New Forces in Gravure: Giant Women and Mistress Types

Jun 09 (News On Japan) - In a recent program, Yoko Kumada released her 40th photo book, showcasing her toned body honed through pole dancing. At the launch event, she announced her intention to continue gravure work until age 50.

Asuka Kishi, with 13 years of experience in the gravure industry, discussed emerging trends. She highlighted the 'giant women type,' characterized by tall and well-proportioned bodies, exemplified by Asayo Saito. Another rising trend is the 'mistress type,' featuring seductive and engaging gravure idols like Naomi Majima.

Kishi noted that the gravure world remains popular, with many magazines transitioning to digital photo books, allowing for more experimental content. Cosplayers, such as Enako, have also found financial success, earning significant income from their work. The industry is competitive, with new categories constantly emerging, posing challenges even for long-established figures like Kishi.

Kyoto Raises Lodging Tax as Peak Travel Season Begins

Kyoto City significantly raised its lodging tax from March 1st, increasing the maximum charge per person per night from 1,000 yen to as much as 10,000 yen, in a move aimed at tackling overtourism and funding the preservation of cultural assets, even as questions remain about its impact on visitors and the local economy.

Foreign Visitors and Ex-Rescuer Pull 80-Year-Old Woman From Hakuba Crashed Car

A former emergency responder and foreign tourists worked together to rescue a woman in her 80s who was trapped inside an overturned light vehicle in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.

Tokyo Metro Begins Touchless Ticket Gate Trial

Tokyo Metro and Toshiba have launched Japan’s first demonstration test allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates without touching them by using their smartphones’ Bluetooth function.

Himeji Castle Hikes Admission Fee for Non-Residents

The admission fee for the World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, was revised on March 1st for the first time in 11 years, introducing a dual pricing system that significantly raises costs for visitors from outside the city.

Australian Girl, 8, Dies After Snowmobile Overturns in Hakuba

An eight-year-old Australian girl died after a snowmobile overturned in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, at around 11 a.m. on February 28th, with authorities investigating the cause of the accident.

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