Phongchi (フォンチー, Fonchī), born December 16, 1990, in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, is a Japanese idol and gravure model of Vietnamese descent. She gained popularity as a founding member of the all-girl idol group Idoling, where she was often referred to as “Idoling No. 8.” Her striking presence, charm, and Vietnamese heritage made her stand out among her peers, and she quickly rose to become one of the group’s most beloved members. Beyond her idol activities, she also established herself in the world of glamour modeling.
Phongchi’s career began after she placed as a runner-up in the 2005 SMA Teens Audition held by Sony Music Artists. The following year, she joined Idoling as one of its original members. Her popularity grew, and she became known as the “protégé” of Sayuri Kokusho (a former Onyanko Club member), which helped her secure spots on various TV shows outside of her idol group duties. In 2008, she launched her solo gravure career with the release of her first photobook Fon Fonchi and her first DVD Cam On: Precious Time, followed by several more photobooks and DVDs over the next few years.
Phongchi’s modeling projects took her to scenic locations like Okinawa and Bali, where she shot her later releases such as A Letter From a Teen, Ritual Heart, and F: Angel’s Wing. These projects showcased her versatility as both an idol and a model. Though she has since stepped away from the idol spotlight, Phongchi remains a trailblazer in representing multicultural identities within Japan’s entertainment scene.
