Most popular female idols in Japan (2021)

[abra]

Momota Kanako

Nikkei Entertainment's list of the most popular female idols in Japan is out!
The list is topped by Momoiro Clover Z's leader Momota Kanako with a score of 21.1. She moves up from third place on the back of a strong year which included voicing one of the main characters in the new Ojamajo Doremi movie and being the lead actress in another movie.
In second place is AKB48 veteran Kashiwagi Yuki with a score of 18.6. Yuki had an active year with many different activities including a solo release, joining Youtube and producing a stage show which is reflected with a rise of two positions.
Tight at her heels is Nogizaka46's Saito Asuka, also with a score of 18.6. Asuka might have lost her position as the center of her group but her popularity is still high and she rises from fifth place.



Here is the top 20 with some help from @Yun:
1. Momota Kanako (Momoiro Clover Z) 21.1
2. Kashiwagi Yuki (AKB48) 18.6
3. Saito Asuka (Nogizaka46) 18.6
4. Ikuta Erika (Nogizaka46) 18.0
5. Ourin (Ringo Musume) 16.5
6. Tamai Shiori (Momoiro Clover Z) 15.7
7. Sasaki Ayaka (Momoiro Clover Z) 15.1
8. Takagi Reni (Momoiro Clover Z) 14.7
9. Yokoyama Yui (AKB48) 14.2
10. Matsui Jurina (ex-SKE48) 14.0
11 - Akimoto Manatsu (Nogizaka46) 13.7
12 - Yamashita Mizuki (Nogizaka46) 12.5
13 - Miyawaki Sakura (HKT48) 12.2
14 - Suda Akari (SKE48) 11.6
15 - Yoda Yuki (Nogizaka46) 10.9
16 - Takayama Kazumi (Nogizaka46) 9.4
17 - Hoshino Minami (Nogizaka46) 8.7
18 - Sugai Yuuka (Sakurazaka46) 8.2
19 - Watanabe Risa (Sakurazaka46) 7.8
20 - Kosaka Nao (Hinatazaka46) 7.6


Maybe the most noteworthy part about the list is how dominated it is by a few groups or factions, namely the 46-groups, Momoclo (Momoiro Clover Z) and 48-groups. Idols from the 46-groups make up half of the top 20 lead by the popularity of Nogizaka46 with 7 members. Momoclo also had a very strong showing with all four members making it into the top 8 together for the first time and Kanako taking first place. The 48-groups contributed with 5 members coming from AKB, SKE and HKT/I*ZONE (Miyawaki Sakura). Matsui Jurina and Sakura will not be available for next year's poll so it will be interesting to see if any new faces will show up in their stead. But the exception to the rule is Ringo Musume's Ourin who made it to fifth place this year despite being from a small group.

 

[Misa]

I'm so happy for Momoclo

 

[Yun]

I will help you a bit lol

11 - Akimoto Manatsu (Nogizaka46)
12 - Yamashita Mizuki (Nogizaka46)
13 - Miyawaki Sakura (HKT48)
14 - Suda Akari (SKE48)
15 - Yoda Yuki (Nogizaka46)
16 - Takayama Kazumi (Nogizaka46)
17 - Hoshino Minami (Nogizaka46)
18 - Sugai Yuuka (Sakurazaka46)
19 - Watanabe Risa (Sakurazaka46)
20 - Kosaka Nao (Hinatazaka46)

 

[abra]

I will help you a bit lol

11 - Akimoto Manatsu (Nogizaka46)
12 - Yamashita Mizuki (Nogizaka46)
13 - Miyawaki Sakura (HKT48)
14 - Suda Akari (SKE48)
15 - Yoda Yuki (Nogizaka46)
16 - Takayama Kazumi (Nogizaka46)
17 - Hoshino Minami (Nogizaka46)
18 - Sugai Yuuka (Sakurazaka46)
19 - Watanabe Risa (Sakurazaka46)
20 - Kosaka Nao (Hinatazaka46)

Thank you Yun
I got the 48G members but I should have realized who the Sakurazaka/Hinatazaka members were!
Adding this to the OP

 

[Pandaa]

sakura chan impacxt