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The 12 Japanese Models You Need To Know

They're making waves on the international stage - by Anne Majumdar
  • 03 May 2019
The 12 Japanese Models You Need To Know

Renowned for its boundary-pushing ethos, the Japanese fashion world is making waves on the international stage. So, unsurprisingly Japanese models are also catching the world's attention. With more and more fashion brands embracing diversity by showcasing models of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, Japanese women have become runway regulars at international fashion weeks and are representing some of the biggest brands in global campaigns.

Paving the way for Japanese girls aspiring to be models, are the likes of top models Ai Tominga and Tao Okamoto. 

Now aged 36, Ai Tominaga was one of the first Asian models to walk the runways of Europe, appearing for John Galliano, Vivienne Tam, Anna Sui, Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, Gucci, Michael Kors and many more. Meanwhile, Tao Okamoto was one of the faces of Ralph Lauren in 2009 before going on to become the star of movies such as The Wolverine.

They opened the way for an exciting wave of Japanese modelling talent which now appears to be going from strength to strength.

Check out our list of the 12 Japanese models who are making industry waves. 

12. Kozue Akimoto

More than a model, 30-year-old Akimoto is also an actress, DJ and street style icon. As the daughter of champion sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, the Tokyo-based model has been in the public eye from an early age but she made a name for herself in the MTV Japan show Shibuhara Girls which premiered in 2011. Since then, she has walked runways around the world and appeared in campaigns for Givenchy, Kenzo and Adidas.

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SLY TOKYO 2019 APRIL / MAY 4月5日から、SLY直営店でお買い物をしたら貰えるみたいです📚 表紙は4パターンあるので、梢バージョンの表紙をぜひ〜☺️🙏🏻💞 #SLY #SLYTOKYO

11. Kiko Mizuhara

Born in the United States (as Audrie Kiko Daniel) but then relocating to Japan, the Korean-American model is now known professionally as Kiko Mizuhara. 28-year-old Mizuhara has been modelling since the age of 12, also dabbling in acting and fashion design, collaborating with Opening Ceremony in 2013. In 2017, she launched her own design brand.

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🧡 @coach 🧡 Photographed by Craig McDean Styled by Jane How Art direction by Fabien Baron Makeup by Diane Kendal Hair styled by Paul Hanlon Love @stuartvevers ❤️ #CoachNy

10. Rila Fukushima

The Tokyo-born model began her career in fashion appearing in a number of publications and advertising campaigns before turning her attention to acting. 30-year-old Fukushima has appeared in movies including The Wolverine and in cult TV show Game of Thrones as well as a number of high profile Japanese productions.

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Thank you so much for having me @givenchyofficial ✨ #Repost @givenchyofficial ・・・ GIVENCHY FAMILY: The guests at the #GivenchySS19 show by @ClareWaightKeller. #pfw

9. Yuka Mannami

Although she began her career as a nurse, Mannami was discovered on Instagram at the age of 23. Now 26, she has walked for Fendi and appeared in advertising campaigns for brands including Shiseido, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta as well as numerous magazines.

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🗻 本栖湖~! あいにくの曇りですが、鉛色の空が映り込んで水面も一面銀色の世界。 それはそれで趣があって◎ 月に来たみたいでした。行ったことないけど。 Hello mt. Fuji🗻 (Sorry you can't even see the shadow.) #Vintagestyle

8. Rina Fukushi

With a Japanese-American father and a Filipina mother, Fukushi is described in Japan as a “hafu” model and has helped to challenge Japanese stereotypes of people of mixed origin. Still just 19, she has already appeared in campaigns for Revlon and H&M and walked for Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Zimmermann along with others.

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@maisonvalentino ❤️ 📸 @zhhhhh_sup

7. Nairu Yamamoto

Tokyo-based Nairu Yamamoto is a Japanese model known for her playful Instagram account @nairuuuu – a great place to brush up on the latest Japanese fashion trends.

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🔥🔥🔥

6. Safil Kawamura

When in London, Kawamura popped into the IMG offices and ended up signing a contract. Now just 21, he has walked for J.W.Anderson, Ann Demeulemeester, and Craig Green with editorial firmly in his sights.

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Lemaire

5. Chiharu Okunugi

The 27-year-old was named one of Vogue Japan’s women of the year in 2013. She has walked for Versace, Altuzarra, Isabel Marant, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and Christian Dior as well as fast fashion labels like Uniqlo and H&M.

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Tomo Koizumi🧡💛❤️ Thank you!!! @tomo_koizumi @kegrand @bitton

4. Manami Kinoshita

From Japan’s Fukui Prefecture, Kinoshita got into model straight from school. Now 25, she has worked with fashion houses including Balenciaga, Harley Weir, Alessair McKimm and Daniel Jackson.

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ありがとうagain 😘@mapsworld_official

3. Kiko Arai

A former Miss Japan, Arai’s modelling career started strong with the Osaka-born beauty walking for Balmain, Prada, Calvin Klein and Givenchy and appearing in a high profile Zara campaign in her first season.

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アカウントを一時的に乗っ取られましたが、無事に復活しました!!ご心配をおかけしました😢💦 . 気を取り直してもう一度、、 . 今日からAmazon Fashion Week Tokyoがスタート!いつも歩く側でしたが、初めて観る側で参加させてもらいました😆 @stair_officialのSS新作は女性らしさもありながら可愛さもある、素敵なお洋服ばかりでした💖 . My account was hacked.. But I got it back!!😂👍 Thanks for all of your warm messages!! . Anyway... . Amazon Fashion Week has started today! Thank you @stair_official for inviting me to your great new collection♡ It was such a beautiful😚💓

2. Kohei Takabatake

Scouted by a stylist in 2017, Takabatake has since appeared on the catwalks of some of the world’s biggest fashion houses such as Versace, Louis Vuitton and Prada. He walked 25 shows for Fall/Winter 2018-2019 making him the male model who walked the most shows of the season.

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@isabelmarant 🖤

1. Miki Ehara

A photographer discovered Ehara while she was working in a sporting goods store and she quickly caught the attention of Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière making her runway debut for the brand in autumn 2017. Although still a newcomer, Ehara has already walked for Dior, Nina Ricci, Michael Kors, Lanvin and more.

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BANANA REPUBLIC CAMPAIGN💓 Thank you so much🌸🍃 #bananarepublic
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Anne Majumdar
Anne Majumdar
Anne is a freelance writer based on Sydney's idyllic Northern Beaches. When she's not pondering the latest trends with her toes dug in the sand, you can find her working up a sweat in the gym or plotting her next travel adventure over coffee - lots of coffee.

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