Japanese models are thriving in 2019 and making some serious waves in the world of fashion! More and more brands and designers are paying attention to models from different backgrounds. Slowly but surely, models of varying size, shape, and ethnicity are owning the runways – and Japanese models are definitely leading the charge!
In this article, we take a look at 7 of the most influential and iconic Japanese models today.
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7. Manami Kinoshita
Debut year: 2015
After she finished junior high, Kinoshita entered the world of modelling when she was encouraged by her teacher to look into modelling agencies. Then at 23, Kinoshita was discovered by a stylist while she was working in a coffee shop. The rest, as they say, is history. Now, Kinoshita is a freelance model with a vast portfolio and has worked with big fashion houses like Daniel Jackson, Harley Weir, and Balenciaga.
The moral of the story? Stay in school, work a job, and make sure you’re always ready to be discovered!
6. Miki Ehara
Debut year: 2017
No one is immune to Miki Ehara’s ruffled hair and sharp features. While she was working for a sporting goods store, a photographer discovered her potential for modelling.
She caught the eye of Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, who immediately invited her to walk for the brand in 2017. Despite being a newcomer to the modelling industry, Miki Ehara has already represented designer brands like Hermes, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, and Dior.
Talk about a rookie on the rise!
5. Kohei Takabatake
Debut year: 2017
Since he first got scouted by a stylist in 2017, he’s already walked the runways for three of the world’s biggest fashion houses: Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
In the Fall/Winter shows of 2018 and 2019 alone, he’s walked for 25 shows! This breaks the record for the most walks in a season by any male model. It’s definitely safe to say that Takabatake has put Japanese male models on the radar of the fashion world.
4. Kozue Akimoto
Debut year: 2011
Akimoto is no stranger to being a subject of the public eye. After all, being the daughter of Yokozuna Chiyonofuji Mitsugu is a big deal and will definitely put the spotlight on you. Akimoto made her first claim to fame in 2011 when she appeared in the MTV Japan show Shibuhara Girls.
Her modelesque features then earned her invites to walk runways around the world, resulting in campaigns for Adidas, Kenzo and Givenchy. If that’s not impressive enough, the Tokyo-based model is also a street style icon, actress, and DJ.
3. Rila Fukushima
Debut year: 2004
Fukushima made her modelling debut when she walked for designer Richard Tyler’s Autumn/Winter line in 2004. She then appeared in numerous publications and advertising campaigns before she decided to go down the acting path.
Fukushima is now one of the few Japanese female models who has successfully made the transition from runway to red carpet. She’s since appeared in films like Ghost In The Shell, The Wolverine, and Game of Thrones!
2. Yuka Mannami
Debut year: 2015
Despite being popularly dubbed as one of the most contemporary It-girls in Japan, Mannami actually comes from humble beginnings. She started off as a regular nurse when she was suddenly discovered on Instagram at the age of 23! Since then, she’s appeared for brands like Shiseido and graced the catwalks of Tokyo Fashion week.
Now at 27, she’s represented fashion brands like Givenchy and Bottega Veneta. So if anyone tells you that Instagram modelling doesn’t get you anywhere, refer them to Yuka Mannami!
1. Rina Fukushi
Debut year: 2015
Because of her mixed nationality – her father being Japanese-American and her mother being Filipina – Rina Fukushi is described as a “hafu“ model, or half model. She began her career when she walked for Mina Perhöen at the young age of 16.
Now 20 years old, Fukushi has walked for the biggest fashion brands like Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton and continues to challenge the Japanese stereotypes towards people of mixed nationality.
Conclusion
Gone are the days where every girl on the runway looks the same. Now, we have beauty icons who are proudly Japanese. From bikini models to brand ambassadors, they’re moving up the modelling vine. Hopefully, this is only the beginning. More Asian representation is needed especially in this industry that traditionally “dictates” the standards of beauty. These beautiful Japanese models are fighting the good fight, putting Asian models on the map one catwalk at a time.
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