Erika Umeda to Make Modeling Debut

Former Hello!Project J-pop idol unit C-ute member ERIKA UMEDA will make her debut as a fashion model this Saturday at Japan’s largest music and fashion show “Girls Award 2010″ in Tokyo.  The Japanese teen has a lithe 5’7″ body with smooth fair skin and huge beautiful doe eyes for a complete model package.  For the short interview with Sankei Sports Erika Umeda (梅田えりか) showed up looking both cute and sexy wearing a pair of daisy duke shorts and black heels.  The 18 year old who left her J-pop idol status half a year ago to pursue modeling says, “I’m really excited about this opportunity.  I’m feeling nervous but I’ll give it my best.”  Since Japanese actress/talent and quite possibly the No.1 bitch in Japanese entertainment world Erika Sawajiri will also be present at the event, Ms. Umeda commented that she thinks the recently divorced diva is definitely beautiful but she would like to stand out even more than her counterpart who shares the same first name.

Last month Erika signed with Japanese modeling agency Illume who also has other popular Japanese fashion models such as Reiko Takagaki and Naoko Tokuzawa under its wings.  On the career change, the Yokohama native shared that, “At first I liked singing.  But when we had photo sessions for shooting the CD jacket I realized I really enjoyed having my own pictures taken.  It was then I felt I wanted to be a fashion model.  My goal is for people to want to have the same outfit and hairstyle that I have when they see me in fashion magazines.”

I have no doubt Erika Umeda will ham it up on stage for the cameras but I just hope she will have a clear head and keep her humility and not turn into another stuck up diva like Erika Sawajiri.

See more of the former C-ute member here: JAPANESE IDOL FASHION MODEL ERIKA UMEDA ON SLEEPYJOHN.COM

Erika Umeda Quits Hello!Project

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but here’s yet another blow to all Hello!Project fans.

Japanese idol singer C-ute member Erika Umeda (梅田えりか) will “graduate” from the idol factory this fall, it was announced on the website of her agency Up Front Agency yesterday.  The 18 year old Kanagawa Prefecture native is the oldest member in the  J-pop idol group and is often considered a fashionista.  Her last performance as a C-ute member will be on October 25th at NHK Osaka Hall, the last day of Hello!Project’s Fall Concert Tour.

J-pop idol unit C-ute member Erika Umeda doing some promotional work for the Japan Postal Service

“UmeEri”, as she is affectionately called by both her fans and friends has decided to pursue a career as a fashion model after she leaves the successful 6 member idol unit.  I think this is a good move since appearance wise she has always looked more flashy and glamorous rather than the typical pure and innocent idol look.  She has also been spotted on numerous occasions prawling around fashionable districts in Tokyo like Shibuya.  I believe it is only a matter time before she breaks one of the strict rules set by her handler and get herself into some scandalous situation.  We all know Hello!Project & Up Front Agency cannot afford to have anymore scandals.

I look forward to seeing the sexy Japanese teen in a Japanese fashion magazine in the near future.  I’ve always thought Erika Umeda has that onee-kei (お姉系), or hot “older sister” look.  I’ve got confidence she’ll make a fine fashion model!

C-ute Member Erika Umeda To Ditch Idol Status