Miu Nakamura Quits the Game

Japanese teen gravure idol Miu Nakamura (仲村みう) surprised everyone yesterday on her blog with the announcement that she’s quitting as a gravure model effective immediately.  She also has an exclusive interview inside the latest issue of Japanese tabloid FRIDAY (フライデー) which hit the newstand today.

A part of  the Iwate Prefecture native’s blog titled “I’m really sorry” read, “I apologize for the sudden announcement.  Even after I quit, I will still be the same Miu Nakamura.  This is probably selfish, but I’d be happy if you can continue to give me your support.”

With Miu Nakamura’s unexpected announcement Japanese media can’t help but speculate whether it’s a pending marriage or pregnancy that’s the reason behind her decision to retire.  She hasn’t exactly gone through her career without any controversy.  From the end of 2007 Miu stopped her gravure idol activities indefinitely for a few months citing health problems.  And later she also claimed that she was held against her will and threatened by a female relative before.

Miu Nakamura, an U-19 gravure idol got noticed after she entered Miss Young Magazine (ミスヤングマガジン) gravure contest in 2006.  Since her debut at only 14 years of age she’s been known to pose in a variety of cosplay and some very risque spreads.

I personally think she simply couldn’t take the day to day pressure of being a gravure idol anymore and sought an easy way out.  it’s a very demanding business and every year several girls don’t make the cut and go down the same route.  As far as Miu hoping to keep her fan base…good luck.  For every burned out gravure idol there are 100 girls in line waiting to take her place, willing to do what she’s done and more!

The following is an excerpt from the FRIDAY interview.

Fri: Why have you decided to quit as a gravure idol?

Miu: I no longer feel like I want to do gravure work.  I don’t want to continue doing gravure modeling if my heart’s not in it, so I thought now it’s a good time to quit.  I don’t feel any regret.

Fri: Isn’t it kind of early for a gravure idol to quit when she’s only 18?

Miu: It seems like I’m always one step of others.  That’s the story of my life…just like when I made my gravure debut when I was only 14.

Fri: Did you make up your mind a while ago?

Miu: I never had an exact date.  But I thought about retiring before I turn 20, and this was when I first started gravure modeling. 

Fri: We think there are still plenty of people who want to see you do gravure work.

Miu: Does that mean they can only see me as a gravue idol?  I think it’s also possible to be seen outside of my gravure work.  Personally, I think my best gravure days are before I turn 20.  I’d like my fans to remember me this way.

Fri: Perhaps you’re using this opportunity to get married?

Miu: (laughing) No.  I’ve been asked, “Are you pregnant?”  I wanted to say, “Sure, I’m already married with 2 kids!”  People talk, don’t they?  I’ve already gotten used to it.

Fri: There’s also rumors that you’ll do AV.

Miu: (laughing) No way! 

Japanese Gravure Idol Miu Nakamura Retires Suddenly

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