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)
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.”
Mami Yamase
A sweet voice with a slightly lisping way of speaking, yet often sharp-tongued—almost like Ano-chan in the Reiwa era, you could say? When it comes to Ms.
Yamase, her “Wide Show Course for Fathers” on TBS’s Broadcaster was unforgettable, and the tears she showed in the final episode moved even those who weren’t fans to tears.
She also appeared for many years on long-running shows like Sekai Ururun Taizaiki and Shinkon-san Irasshai, and her quick wit and attentiveness to those around her seemed second to none.
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.
Miyoko Yoshimoto
Nicknamed “Micchon,” Miyoko Yoshimoto made her debut as an idol singer in 1985.
Among her fellow debut-year idol singers—such as Miho Nakayama, Yoko Minamino, Yui Asaka, and Minako Honda—she performed remarkably well, even breaking into the Top Ten on the charts.
At the same time, her bright and playful personality became known, and her energy and approachability made her a regular on variety shows.
She later shifted her focus from singing to acting and has been active in TV dramas and on stage.
Furthermore, in 2023, “Micchon” was appointed a professor at Osaka University of Arts Junior College.
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.
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.