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.
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
- A compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: the beauties who captivated countless fans.
- Who is your favorite idol? Popular idols from the Showa era.
- Introducing handsome Showa-era actors and singers: legendary stars still remembered today
- A directory of popular women’s pro wrestlers from the Showa era: the star players who energized the times.
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic quizzes that bring back memories! Showa-era entertainment and sports questions
- [Timeless and Unfading] Ah, the Youthful Singers of the Showa Era
- A hugely popular star who colored the Showa era, known by everyone.
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
List of Showa-era 'baradoru': idols who thrived in singing and variety shows (1–10)
Hiroko Moriguchi
“Yume ga MORIMORI,” which Kenji Moriwaki co-hosted as a double MC, was such a hugely popular show that it sparked a nationwide kick baseball boom.
It’s nostalgic to think of the fresh-faced members of SMAP before their big break.
She also appeared alongside many top-tier celebrities, to the point where there wasn’t a day you didn’t see Moriguchi on TV.
Everyone was soothed by that unguarded, radiant smile.
Her mega-hits like “To the Water Planet With Love” and “ETERNAL WIND ~Smile in the Shining Wind~” are still sung today.
For fans of the Gundam series in particular, these songs are revered as hymns!
Wakako Shimazaki
Kazuko Shimazaki is one of the “variety idols” who followed the original “varadol,” having debuted as a pop idol at 16 and later flourishing on variety shows.
Her charm lies in her bright, approachable personality and outstanding talk skills.
She’s well known for her hosting on the iconic show All-Star Thanksgiving, where she has reportedly been the only person to appear in every edition since the first.
She also has a “heavy drinker” persona, and despite her looks, she’s known for her hearty “gahaha” laugh.
Matsuko Deluxe has even called her “pointlessly beautiful.”
Yukiko Iwai
Yuki Iwai, known as “Yuyu,” passed the audition for Fuji TV’s show Evening Nyannyan in 1985 and began her career as a member of Onyanko Club.
She handled lead vocals on many songs and was a central figure in the group.
In 1987, she also made her solo debut.
After Onyanko Club disbanded, she focused on variety shows.
In 1991, Iwai was dubbed the “successor to Miyuki Imori” and became a highly popular variety idol, holding seven regular radio and TV programs.
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.
Miyuki Imori
@horipro.tsc2023 Miyuki Imori is giving it her all today, too!!#Horipro Talent Scout Caravan#Miyuki Imori
Adult Blue – ATARASHII GAKKO! (Leaders of the New School)
Miyuki Imori, who shone as the Grand Prix winner of the 9th Horipro Scout Caravan.
Although she didn’t score a massive hit as an idol singer, her innate cheerfulness won over everyone, making her an instant household favorite.
By the way, her debut single “Hitomi no Chikai” was also used in a commercial for Lion’s Ban16.
Speaking of Imori, she’s famous for the “Imori Dance,” where she wears a light blue leotard and moves somewhat awkwardly to the rhythm—still featured on variety shows today.
Itsumi Osawa
Itsumi Osawa won the Grand Prix at the Horipro Talent Scout Caravan at age 16 and debuted as an idol singer in 1983 with “A Girl Like James Dean.” With her boyish charm, she was one of the so-called “underperforming Class of ’83,” who nonetheless helped color the golden age of idols.
She later broadened her career to include hosting and acting.
Together with her fellow 1983 debutantes Yasuko Kuwata, Yumi Morio, Chie Kobayashi, Akiko Matsumoto, Junko Tokumaru, and Yuko Kimoto, she formed the “Ogami Seven” and has been holding 35th and 40th anniversary events.
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.