「Where are they now?」
Who: Natsumi Yoshida (吉田夏海)
Then: Natsumi started modelling for EGG around 2002. Her style began as Ganguro – She had the tan, heavy white and black make-up and she even did a few Manba spreads in the magazine. She tried out long hair, short hair, blonde hair, black hair – which is normal for a Gal model. But she always went back to blonde.
She was a regular in EGG, and often shared the limelight with Hiromi, whom she was close friends with. At the time she dated a Men’s EGG model/DJ and she was even featured in a few music videos, along with the odd Para Para video.
Next to Hiromi, Natsumi was one of my favourite EGG models. She was cute and perky, and she totally rocked short hair – which for me made her stand out. Even so, I always felt that she didn’t quite shine as much as the others. I was always hoping for her to get her own major deal, but she just tended to share; like Lip Service with Hiromi.
Now: After leaving EGG in 2006, Natsumi has been a very busy girl. At first she went to Ranzuki for a little while, but then finally became a regular model for BLENDA magazine, also becoming an exclusive model for PINKY. She moved away from the heavy make-up of Ganguro, and went for a more mature/sophisticated look – she has also quit the heavy tan opting for a more natural look.
Like most Gal models she also tried her hand at DJ-ing, which apparently she isn’t too bad at.
She made her TV debut in 2008 and went on to make a guest appearance in a few episodes of the drama ‘Nanase Futatabi‘. She also had a small run on Asahi ‘Easy Sports’, but has yet to do anything substantial. She has also appeared on a few Web Casts for GyaO and Amoeba.
She modelled for the SWORDFISH and SBY web catalogues in 2008, and also other online stores and mail catalogues.
In late 2009 she released a special photobook entitled 「Bootleg」, which showed pictures of her fashion and private life. This also came with a dvd which featured private movies, and followed her everyday life.
She has also released a special line of Rock-inspired lingerie and accessories designed by herself, which can be found on her website J-Vision – you can also buy her book+dvd here.
Natsumi has definitely been busy since she left EGG. I think she was determined not to become one of those models who disappears after they graduate from a popular magazine. During her time at BLENDA I think she really grew with her fashion and make-up etc – it has matured so much. To me, she is even more beautiful than before – she always dresses perfectly and her hair/make-up (so envious of her hair) looks great even when she’s having an off day – she has a natural pretty-ness. It’s such a difference from her time at EGG.
She may not have become a designer or producer, or opened a store but she seems happy and I really hope she does well with the book+dvd/accessories, even if it doesn’t look like a brilliant venture right now.
P.s. She is now working a short brunette bob, which suits her perfectly. She also keeps talking about how she wants to be married soon, which if you were a fan of her in EGG will sound familiar as that was where she saw herself in 10 years time. Good luck~
In her latest blog entries: She blogs about meeting with model friends, going to events and of course eating Takoyaki – that girl can’t get enough of it haha. And yes, she is still friends with Hiromi, she recently went to GIMLET to congratulate her.
Were you a Natsumi fan?
Which model would you like to see in the next ‘Where are they now?’
