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A recent online survey has revealed who fans consider the best female idol of the 1990s, and the results were nothing short of decisive.
The poll, conducted via the web survey tool Freeasy, gathered responses from 500 men and women aged 20 to 60, asking them to name their favourite female idol of the 90s.
Third Place: Ryoko Hirosue
Taking the third spot was Ryoko Hirosue (44), an idol-turned-actress who captured hearts with her fresh, innocent image. During the late 90s, the so-called "Hirosue Boom" made her a national sensation.
Her hit song Maji de Koi Suru 5 Byou Mae became an anthem, and her admission to Waseda University created a media frenzy. Though her personal life has made headlines in recent years, fans still cherish her as one of the era’s most iconic idols.
"She had an unmatched purity and charm."
"I’ll never forget seeing her posters on train platforms."
Second Place: Morning Musume
In second place was Morning Musume, the girl group that defined a generation of J-Pop.
Formed through the ASAYAN audition show, they pioneered the concept of "growth idols"—where fans could watch members evolve over time. With hits like Love Machine and Ren’ai Revolution 21, they became a household name.
Even today, the group continues as Morning Musume '25, with former members like Mari Yaguchi (42) and Maki Goto (39) still active in entertainment.
"Their songs were anthems of the era."
"Watching them on ASAYAN made them feel like real girls chasing a dream."
First Place: Namie Amuro
But the undisputed winner of the poll was Namie Amuro (47), earning as many votes as the second through fifth places combined.
Starting out in the dance-pop group SUPER MONKEY’S, she later went solo, redefining the J-Pop landscape.
Unlike traditional idols, Amuro fused high-energy dance, R&B, and fashion, making her Japan’s equivalent of global superstars like Madonna and Janet Jackson.
Her influence extended beyond music—her signature "Amura" fashion (tan skin, miniskirts, and knee-high boots) inspired an entire subculture. Even after her retirement in 2018, fans still hold onto hope for a comeback.
"Her singing, dancing, and star power were on another level."
"She wasn’t just an idol—she was an artist."
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Top 10: 90s Female Idol Ranking
1st: Namie Amuro – 134 votes
2nd: Morning Musume – 36 votes
3rd: Ryoko Hirosue – 33 votes
4th: SPEED – 32 votes
5th: Yumiko Takahashi – 27 votes
6th: Tomomi Kahara – 20 votes
7th: Ami Suzuki – 13 votes
8th: C.C. Girls – 12 votes
9th: MAX – 9 votes
10th: Folder5 / MiniMoni – 7 votes
The results make it clear—while many 90s idols remain beloved, Namie Amuro reigns supreme, proving that even in retirement, her legacy is untouchable.