List of Showa-era variety idols: idols who were active in singing and variety shows
The variety idols who brightened the Showa era.
With their singing and talk, they captivated the hearts of many, and they still remain vivid in our memories today.
Countless people must have been moved by the nostalgic melodies from TV and radio and found themselves smiling at their lively appearances on variety shows.
In this article, we’ll introduce those Showa-era “baradoru” all at once.
Let’s look back on their achievements while rekindling memories from those days.
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List of Showa-era 'baradoru': idols who thrived in singing and variety shows (1–10)
you
YOU was scouted in Harajuku in 1982 and debuted as a model.
In 1985, she made her singer debut as an idol, and in 1988 she became the vocalist of the three-piece band FAIRCHILD.
From 1991, she moved into variety television with Downtown no Gottsu Ee Kanji.
YOU gives the impression of being a variety idol with a slightly different flavor from others in the genre; her uniquely sweet, husky voice and snappy talk make her an appealing “mature-cute” personality.
Chie Kobayashi
Chie Kobayashi, a “baradoru” (variety show idol) from Osaka, debuted as an idol singer in 1983.
Since then, she has also been active as a variety talent, actress, essayist, and DJ.
Her popularity rose on the Kansai radio program MBS Young Town through her comedic banter with Norio Nishikawa, and she drew attention as a baradoru with her full-on Osaka-dialect talk.
Although she’s often seen as an “Osaka big sister,” as a singer she represented the Osaka area at Yamaha’s Popcon finals in Tsumagoi, where she won a prize with the song that later became her debut single.
Yumi Morio
Yumi Morio made her debut in 1982 in the drama “Nerawareta Gakuen.” The following year, in 1983, she debuted as an idol singer.
She went on to thrive in variety shows, including hosting the iconic 1980s late-night program “All Night Fuji” and appearing on “Tensai! Takeshi no Genki ga Deru TV!!.” She is currently appearing on the talk-variety show “Hayaku Okita Asa wa…” alongside fellow ‘variety idols’ Naomi Matsui and Kiriko Isono.
The three of them have also formed a musical unit called “Mori no IsoMatsu,” releasing both singles and an album.
List of Showa-era “baradoru”: Idols who shined in music and variety shows (11–20)
Yumiko Takahashi
Yumiko Takahashi made her debut as a singer in 1990.
Although 1990 was already the Heisei era and not technically the Showa era, she was called “the last orthodox idol of the 20th century.” Music videos and live performances are available on YouTube, and she’s a great singer—worthy of the “orthodox” label.
The 1994 TV drama Minami-kun no Koibito drew attention, and her distinctive character as a fortune-teller office worker in Shomuni later on marked a successful shift from “orthodox idol” to “distinctive actress,” solidifying her status as an actress.
Akiko Matsumoto
Akiko Matsumoto debuted as an idol singer in the 1980s and later became active on variety shows, making her a leading figure among the original “baradol” (variety-idol) talents.
Although she didn’t have much success as a singer, her switch to the variety show route was very well received.
When it comes to Matsumoto, impressions are her forte.
She won the TV show “Monomane Oza Ketteisen” (Impression King Championship) twice.
She initially tried classic, straightforward impressions, but when she later appeared with more offbeat, ‘breaking-ball’ impressions for a while, she was reportedly scolded by judge Noriko Awaya, who said, “You’re vulgar.”
Chiaki
When talking about the scatterbrained idols of the Showa era, you can’t leave out Chiaki’s one-of-a-kind persona.
Petite, baby-faced, and high-voiced, she had a charming youthful look that made her seem younger than her actual age.
At the same time, she wasn’t shy about speaking casually even to seniors and had a sharp, biting wit that drew laughs—an uninhibited streak.
That very contrast was Chiaki’s appeal: in her singing, she projected a frank, distinctive voice, and in talk segments, she let her free-spirited character shine, energizing every show she was on.
From the Showa period right up to today in the Reiwa era, her presence remains undiminished.
In the worlds of television and radio, she continues to radiate the same brightness and buoyant rhythm, offering both nostalgia and a charm that’s very much alive in the present—a truly rare and valuable figure.
Marina Watanabe
Marina Watanabe, who debuted in the late Showa era, captivated many fans with her clear, airy presence and down-to-earth personality.
While drawing attention as an idol through her music and fashion, from the 1990s onward she shone on variety shows with her innate glamour and cheerfulness, holding her own against strongly individualistic talents and earning such presence that she was even called a “beast tamer.” She also worked extensively in dramas and music, making a forward-looking mark with activities like collaborations with Shibuya-kei artists.
After marrying and giving birth, she balanced family life with writing and launching brands, and she continues to be active across a wide range of fields.
Marina Watanabe is indispensable when discussing the culture of Showa-era ‘baradoru’ (variety-idol) entertainers.