Iyo Matsumoto – Born in 1965
Iyo Matsumoto debuted as an idol singer in 1981 with the song "Sentimental Journey." In 1993, she married Hiromi, a member of the comedy trio B21 Special at the time, and they have two sons.
Nowadays, she works as a mommy talent, frequently appearing on variety and informational shows. Her eldest son, Kozono Ryo, is now an adult and has begun his own career in the entertainment world, performing in dramas and on stage.
Chiemi Hori - Born in 1967
Hori Chiemi, who debuted in 1982, is recognized as part of the "Flower Group of '82" from the idol golden era. Known for her many romantic relationships, she has been married three times and is now a mother to seven children—five biological and two stepchildren from her current husband.
In 2019, she revealed she was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer, but after surgery and treatment, she made a successful return to the stage in 2020.
Hiroko Mita - Born in 1966
Hiroko Mita began her career as an idol, debuting in 1982, and married kabuki actor Nakamura Hashinosuke in 1991. Although she experienced a miscarriage with her first pregnancy after marriage, she later gave birth to three sons.
She appears to be actively involved in supporting the kabuki community as the wife of a kabuki actor. While she makes occasional TV appearances as a housewife idol, these are relatively rare.
Hayami Yuu - Born in 1966
Hayami Yu, raised in Hawaii, made a strong impression as a talented and attractive idol when she debuted. She remains active today, appearing on various shows as a mom talent. In 2020, she even starred in a parody of her own hit "Natsuiro no Nancy" for Nissin Food Products’ "Seafood Noodle" campaign.
Now in her mid-50s, her youthful charm has hardly faded since her debut, which many find impressive.
Hidemi Ishikawa - Born in 1966
A notable member of the "Flower Group of '82" is Ishikawa Hidemi, who married Yakumaru Hirohide—a former Shibugaki-tai member and current talent—in 1990. Since retiring from show business, she might be less familiar to younger fans.
Their marriage, uniting two well-known idols, caused a significant buzz at the time. Together, they have five children: three sons and two daughters.
Tomoyo Harada - Born in 1967
Harada Tomoyo continues to be a prominent actress. Recently, she delivered notable performances in NHK’s morning dramas like "Ohisama" and "Hanbun, Aoi," as well as the series "Anata no Ban Desu." She began her career in entertainment at just 14 years old.
In 1983, during her first year of high school, she made her film debut starring in "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," also performing the movie’s theme song. While she is primarily recognized for her acting, she remains active in music to this day.
Yuuki Kudo - Born in 1971
She is one of the rare Japanese actresses who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood. Her decision to move to the U.S. and chase her dreams, despite not speaking English at the time, is truly commendable. Her hard work paid off, leading to roles in Hollywood films like Snow Falling on Cedars and Rush Hour 3.
In recent years, she has remained active across borders, appearing in projects such as the Japanese TV drama Downtown Rocket and the film WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES.
Yui Asaka - Born in 1969
In 2020, Asaka Yui caught everyone's attention by appearing in a commercial for the fitness brand RIZAP. Back in the 1980s, she was one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Idols," along with Nakayama Miho, Minamino Yoko, and Kudo Shizuka, and had an extremely packed schedule.
Her breakthrough came with the lead role in the drama Sukeban Deka III: Shojo Ninpocho Densetsu, for which she also performed the theme song. Even today, she continues to work actively as both an actress and a singer.
Yuki Sugiura - Born in 1969
She is one of the former idols from the 1980s who rarely appears in the media today. Her acting debut came in the TV drama Kagami of Janus, where she played a heroine with multiple personalities—a role that drew significant attention. In 1986, she also launched her singing career with the song "Sadness."
After 1990, following some personal difficulties, she shifted her focus to her interest in pachinko and even made appearances on pachinko-related cable TV shows. While she occasionally shows up on variety and TV shopping programs, her media presence overall remains limited.
Kumiko Goto - Born in 1974
Goto Kumiko remains one of the beloved idols from the 1980s, still admired by many fans today. It's remarkable how little her appearance has changed over the years. She’s often credited with sparking the "beautiful girl" craze of the era.
Some of her most well-known film appearances include Otoko wa Tsurai yo and City Hunter. In her personal life, she married F1 driver Jean Alesi in 1996, and they have a son and a daughter. She currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland.
Maiko Ito - Born in 1964
Maiko Ito, now going by Ito Maiko, began her career as an idol in the 1980s and has since followed a distinctive path. While continuing her work in TV dramas and informational shows, she pursued higher education through Waseda University's Department of Human Sciences e-School, studying robotics up to the master's and doctoral levels.
She remains active in the entertainment industry and also plays a key role in various fields, including serving as a director for the NPO "Association for Considering Customized Medical Care."
Yoko Oginome - Born in 1968
Yoko Oginome rose to major popularity in the mid-1980s with her energetic Eurobeat-style hits. Her song "Dancing Hero" experienced a remarkable revival in 2017 after it was featured in a performance by the dance club at Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School, introducing her music to a younger audience.
While she isn't frequently in the spotlight, she still remains involved in both the entertainment and music scenes, occasionally making appearances on music shows.
Yukiko Okada - Born in 1967
This may not be widely known among younger generations, but she made her debut as an idol singer in 1984 and quickly became one of the most popular idols of that era. Alongside her music career, she also took on roles in TV dramas, gaining a devoted fanbase.
Sadly, in 1986, tragedy struck when she took her own life at just 18 years old. The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves across the country and became a major social issue at the time.
Aida Mitoyo - Born in 1969
Aida Mitoyo, formerly known as Aida Miho, was a member of the idol group Shojotai at the time of their debut. It was still uncommon then for idol groups to market themselves across Asia, making their activities quite pioneering.
From the year following their debut, Yasushi Akimoto became involved in producing the group. Shojotai disbanded in 1989, and Aida Mitoyo stepped away from the entertainment world. However, her legacy continues, as her daughter, Iri Natsu, is reportedly working as a model.
Reiko Yasuhara - Born In 1969
Reiko Yasuhara joined the idol group Shojotai after being selected through an audition and made her debut with them in 1984. Following the group’s disbandment, she broadened her career by stepping into acting. Some of her standout roles include appearances in the film Resurrection of the Golden Wolf and the TV drama Onna Darake.
Since the 2000s, she has also found success as a voice actress, lending her voice to works such as Ojarumaru, Fruits Basket, and the Japanese dub of the Ally McBeal series.
Mieko Ichikawa - Born in 1969
Her name might not be familiar to most, but she was once known as “Chiko,” a member of the idol group Shojotai. After debuting in 1984, she developed a herniated disc the following year, which led to her departure from the group.
Shojotai carried on with new members, while she stepped away from the entertainment world to recover and start a new chapter in life. Reports suggest that she is now married to a non-celebrity and the couple runs a barbershop together.
Tomoko Hikita - Born in 1972
When Chiko (Ichikawa Mieko) left Shojotai in 1985, Tomo, also known as Hikita Tomoko, replaced her. Interestingly, she is the daughter of the renowned magician, the original Hikita Tenko.
After the group disbanded, she pursued a solo acting career, featuring in TV dramas like I Want to Live Like an Angel and Hana no Asuka Gumi!. She eventually retired from the entertainment industry and currently serves as the head of the cosmetics sales company Société le Reve.
Yuki Saito - Born in 1966
Saito Yuki began her career as an idol in the 1980s and remains active in the entertainment world today. Her acting career has been so extensive that many forget she originally started as an idol. She gained significant recognition with her breakthrough role in the 1985 drama Sukeban Deka.
More recently, she has delivered memorable performances in series like Class Reunion: Love Again Syndrome, Scandal Specialist Lawyer Queen, and Sanadamaru. She has also been involved in comedic roles, including the drama I Am a Housewife and the film I Don’t Remember!
Yuka Onishi - Born in 1968
Yuka Onishi began her acting career in 1984, and the next year she gained major popularity starring in the drama Sukeban Deka III: Shojo Ninpocho Densetsu. Around that time, she also released a song with the group "Kazama Sanshimai," inspired by the drama, which climbed to number one on the Oricon charts.
Since the 1990s, she has focused mainly on acting. In 2012, she made headlines by marrying an ordinary man who is 17 years her junior.
Miyoko Yoshimoto - Born in 1969
Many might be surprised and wonder, "She was an idol too?"—a testament to how well she has established herself as an actress! Though she started out as an idol singer, she has since developed into a skilled actress.
Lately, she has appeared in various works, including the film The Confidence Man JP -Romance Edition- and the dramas Subtle but Amazing! Etsuko Kono, the Proofreading Girl and Class Reunion - Love Again Syndrome.
Reiko Kato - Born in 1969
Kato Reiko rose to fame as a gravure model in the late 1980s and was famously described at the time as "the first woman to outshine American women in terms of bust size."
In addition to modeling, she also took on roles in TV dramas. In her personal life, she stepped away from the spotlight after marrying professional golfer Yokoo Kaname in 2001 and has since focused on raising their children. Interestingly, her eldest daughter, Yokoo Sachi, is now making her own mark in the entertainment industry.
Ikue Sakakibara - Born in 1959
Although she made her idol debut in 1979, we’ve included her on this list due to her lasting impact. Now active as a TV personality on various information and variety programs, she notably played the role of Peter Pan in the musical of the same name for seven consecutive years starting in 1981—flying across the stage every summer for a full month without a stand-in.
In 1987, she married Toru Watanabe, and their wedding reception was even broadcast live on television.
Akari Hamada - Born in 1962
Hamada Akari was an idol in the 1980s and was once known as a close friend of Matsuda Seiko, debuting around the same time. Although she started her career as an idol singer, she didn’t find much success and took a break from the spotlight.
Upon returning, she shifted her focus to acting, appearing in the drama Aitsu ga Trouble and various period pieces. After getting married and giving birth to her first child in 1995, she retired from the entertainment industry and has since stepped away from public life.
Honda Minako - Born 1967
Honda Minako was a standout singer during the highly competitive idol era of the 1980s, winning over many fans with her stunning vocals. She released several hit songs, including "Temptation" and "Oneway Generation," and also showcased her talent in musical theater.
In 2005, she was diagnosed with leukemia, but she continued to perform while battling the illness. Sadly, she passed away just 11 months later at the age of 38.
Ryoko Sano - Born in 1968
Sano Ryoko might not be widely known today, but she made her debut as an idol singer in 1984 and spent roughly a decade active in the spotlight as a variety idol and actress.
She also appeared on popular shows like Sanma’s SUPER Karakuri TV and Quiz! Age Difference. In 1994, she stepped away from show business, and the following year, she married JRA jockey Take Yutaka.
Sonoko Kawai - Born 1965
Although Kawai Sonoko had already secured a job, she unexpectedly appeared in the audition segment of the TV show Yuyake Nyan Nyan and was chosen to join the Onyanko Club—a decision that makes sense, given her striking looks. She declined her previous job offer and launched her career as an idol.
Alongside her group activities, she also pursued a solo singing career, with her hit song "Aoi Station" gaining major popularity. She stepped away from the entertainment world after marrying in 1994, but caused a stir in 2010 when she made a surprising appearance in a cosmetics commercial.
Mamiko Takai - Born in 1966
It’s not widely known that renowned idol group producer Yasushi Akimoto married a member of one of the groups he helped produce.
In 1988, he tied the knot with Masuko Takai, who was then a member of Onyanko Club and also pursuing a solo singing career. After their marriage, she retired from show business and has since shifted her focus to creative work, including illustrating for novels.
Akie Yoshizawa - Born in 1968
Yoshizawa Akie, a former member of Onyanko Club, made her acting debut in the hit 1985 drama Sukeban Deka II: Girl Iron Mask Legend. She also launched her solo singing career with the show's theme song, Naze? no Arashi.
After graduating from Onyanko Club, she remained active in the entertainment scene, appearing on programs like Waratte Iitomo!. However, she retired from showbiz in 1991.
Eri Nitta - Born in 1968
Many will remember her prominently singing in the front row of Onyanko Club’s signature hit, Don't Take Off My Sailor Suit. She launched her solo career in 1986 with Fuyu no Opera Glasses, which soared to number one on the Oricon charts.
Although she stepped back from performing for a time, she returned in 1993 and has since remained active as an actress and TV personality. In addition, she has also authored several books.
Sayuri Kuninori - born in 1966
Sayuri Kunie is one of the former Onyanko Club members who continues to stay active in the entertainment world. Her solo track Valentine Kiss remains a beloved classic, especially around Valentine's Day.
These days, she appears in suspense drama specials and variety shows as an actress. In her personal life, she went through two divorces in 2013—leaving many to wonder if a third marriage might be in her future.
Rika Tatemi - Born in 1965
After earning the title of Miss Tokai University, Tatemi Rika caught the attention of the staff behind All Night Fuji and soon joined Onyanko Club, where she became known as a quirky, original talent. She was also part of the Onyanko subunit Nyangilas and debuted with the song I am Rika-chan.
Following her graduation from Onyanko, she transitioned into working for a regular company and has largely stepped away from show business, though she does make occasional TV appearances. Nowadays, she is involved in running a cosmetics company specializing in additive-free products.
Aki Kihara - Born in 1969
Aki Kihara, a former Onyanko Club member, was well-loved for her cheerful personality and her spot-on impersonations of Tadao Takashima. She was also part of Onyanko Club’s four-member subunit Nyangilas.
After graduating from Onyanko Club in 1987, she pursued a career as a freelance writer. Today, she lives in Rotterdam with her Dutch husband.
Mika Nagoshi - Born in 1966
Mika Nagoshi earned a reputation as the “crybaby” of Onyanko Club and frequently stood near the center during performances. After graduating from Onyanko Club in 1986, she pursued a career as a stage actress.
Following her marriage to a Hong Kong pilot, she relocated to Hong Kong, where she balances life as a mother to one child and works as a stylist. She also created an a cappella group there and runs a YouTube channel.
Asako Shiraishi - Born in 1969
Asako Shiraishi, Onyanko Club member number 22, belonged to the Under Girls and the subunit Nyangilas, performing Sayuri Kunie’s debut song Valentine Kiss.
There were discussions about her launching a solo career, but she declined to prioritize her studies instead. She stayed with Onyanko Club until the group disbanded in 1987, then retired from the entertainment industry to attend junior college. Today, she is married and a mother of four children.
Minayo Watanabe - Born in 1969
Watanabe Minayo, who remains a familiar face in the media today, was also a member of Onyanko Club. She enjoyed success as a solo singer with hits like "Amaryllis" and "TOO ADULT."
After the group disbanded, she continued her career as a talent and actress, appearing in dramas such as Okosai Shitai! and Tennis Shoujo Yume Densetsu! Ai to Kyoko. She is now a mother to two sons who have both entered the entertainment world, and she often shares photos of them together on her social media accounts.
Mari Watanabe - Born 1970
Mari Watanabe has deliberately kept her Onyanko Club past private. Today, she is better known as the wife of comedian Jun Nagura.
While she works as a mommy celebrity, she stands out from other Onyanko alumni by being active in various fields related to education. She’s also made numerous appearances on NHK shows, including Hobby Gardening: Vegetable Time!
Akiko Ikuina - Born 1968
It’s remarkable how many former idols have changed so little despite the passage of decades. She was active in Onyanko Club and the unit Ushirogami Hikaretai, and has carried on her career in entertainment as both an actress and singer.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she has undergone multiple surgeries and treatments, and is also dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.
Makiko Saito - Born in 1970
Makiko Saito was a member of Onyanko Club and also performed alongside Shizuka Kudo and Akiko Ikuina as part of the group "Ushirogami Hikaretai." As shown in this photo, she was known for her strikingly thick eyebrows during her idol days (which, by the way, were thinned out around 1995).
She retired from the entertainment industry in the mid-1990s and is now married to the president of Nagoya Dairy Co., the company famous for Sujata.
Shizuka Kudo - Born in 1970
This former idol is well-known to everyone. Shizuka Kudo, a former Onyanko Club member who found success as a solo artist, produced hit songs like "MUGO-n... Iroppoi."
In 2000, her shotgun wedding to SMAP member Takuya Kimura made headlines across the nation. As many know, her daughters Cocomi and Koki have both entered the entertainment industry, and she’s likely busier than ever as a showbiz mom.
Akiko Matsumoto - born 1966
Let’s take a break from Onyanko Club and focus on Matsumoto Akiko, who is now active in variety shows. Many might be surprised to learn she was once an idol.
Her debut single was "♂×♀×Kiss," and she was known for her catchphrase, "Akko, you’re so sharp." It almost seems like her path to becoming a variety show star was set from the start!
Hiroko Moriguchi - Born in 1968
Hiroko Moriguchi has been featured on numerous popular variety shows like Waratte Iitomo!, Shimura Ken no Daijobudaa, and Quiz! Age Gap Nante, while also maintaining a strong presence as an anime song singer.
Since performing the theme for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, she’s taken part in many anime music events. Today, she remains active across various areas, including acting and radio hosting.
Miyuki Imori - Born in 1968
Imori Miyuki brightens up screens with her endlessly cheerful personality (no offense meant by this photo). She frequently appears as a guest on daytime programs like Hirunandesu! and a variety of shows such as Himitsu no Kenmin Show and Ariyoshi-kun no Honest Sanpo.
She’s a former idol who debuted in the 1980s and still uses her original catchphrase, "Imori Miyuki, 16 years old, still belongs to nobody," just updating the age as time goes by!
Mami Yamase - Born in 1969
Yamase Mami is a variety idol known for appearances on shows like Shinkonsan Irasshai! and Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen. Her distinctive voice really leaves an impression, doesn’t it? She’s taken on many roles as both a talent and host.
Though she started out as a solo idol singer, she says her height (167 cm) made it tough to succeed in that field. Given her busy career as a variety idol now, shifting her focus definitely seems to have been the right move!
Shinobu Horie - Born 1965
She might not be well-known to younger generations, but she was an idol active in the 1980s, admired by many men for her feminine charm. She also pursued acting, appearing in dramas like Maido Osawagaseshimasu and Hana Henro.
Tragically, five years after her debut, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away at the young age of 23.
Naoko Kawai - Born in 1963
Naoko Kawai was a popular idol singer in the 1980s, known for a string of hits including "Escalation," "Summer Heroine," and "Stop Fighting." In 1996, she married hair and makeup artist Yoshiyasu Kanehara and stepped away from the spotlight after giving birth the following year.
She later welcomed a second child and is now a mother of two. Currently, she resides in Australia, enjoying a quieter life away from the public eye.
Noriko Watanabe - born 1965
Noriko Watanabe entered the entertainment world after winning an audition in 1982 and debuted as an actress. At 18, she gained public recognition when she was cast as the lead in the film Tsumi-Kuzushi.
More recently, she has appeared in suspense dramas. On the personal front, she married professional baseball player Hiroshi Nishioka in 1995 and had a daughter, but the couple later divorced.
Matsumoto Iyo
Matsumoto Iyo’s signature track, "Kira Kira from the Land of Television," perfectly captured her bright and cheerful personality. Her image in a flowing dress, smiling on TV screens, became the quintessential "idol" figure for many. Even now, her charm remains as strong as ever.
When promoting her book, a reporter asked for her thoughts on it, and she candidly replied, "I haven't read it yet." She even humorously wrote "Don't doodle on the wall" in big letters to stop her kids from scribbling there. Her natural warmth and charisma make her truly unforgettable.
Hiroko Yakushimaru
In the 1980s, Yakushimaru Hiroko burst onto the silver screen as a fresh kind of movie star. The iconic scene of her in a sailor suit, firing a machine gun while whispering "Pleasure..." marked the arrival of a new kind of heroine.
Beyond acting, she’s also highly respected for her clear, captivating singing voice. In 2019, she celebrated 40 years as a singer and continues to thrive—releasing albums and performing concerts. Even in her mid-50s, her vocal prowess remains impressive, truly remarkable!
Shoko Aida
While most idols were known for their smiles and laughter, Shoko Aida stood out as the one who rarely smiled. The truth was, she struggled with nerves and found it hard to smile naturally. She even practiced in front of a mirror late into the night.
During that period, the stress and hectic schedule caused her to suffer sudden hearing loss. Although her hearing eventually recovered, she realized her passion for singing and chose to keep pursuing it. Today, she’s cherished for her genuine personality and remains active on variety shows.
Yoko Minamino
Yoko Minamino entered the entertainment world after being scouted, though she admits she never planned to pursue that path herself. She explains that she couldn’t say no because everyone around her was so enthusiastic, and even after rising to become a top idol, she never felt a reason to quit.
This only highlights how captivating she was. She still feels she’s not naturally suited to being an entertainer, and believes that her humility might be the key to her enduring beauty and popularity.
Sugiura Yuki
Sugiura Yuki rose to popularity after topping a reader poll in Bom magazine. Her youthful appearance and delicate personality drew many fans. Struggling with the disconnect between her true self and the idol image expected of her, she gradually shifted toward appearing on variety shows as a more outspoken personality.
Later, she became a professional mahjong player and a pachinko idol—an uncommon path at the time—and continues to stay active in the industry today.
Tomomi Nishimura
Nishimura Tomomi, part of the "Momoco" generation, gained attention through the magazine Bom and was mainly active on variety shows as a relaxed, down-to-earth idol. What made her so endearing was her quiet determination—she put in the effort without even realizing it.
Known for her love of anime, she’s also famous for her obsession with earning certifications. She holds over 80, ranging from kimono dressing and sign language instruction to food hygiene management. Though it’s now more of a hobby, she might be the only former idol who can operate a backhoe!
Nakamura Yuma
Nakamura Yuma’s song Dang Dang Kinina is well known as the opening theme for the gourmet manga Oishinbo. Her striking features paired with a soft, sweet singing voice made her stand out as an idol.
Today, she lives in the United States with her husband, whom she remarried in 2006, and their two daughters. She still returns to Japan several times a year for entertainment work. Her smile now carries a softer, more graceful warmth than during her idol days, leaving a lasting impression.
Noriko Sakai
Sakai Noriko has had a dynamic and unpredictable career, evolving from a sweet, innocent idol to a more enigmatic figure, gaining a following in China, and later returning as an actress.
She's always had an elusive charm that's hard to define. After a two-year break, she’s back in the entertainment world. In February 2021, she starred in Utsusemi no Mori, her first film role in 14 years since SS. Fans are excited to see her captivating and delicate acting once again!
Risa Tachibana
Tachibana Risa made her debut in the late 1980s, just as the idol boom was beginning to decline. She gained popularity for her striking features and a hint of playful charm.
After facing some issues with her agency, she stepped away from the spotlight for a time but eventually made a comeback under the guidance of producer Tsunku♂. Remarkably, she looks just as stunning today—if not even more youthful and charming. Now active as a stage actress, she lives a fulfilling life with her husband, who runs a soba restaurant, and their son.
Hikari Ishida
Ishida Hikari rose to fame as the heroine in numerous youth dramas, particularly those that aired on Monday nights. One iconic scene—being hugged from behind by her boyfriend in what's now famously known as the "Asunaro hug"—became a trend among young viewers.
Many also remember her lighthearted variety show appearances with Nishida Hikaru under the duo name "Rieto-ru." Now a mother of two, she was honored with the "Best Mother Award." Though she has transitioned into roles suited for her age, often playing mothers in dramas and films, her timeless beauty and impressive acting skills continue to keep her in high demand.