatment—a method that places braces on the inner side of the teeth—she achieved a perfectly straight smile. Because this technique keeps the braces hidden from view, it has become a popular choice among idols and celebrities who are constantly in the public eye.
Kamaitachi Ryuichi Hamaya
Ryuichi Hamada, from the comedy duo Kamaitachi, has spoken extensively about his dental treatments on his YouTube channel. His front teeth initially grew inward, leading him to get ceramic braces.
However, after his dentist noted that his misaligned bite was putting pressure on his back teeth, he decided to start wire braces at the age of 38. His experience serves as a great example of an adult choosing comprehensive orthodontic treatment not only for aesthetic improvement but also for better oral health.
Chidori Nobu
Nobu, a member of the popular comedy duo Chidori, has also openly shared that he is undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. He became concerned as his jaw gradually began to protrude more over the years and sought advice from his dentist, who recommended braces.
Although he was initially reluctant to begin treatment at the age of 41, he ultimately decided to proceed for the sake of his long-term health. To keep his braces discreet, he uses white brackets and wires that blend in with his teeth.
Airi Arimura
Arimura Airi, a TV personality and the older sister of actress Arimura Kasumi, once struggled with a “gummy smile,” a condition where the gums show prominently when smiling.
Through a combination of mouthpiece orthodontics, ceramic braces, and gummy smile correction, she transformed the appearance of her mouth and gained a far more confident smile.
Shinjo Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Shinjo, famously known as “Big Boss,” is well recognized for his dazzling white teeth. His perfectly aligned smile is the result of both orthodontic and ceramic treatments.
Shinjo takes great pride in maintaining his bright teeth, and many fans often express their admiration, saying they wish to have teeth as white as his.
Minami Minegishi
Former AKB48 member Minami Minegishi has undergone orthodontic treatment on three separate occasions: during elementary school, junior high, and as an adult.
She has experienced all three main types of braces—lingual braces, ceramic braces, and mouthguard-style braces—and has shared the costs and progress of each on her YouTube channel. Her detailed approach to both straightening and whitening her teeth has inspired many of her fans.
Akemi Darenogare
Akemi Darenogare, a model and TV personality, had ceramic fillings on her front teeth and used lingual braces to correct the alignment of her lower teeth.
By opting for lingual braces, which are hidden from view, she ensures that her dental treatment doesn’t interfere with her professional image. Her meticulous attention to dental care reflects her strong sense of aesthetics.
Chihiro Kondo
Model Chihiro Kondo received lingual orthodontic treatment on top of her existing ceramic braces. After having the braces removed, she wore a retainer to prevent her teeth from shifting back.
She also shares updates on her treatment progress through social media, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining a flawless smile.
Seiko Matsuda
Seiko Matsuda, a leading idol of the 1980s, was originally known for her signature double tooth. However, when she planned to expand her career overseas, she underwent orthodontic and ceramic treatments to straighten her teeth, as double teeth were less favored in Western cultures.
Her flawless “Seiko smile” not only influenced future idols and celebrities but also played a key role in shifting attitudes toward cosmetic dentistry in Japan.
Akina Nakamori
Akina Nakamori, like Seiko Matsuda, was a leading idol of the 1980s. Her teeth weren’t perfectly aligned, yet this imperfection contributed to her distinctive charm.
While there’s no record of her publicly discussing any dental treatments, she represents an era when idols weren’t necessarily expected to have flawless, straight teeth.
Kyoko Koizumi
Kyoko Koizumi, still active as an actress and singer, drew attention when she wore braces while portraying a sadistic murderer in the 1998 film Bayside Shakedown THE MOVIE.
The braces were part of the role and not her natural teeth alignment, but the striking image left a lasting impression. This incident also reflects a period when wearing braces was far less common than it is today.
Tsukasa Ito
Tsukasa Ito, an actress and idol active in the early 1980s, was famous for her distinctive smile featured in magazine photo shoots.
Her double teeth were seen as charming, reflecting one of the characteristic appeal points of idols during that era.
Gackt
Singer Gackt is renowned for his striking appearance and enigmatic persona.
His keen sense of aesthetics extends to his teeth, with careful attention to maintaining their whiteness, which enhances and completes his overall artistic image.
Kimura Takuya
Takuya Kimura, a former SMAP member and one of Japan’s top actors, doesn’t have perfectly straight teeth, yet that imperfection adds to his charismatic and edgy appeal.
His choice to keep a natural smile without extensive dental correction highlights the diversity of beauty standards.
Namie Amuro
Namie Amuro, a 1990s diva and successor to the idol culture of the 1980s, initially had slightly crooked teeth but gradually straightened them throughout her career.
This transformation helped her evolve into a sophisticated, mature figure, with the changes in her smile reflecting the broader development of Japanese pop culture.
Minami Hamabe
Minami Hamabe, a popular young actress, is recognized for her natural, slightly imperfect smile.
The gentle crookedness of her teeth gives her a warm and approachable charm, establishing a fresh standard of beauty that contrasts with today’s trend of flawless perfection.
Becky
TV personality Becky is celebrated not only for her lively and cheerful demeanor but also for her radiant white teeth.
Her smile exudes cleanliness and positivity, highlighting how essential well-maintained teeth are for projecting a professional and appealing image.
Kiko Mizuhara
Kiko Mizuhara, a model and actress working in both Japan and abroad, is recognized for her distinctive fashion sense and expressive features.
Rather than having the typical “perfect teeth,” she sports a slight gap, giving her smile a unique charm that perfectly complements her cool, edgy image.
Arisa Mizuki
Mizuki Arisa has been a leading star since the late 1980s. At the start of her career, her teeth were slightly misaligned, but over time she underwent orthodontic treatment and now boasts a flawless smile.
The transformation of her teeth reflects both her dedication to beauty and the changing standards of the era.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, who rose to global fame with The Matrix, may not fit the conventional “perfect” image, but he is admired for his mature charm.
His natural teeth and understated smile reflect his genuine, unpretentious personality, a quality that endears him to fans worldwide.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, one of today’s most iconic pop stars, is known for her impeccable smile that many young fans admire.
Her bright, white teeth showcase the latest in cosmetic dentistry and highlight the high beauty standards expected of global celebrities today.
Atsuko Maeda
Maeda Atsuko, the former “absolute ace” of AKB48, has long been a subject of discussion among fans and the media, with her teeth often drawing attention.
As her career progressed, she straightened her teeth, gaining a more confident smile that has inspired many.
Bananaman Himura Yuki
Yuki Himura, from the comedy duo **Bananaman**, has invested heavily in dental care. After years of neglecting cavities and gum disease, he lost numerous teeth and ultimately received a total of 15 dental implants.
He disclosed that the total cost amounted to 6 million yen, demonstrating that he prioritizes not just appearance but also the functionality needed to enjoy meals.