If I didn't throw Namie Amuro at the first in the list I would be crazy. Namie is such a huge thing maybe not as a gyaru herself but she's participated in a couple of Tokyo Girls Collection shows (where a lot of gyaru brands *have* been featured such as Liz Lisa, Cecil McBee, ect). She's classic and classy to boot. A huge fashion icon that dominates a good portion of magazines as well. Don't let her time around and age fool you. She's still relevant.
Koda Kumi is another Avex babe that by no doubt has some type of gyaru influence. There's a lot of people who claim such and such artist is the Britney Spears of Japan, but honestly for me it's always been Koda Kumi. She's sexy to the point of raunchy with her dance moves and sexual innuendo at every corner. Blinged out nails, hostess style dresses, or in the case of the music video I'm about to share furry leg warmers, streaked bleached hair, and excessive accessories are a thing with this lady and with no doubt I'm sure a couple of gals have fawned over this artists sexy style if other artists aren't their cup of tea.
Kana Nishino has been huge when it comes to trending J-Pop. She's been around for a little while but honestly, I saw this lovely girl and it definitely was one of the things that made me fall in love with gyaru. She's been on various Popteen cover and has shared a shoot with Kumicky even! While Kana's style has softened up like most of the gyaru-esque styles have I hear her music everywhere. Even in Cocolulu photoshoot videos! There is no escaping her, her music it just out right good regardless if you're into gyaru or not.
If you're into the clubbing vibe, m-flo is for you. Taku Takahashi and Verbal are duo of this lng running group and haven't completely faded out yet. During their 'loves' era he collaborated with tons of different artists such as Koda Kumi, Namie Amuro, Emi Hinouchi, Lisa, Crystal Kay, Chemistry, BoA, ect.
Speaking of Emi Hinouchi, she would for sure be on my list. She has a lot fun R&B vibes as much as a girly strong voice. Most of her songs are either beautiful ballads or really fun summer time-esque songs that never get old during warmer weather. It's a shame she's not as known as she deserves to be because her voice is something else!
Who would I be not to add Ayumi Hamasaki to list? To the ParaPara for her concerts, her circle lenses, bleached hair, and lashes even if she's not exactly gyaru you can't deny just a tiny bit of influence. Ayumi Hamasaki has been dubbed as the Queen of J-Pop though honestly I kind of beg to differ. I feel like Namie Amuro stole her crown but never the less Ayumi is still great. She upped her game recently within a year and with the remixes out, I can't deny that her newest songs are as fun as her old school ones for a decade back!
Sakurai Rina who is a popular Ageha model had her go at singing as well. Not only is the PV super pretty but she actually doesn't sound too bad!!
Going along with the model theme we have going on in this blog entry, Tsubasa Masuwaka for a second or so was singing as well under the title 'Milky Bunny'. Her music is the Candy Doll and Dolly Wink CM themes for her cosmetic line. I do think 'Bunny Days' is actually the best song she has out and the PV is so cute.
Fellow Popteen model Hikari Shiina (Pikarin as she's dubbed in the magazine) has also been signed onto Avex. Her music has an idol feel for sure. This is actually the only PV that I would even consider she still being considered 'gyaru' with. I always have loved Pikarin because she was and kind of still is somewhat a well rounded model. She has within the last year or two toned down a ton but this PV has to be by far my favorite look on her!!!
Black Diamond has also taken a try at music lately as a Gyaru Circle Group. As you can tell, they've also went with a bit of a Hip Hop style but they also go into the EuroBeat genre with some of their other songs. I actually saw them live back at San Francisco's J-Pop Summit and they were really fun to watch!
Not sure who exactly this is but obviously the music and the PV caught my eye. There's a lot of really pretty gyaru models in this. This IS however a Christmas song as I figured out.
Anyway, there's a couple of finds! I'm pretty sure I've left out a lot of different ones. Obviously this list is incredibly female dominated. Obviously gyaru listen to a ton of different music too. Anything that suits their personal tastes but I kind of see these PVs or artists as things that really stand out as gyaru or things I hear a lot in the background of photoshoots and all. Feel free to share more with me! I love finding new music to listen to!
