Aino Kishi - Japanese Sexiest Idol

Whereas in previous years an idol kept up her idol image until she chose to retire or was simply too old to continue being a credible idol, in recent years several ex-idols have successfully matured from being an idol to becoming full-fledged actresses, singers or musicians who are respected for their craft instead of (or in addition to) being admired for their looks and image. In the 1970s, idols had an aura of mystique that left much of their lifestyles secret. TThe culture of Japanese idols has changed over the years and it is questionable whether past idols would have the same amount of success if given the same opportunity today.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities.

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki did a very sporting thing at the Luxembourg Open: Ahead of Luxembourg's own Anne Kremer by a score of 7-5, 5-0, Wozniacki retired from the match with a hamstring injury. She could have closed out the match, she explained, but felt there was no chance she'd be able to play her next match. So she decided to let the Luxembourgian go through to the next round.

Great gesture, right? Not to the WTA: The Tennis Integrity Unit (the folks who investigate match fixing, among other things) are all over it because of something Wozniacki's father was overheard saying during the match. It's clear that Caroline did nothing wrong. But for the full story, see Yahoo's tennis blog.

More Caroline Wozniacki pics

Producers liked Amuro and in 1995 she went solo, enjoying massive success. Namie Amuro was the most popular idol in the late 1990s, although marketed as sexier and more mature than other idols. She began her career in 1992 as a vocalist for the pop group Super Monkeys, but the group flopped very quickly. This status has since been eclipsed by Ayumi Hamasaki, who is known as one of Japan's current divas.