IT company employee Eriko Kimura makes a splash in gravure

The gravure industry has welcomed another newbie to the fold this week — and someone with an unusual background.

For a start, she’s not super-young. Eriko Kimura is 29 (and turns 30 in September) and has a regular job, working at a major IT company. She is currently affiliated with a big entertainment agency, Oscar Promotion, but basically does modeling only on the side.

Kimura just did her first gravure shoot for Weekly Playboy, appearing in the issue released on June 15. She made her official gravure debut last July and released a digital photo book. She got her big break in 2024, where she won an award at the Miss World Japan beauty contest.

The slinky Saitama native also does gigs like appearing as a ring girl at boxing, all alongside her office lady career.

Weekly Playboy also interviewed her for its shoot and we have translated some highlights below.

Q. You’re currently an employee at a major IT company and also a gravure idol, which has garnered a lot of attention.

Kimura: I never intended to quit my job from the start. Having a regular job is my foundation, so I thought I’d be anxious if I lost it. When I was job hunting, I looked for companies that allowed for side jobs, so being able to balance both like this is ideal. My current lifestyle of working as a company employee on weekdays and doing photo shoots and events on weekends feels very natural to me. It’s tough, but since it’s something I started because I wanted to, it’s not a burden.

Q. What was the trigger for starting gravure in the first place?

Kimura: The biggest trigger was participating in Miss World Japan in 2024. I received the Executive Committee Chairman’s Award there, and that led to me joining my current agency. I’ve always loved looking at gravure photos, so when I first met the chairman of my agency, the first thing I said was, “I want to do gravure.”

Q. What do you like about gravure?

Kimura: I think gravure is a form of expression where everything comes out: your facial expressions, your body, even your condition at that moment. It’s different from models who just show off clothes; the feeling of showing your true self is incredibly appealing. That’s why I’ve always admired it.

Q. This is your second full gravure shoot. Were there any differences from the first time?

Kimura: It was completely different. Last time, I really didn’t know anything when I was on set. Before the shoot, the photographer, told me to think about what I want to convey to the readers when I pose, but at first, I didn’t understand what he meant at all. I just thought it would be enough if I looked pretty, but as we shot throughout the day, I gradually started to think about how to bring out my own individuality. This time, since it was my second time working with the photographer, I was really happy when he told me, “You’ve become looser than before.” I think that this shoot was more natural and allowed me to show my true self compared to the last one.

Q. What are your most attractive features that you use as an asset in gravure?

Kimura: Definitely my hair. I think being able to keep it this long and beautiful is one of my strengths. I think the contrast between my fair skin and black hair is a point that brings out my individuality.

Q. Besides your hair, are there any other parts of your body you’d like people to notice?

Kimura: My body lines. In particular, I think the S-curve from my waist to my pelvis is a distinctive feature of mine. I didn’t used to like it that much, but since I started doing gravure modeling, I’ve come to think of it as one of my unique charms. I’d like people to notice my feminine curves.

Q. What are your ultimate goals?

Kimura: I’d love to be on the cover of a magazine, and I’d also like to release a print photo book. I’m currently doing the gravure work I’ve always wanted to do, and I want to keep pursuing that. I’d also like to try outdoor shoots and gravure shoots where I’m portrayed as an office lady, taking advantage of my background as a working professional.