Gravure

Gravure (グラビア) is a form of female modelling in Japan that typically ranges from fully-clothed cute poses to semi-nude sexual acts bordering on softcore porn. Gravure is somewhat similar to Western pin-up and glamour modelling, but the industries behind them are very different.

Typically, gravure material is released in the form of photoshoots featured in magazines, physical/digital photobooks, and videoshoots released on DVD/Blu-Ray/online.

Gravure idols

Girls who do gravure are known as gravure idols (グラビアアイドル). Gravure idols often have strong, dedicated fan followings much like other forms of idol. It is common practice for attractive female celebrities and idols to do some form of gravure modelling, although usually only to the extent of posing in swimsuits and showing cleavage.

Traditionally, the age range of gravure idols was firmly 15-21, but since the millennium, many gravure idols continue or even start their activities in their 20s, 30s, and beyond.