Japan’s Top Race Queen Anyu Hirose Takes on First Solo Gravure Challenge
We interviewed "Japan Race Queen Award 2023" winner, Yanayu Hirose! We asked her about her thoughts on her first solo gravure and her passion for her beloved "Shimizu S-Pulse".
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
Photography (2nd photo): Kimihiko Nitta