Japan’s Top Race Queen Anyu Hirose Takes on First Solo Gravure Challenge

The “Japan Race Queen Awards,” which determines the top race queens that grace the circuit, is an annual event held every January. Anyu Hirose, who won both the “Japan Race Queen Award 2023” and the “MediBang Nepuri Award,” is a notable figure in the industry.

 

At 25 years old, Hirose, who also serves as a public relations ambassador for the J-League club team Shimizu S-Pulse and enjoys wide support from families, has recently attracted attention by being named a member of the “K-1 Girls 2024.”

 

Riding a wave of success, the cool beauty is taking on her first solo gravure challenge in the latest issue of “FRIDAY.” We conducted an interview with Hirose after the shoot. 

 

Her favorite is a bright orange swimsuit.

“I had a strong image of ‘FRIDAY’ being synonymous with gravure, so I was very happy when I received the offer to shoot with FRIDAY. I also saw that my fellow race queen Nanako Aizawa and my senior Marie Fujii appeared in the magazine. I studied those pages carefully. Personally, I enjoy reading FRIDAY’s scoop articles as well as the gravure content!”

Anyu Hirose made her entertainment debut as a member of the idol group “Tokyo Performance Doll.” Her reputation as a “singing and dancing race queen” is well-deserved. After graduating from the group, she began her career as a race queen in 2021. Despite her familiarity with large stages, Hirose admitted that she was “very nervous” before her first solo gravure shoot. 

“I’m not usually a very nervous person, but today I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Before arriving at the set, I even watched videos like ‘Behind the Scenes of a FRIDAY Gravure Shoot’ on a talent’s YouTube channel to do some mental preparation (laughs). But once the shoot began, time flew by so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to feel nervous. With the support of the professional staff, I was able to relax and enjoy the shoot.

My favorite outfit was the one that combined a swimsuit with jersey bottoms. I heard from the stylist that the swimsuit was an overseas item, and the sporty image, combined with my favorite orange color, really lifted my spirits.”

A small child was calling out, “Anyu-chan!” (laughs).

About six months after winning the “Japan Race Queen Award 2023,” Hirose’s fans demonstrated overwhelming unity in this competition, where fan votes have a significant impact on rankings. Their support was crucial in securing her victory. 

“I gained a lot of confidence, and since receiving the award, I stand on the circuit with an even greater sense of pride. One of the biggest changes is that I am now frequently introduced as ‘Top Race Queen.’ I wouldn’t have won without the support of my fans, so it has also been an opportunity to feel gratitude once again.”

Another aspect of Hirose’s career is her role as the public relations ambassador for Shimizu S-Pulse, which she started four years ago this season.

“I’ve been serving as the PR ambassador for four years now. Being from Shizuoka Prefecture and having supported Shimizu S-Pulse from a young age due to my mother’s influence, I used to attend matches as a supporter. Since being appointed as the PR ambassador four years ago, I have mainly modeled and done PR for the club’s official merchandise, worked as a reporter in segments introducing Shimizu S-Pulse on J-League-related TV programs, and conducted live broadcasts on the club’s official YouTube channel during home games.” 

On Hirose’s social media, photos of her wearing Shimizu S-Pulse’s orange colors are particularly eye-catching.

“There are many families who support the team, and I’m grateful that many of them also support me. At the stadium, little children often call out ‘Anyu-chan!’ and they’re so affectionate that they hold on to my hand and don’t want to let go (laughs). Their friendliness is incredibly heartwarming and soothing.”

We asked the 25-year-old, loved by people of all ages, about her dreams and goals for 2024.

“First of all, I’m really happy to have taken on my first solo gravure shoot, so I want to work hard to be invited to more gravure opportunities. Another goal is to contribute more to sports. Since I love watching sports and am involved as a race queen and round girl, I aim to work as a reporter or caster on sports programs and contribute to the sports world.”

Anyu Hirose, 25 years old, stands 166 cm tall with measurements B83 W58 H85.

 

Born on November 9, 1998, in Shizuoka Prefecture, she debuted as a member of the idol group “Tokyo Performance Doll.” After graduating, she began her career as a race queen in 2021. In the same year, she was appointed as the official PR ambassador for the J-League club team Shimizu S-Pulse, where she engages in team PR activities. For the latest updates, follow her official X (formerly Twitter) account (@loveanyu_twitt) and Instagram (@loveanyu_official).

Click here to see the latest gravure and 14-minute movie of Yanayu Hirose.

▼Check out the latest gravure photos and 14-minute video of Anyu Hirose here.

▼Purchase Anyu Hirose’s digital photo book “Love Anyu” Vol. 1 here

▼Purchase Anyu Hirose’s digital photo book “Love Anyu” Vol. 2 here

▼Purchase Anyu Hirose’s digital photo book “Love Anyu” Vol. 3 here