In a recent survey conducted by All About News, the beloved Japanese girl group Morning Musume has been celebrated for its members' stunning visuals, with fans ranking their favorites based on beauty. The group, which was formed in 1997, has had a lasting impact on the J-pop scene and continues to captivate audiences. The results of this survey highlight not only the enduring popularity of the group but also the individual charm of its members.
Claiming the top spot in the survey is Maki Goto, affectionately known as "Gomaki," who received an impressive 107 votes. Goto joined Morning Musume as a third-generation member at the tender age of 13. She quickly became the face of the group, particularly with her standout performance in the hit single "LOVE Machine," which propelled her into national fame. Her stunning looks and talent have made her a household name, and she has continued to shine in her solo career after graduating from the group in 2002.
According to the survey, Goto's beauty remains unparalleled even as the years go by. One fan commented, "She is beautiful and has an excellent figure, and she even released a solo photo book," highlighting her continued appeal. Another added, "Her facial features and body balance are outstanding," while a third remarked, "She was beautiful from her debut and has aged gracefully." Goto's recent photo book, titled "flos," released in 2024, has also been a tremendous success, further solidifying her status as an icon in the entertainment industry.
Following closely behind Goto is Natsumi Abe, who secured second place with 34 votes. Abe debuted as a member of Morning Musume in 1998 and quickly gained popularity for her cute looks. As a central figure in the group, she made her solo debut in 2003 and continued to flourish in her career after graduating in 2004. Today, Abe is a mother of three and has maintained her beauty, which fans continue to admire.
Fans shared their thoughts on Abe's enduring charm, with one stating, "Her cuteness at debut truly embodied the idol image," while another noted, "Her facial features are distinct and beautiful." A third fan expressed, "She remains cute and maintains her beauty, which is soothing to see." Abe's journey from a rising star to a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment showcases her talent and resilience.
As the popularity of Morning Musume continues to thrive, it reflects the broader trends in the Japanese entertainment industry. Maki Goto, in particular, has seen a resurgence in popularity, marking her 25th anniversary in the industry with the release of a new song after a 13-year hiatus. Her recent photo book was highly anticipated, leading to multiple reprints due to its overwhelming demand. By the end of January 2025, the book had already reached its ninth reprint, demonstrating her continued relevance and appeal.
Moreover, Goto's fan meetings have become a significant draw for her admirers. A recent day trip bus tour, titled "Maki Goto to Iku (Hajimete no) Amasunappai Berry Bus Tour," sold out almost immediately, with a price tag of 30,000 yen per person and a capacity of 70 attendees. Following this success, her upcoming two-day Okinawa tour, "Maki Goto to ♪ Mensore Okinawa! Minna Issho de Ureshi~sa~," scheduled for May, is already fully booked, showcasing the high demand for personal interaction with the star.
The itinerary for the Okinawa tour is packed with exciting activities. On the first day, participants will enjoy a dinner party at a folk song live izakaya, while the second day features sightseeing around Okinawa, including a two-shot photo session in traditional Ryukyu costumes. Other activities include a Shisa painting experience, a personal item signing session, and the presentation of original travel souvenirs, all of which contribute to a memorable fan experience.
While the pricing for these tours may initially seem steep—79,800 yen per person for two guests sharing a room and 89,800 yen for a single occupant—many fans consider it a worthwhile investment compared to other entertainment options, such as dinner shows. The rising popularity of fan meetings and such tours reflects a growing trend within the industry, as more talents are embracing this model to connect with their fans.
Industry insiders note that the concept of fan meetings, which originated in South Korea, has gained traction in Japan, especially with the increased popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas. However, Japan has a long history of talent-led tours, where fans can interact with their favorite idols. For example, male idol groups have organized overseas tours, often selling out at prices reaching hundreds of thousands of yen.
In February, actor Tatsuya Fujiwara held a fan club-exclusive Hawaii tour for three nights and five days, priced at around 400,000 yen. In contrast, the recent popularity of day trip bus tours, costing tens of thousands of yen, has become a favored option for fans due to their affordability and convenience.
As the landscape of fan engagement continues to evolve, Maki Goto's enduring popularity serves as a testament to the lasting impact of Morning Musume and its members. With their remarkable visuals and deep connection with fans, these idols remain key figures in the Japanese entertainment scene.
