INTRODUCTION
Mei Tanaka (田中めい) is a Japanese gravure model, race queen, and television personality known for her elegant yet approachable visual style and her appearances in Japanese entertainment media. Born in Saitama, Japan, she gained early recognition in the late 2010s through gravure photo shoots, DVD releases, and appearances in motorsports promotional teams such as Evangelion Racing. Her slim figure, graceful visual presence, and calm personality helped her attract attention from fans of Japanese gravure culture as well as motorsports enthusiasts.
During the peak of her early career, Tanaka became widely recognized for portraying Mari Makinami Illustrious from the Evangelion franchise as part of the Evangelion Racing Race Queen team. The project connected one of Japan’s most iconic anime series with professional motorsports, and Tanaka’s portrayal of the character drew attention from both anime fans and racing audiences.
In addition to racing promotions, she has worked as a gravure idol appearing in magazines, DVD releases, and variety television programs. Her visual style often blends a refined, “clean” image with subtle elegance, something frequently highlighted in gravure photography where she became known for her slender proportions and long leg line.
After a hiatus due to health concerns announced in 2019, Tanaka eventually returned to the modeling world, reintroducing herself to fans through photography sessions and online platforms. Her return demonstrates the resilience common among Japanese gravure talents who maintain dedicated fan communities even after extended breaks.
Today, Mei Tanaka is remembered both for her work as an Evangelion Racing Race Queen and as part of Japan’s gravure idol scene, where models combine entertainment appearances, modeling work, and fan engagement to build a recognizable public identity.
PROFILE / BASIC INFORMATION
Full Name : Mei Tanaka (田中めい)
Also Known As : Meimei (めいめい)
Nationality : Japanese
Ethnicity : East Asian, Japanese
Profession : Gravure Idol, Model, Race Queen, TV Personality, Idol
Industry Category : Japanese Gravure Industry, Modeling, Motorsport Promotion, Television Entertainment
Years Active : 2017–2019, 2025–Present
Agency / Management : Formerly Artist House Pyramid (アーティストハウス・ピラミッド), Freelance
Basic Information : Japanese gravure idol and race queen known for Evangelion Racing promotions and gravure DVD releases
Date of Birth : March 11, 1997
Age : 29 (as of 2026)
Birthplace : Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Current Residence : Japan
Height : 165 cm
Measurements : 77 - 59 - 87 cm
Blood Type : A
Zodiac Sign : Pisces
Hair & Eye Color : Dark Brown Hair, Dark Brown Eyes
LATEST NEWS
In early 2025, Mei Tanaka returned to the Japanese gravure and photography scene after several years of hiatus due to health-related issues that led her to suspend activities in 2019. Her comeback attracted attention among long-time fans who remembered her Evangelion Racing appearances and earlier gravure DVD releases.
She resumed modeling through photo session events organized by Japanese photography studios, appearing as an exclusive model for Fresh Photo Session (フレッシュ撮影会), a popular photography event platform in Japan where fans and photographers interact with gravure models in controlled studio environments.
The comeback marked a gradual reintroduction rather than a full entertainment industry return, focusing primarily on modeling events and fan engagement rather than large-scale television appearances.
CAREER
Career Overview : Gravure modeling, race queen promotions, television appearances, idol activities
Mei Tanaka first entered the Japanese entertainment scene around 2017 as a gravure idol. Gravure idols typically gain recognition through photo magazines, DVD releases, and promotional events, often serving as an entry path into broader entertainment careers.
Her first major release came in October 2017 when she debuted with a gravure DVD titled “Meimei,” introducing her image to fans and collectors of the genre. Gravure DVDs are a traditional format in the Japanese idol industry where models present themed photo and video content showcasing fashion, beachwear, and lifestyle imagery.
One of the most significant highlights of Tanaka’s career occurred in 2018 when she was selected as a member of the Evangelion Racing Race Queen team. The project combines motorsports with the globally famous anime franchise Neon Genesis Evangelion, with each race queen representing a character from the series.
Tanaka portrayed Mari Makinami Illustrious, one of the main female characters from the Evangelion series. Her role involved attending racing events, appearing in promotional materials, and participating in fan events connected to the motorsport team.
She continued the role in the 2019 season, strengthening her recognition within the racing community.
However, in September 2019, Tanaka announced a suspension of her activities due to health issues. This hiatus lasted several years and significantly paused her career momentum.
In 2025, she made a return to modeling through freelance activities, once again appearing in photography sessions and reconnecting with fans who had followed her early gravure work.
Career & Achievements : Evangelion Racing Race Queen 2018, Evangelion Racing Race Queen 2019, Gravure DVD releases, Magazine appearances
Debut : Gravure DVD debut, 2017
Notable Works : Evangelion Racing Race Queen (Mari Makinami Illustrious role), Gravure DVD “Meimei”, Gravure DVD “Slender Love”, Gravure DVD “Mei-chan Love”, Gravure DVD “Angel Kiss”
Career Highlights : Evangelion Racing Race Queen selection, Gravure DVD releases, Return to modeling after hiatus
Awards & Recognition : Rising gravure model recognition in Japanese DVD and magazine market
EARLY LIFE / BACKGROUND
Mei Tanaka was born on March 11, 1997, in Saitama Prefecture, a region located just north of Tokyo. Saitama is home to many aspiring entertainers who eventually move into Tokyo’s entertainment industry due to its proximity to the capital.
While relatively little detailed public information about her childhood and education has been disclosed, Tanaka entered the gravure industry as a young adult during the late 2010s, a period when the Japanese gravure scene was experiencing renewed popularity due to social media exposure and digital distribution.
Before gaining public attention, she reportedly possessed a calm and somewhat mysterious personality, which later became part of her appeal among fans who appreciated both her elegant appearance and slightly reserved character.
FILMOGRAPHY / WORKS / PUBLICATIONS
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DVD Releases : Meimei (2017), Slender Love (2018), Mei-chan Love (2018), Angel Kiss (2019)
Magazine Features : Monthly Kisca (月刊キスカ) February 2019 issue
Television Appearances : GACKT Produce! POKER×POKER (AbemaTV), Armor Beauty (鎧美女) on Fuji TV ONE
Race Queen Activities : Evangelion Racing Race Queen 2018 – Mari Makinami Illustrious Role, Evangelion Racing Race Queen 2019 – Mari Makinami Illustrious Role
BRAND COLLABORATIONS / ENDORSEMENTS
Brand Collaborations : Evangelion Racing Motorsport Promotion Team
Endorsements : Motorsport promotional appearances, gravure photography campaigns
MAGAZINE FEATURES / RUNWAY APPEARANCES
Magazine Features : Monthly Kisca (2019 February issue), Japanese gravure photography publications
Runway Appearances : Motorsport promotional events, racing circuit appearances as Evangelion Racing Race Queen
TV / MEDIA APPEARANCES
TV Shows : GACKT Produce! POKER×POKER (AbemaTV), Armor Beauty (鎧美女) Fuji TV ONE
Media Appearances : Gravure interviews, entertainment features, motorsport promotion events
PUBLIC IMAGE / CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Mei Tanaka’s public image centers around a refined and gentle aesthetic often described in Japanese entertainment media as “seiso-kei,” meaning a clean, elegant, and graceful appearance.
Fans frequently highlight her long legs and balanced body proportions, which made her particularly suited for race queen promotions where visual presence is important in motorsports marketing.
Her role as Mari Makinami Illustrious within Evangelion Racing also connected her image to one of Japan’s most internationally recognized anime franchises, allowing her to gain visibility beyond traditional gravure audiences.
Fashion Style : Elegant casual, gravure swimwear aesthetics, motorsport promotional costume
Visual Signature : Slender body line, long legs, gentle facial expression
Public Image : Elegant gravure model, anime collaboration race queen
Cultural Influence : Participation in Evangelion Racing promotional culture
PERSONAL LIFE / HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Hobbies : Photography sessions, travel, fashion, fan interaction events
Special Skills : Presenting a refined and elegant appearance, posing for gravure photography
Personal Interests : Fashion styling, Japanese pop culture, motorsports events
Languages : Japanese
TRIVIA / FUN FACTS / BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Fun Facts : Known by the affectionate nickname “Meimei” (めいめい), gained popularity among Evangelion fans due to her Mari cosplay-inspired race queen costume, started gravure career through DVD releases before expanding to TV and motorsports promotions
Behind-the-scenes notes : Evangelion Racing race queens often participate in both cosplay-style costume promotions and real motorsport pit support events
Lesser-known details : Took a multi-year break from the entertainment industry due to health concerns before returning to modeling activities
SNS / SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE PRESENCE
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X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/meitanaka
Instagram : Private
TikTok : Private
YouTube : Private
Other Platforms : Fresh Photo Session Model Profile (Japan Photography Event Platform)