Modeling in Tokyo

Yuri Ebihara

It used to be that ONLY foreign models with blonde hair and blue eyes worked successfully in Tokyo. This, thankfully, is no longer the case. Although still predominantly a "white" market, a strong trend to becoming more multicultural is what this industry seems to heading towards.

In this section, we'll take a look at the measurements and features generally expected from models to possess in Japan. By no means is this the last word on the subject. Take it as a guide that's based on a great number of past successes. In any case, for all men and women, great smiles are the ultimate asset, for the Tokyo market is about as commercial as they come.

For women, skin condition is extremely important. It is probably the number one thing clients look for in models; clean, smooth skin. And, generally speaking, the whiter the better. Hair is preferred straight or with a slight wave, so make any neccessary adjustments if you have to. Longer hair promotes versatility, although there are plenty of whom that work well with shorter hair. As for color, stick with blonde to dark brown and leave any shades of red at home.


Measurements for girls.
(The following is the general range most models fall into. During show season (March-April & Sept-Oct) taller girls are considered.

Height: 5'7" (170cm) to 5'10" (178cm)
Bust: below 35.5" (90cm) and no larger than a "B" cup.
Waist: below 25.0" (64cm)
Hips: below 35.5" (91cm)

The reason for these particulars is simple; the model must be able to fit into Japanese sized clothing! These are not big people were talking here, so size is important and many times as important than the model's actual look. And age? Well, some girls arrive to Tokyo as young as 14 but most are between 17 and 24.

For guys, a clean-shaven face, strong jaw-line, neatly styled hair (that's not too long), a trim body(not too hairy!) and a solid book are what count. The look is not "hard" (although sometimes required). Normally a clean, nice-guy and "handsome" type of image is what's sought after. Popular roles are 'the teen', 'the boyfriend', 'the young father' and the classic 'businessman'. Ages vary from 17 to late 20s and early 30s.


Measurements for guys.
(The following is the general range most models fall into. During show season (March-April & Sept-Oct) taller guys are considered.

Height: 5'11" (180cm) to 6'2" (188cm)
Chest: below 39" (100cm)
Waist: around 32" (81cm) or below
Hips: below 38.5" (98cm)
For the "sweet" and "innocent" segment of the market, agencies unleash their young, fresh girls to compete for on-the-cover honors of numerous teen magazines and comic books. The Japanese absolutely adore "cute", so this part of the industry will always be in demand. BIG MONEY, however, is also made in tv commercials, posters and in the seemingly infinite amount of catalogues.

NEW FACES vs ELITE MODELS

New Faces: What type of models do you look for when finding new talent?
Elite Models: When looking for models, we typically look for talent that are marketable in our area. We look for all styles of models to promote through our network; editorial and commercial models.

New Faces: Why do you like using New Faces to scout new models?
Elite Models: New Faces is a great avenue to scout talent, not only for our Toronto office, but for our offices around the world.

New Faces: Does Elite have a "look" that you always seek out to find?
Elite Models: We are always looking for "The Look", which can change from season to season.

New Faces: Of the recent faces you've discovered, has there been a common element that made them stand out over others, and what would you recommend to other models for them to stand out?
Elite Models: From the faces that I have contacted through New Faces, it always helps to have very clear pictures, with great lighting, and little makeup. I often find it difficult to see what a person looks like when they use a webcam to take their pictures.

New Faces: What are some of the facts that models need to know when getting into the industry?
Elite Models: Modeling is a business, and as a model, you are your own business! Like any business, it takes time, effort, commitment, and patience to become a successful model. Success does not happen over night.

New Faces: What common mistakes do you see models making, even if they already have what it takes?
Elite Models: For models, a casting or a go see is a job interview, and should be regarded as such. Time and time again I hear from clients that models seem ill prepared. Would you show up to a job interview with a potential employer wearing sneakers, with your hair not done, without a resume? No.

New Faces: There are different types of modeling, including print, commercial and runway modeling, is there a particular type of model that is best suited for each?
Elite Models: Typically in our market, we look for girls that are 5'8" and taller, as Toronto is a very commercial market but we also have our fair share of great editorials and show. A truly versatile model can excel in all of these fields. Girls that are 5'10" and up, of course are better suited for the European catwalks should they have the rest of the package (confidence, experience, and a strong portfolio).

New Faces: The modeling industry being what it is, there's never any assurance that one person will succeed over another, but once discovered how can models continue to achieve success in the industry?
Elite Models: There are never any guarantees. We as agents know what clients want, and supply our clients with just that. It is also our job to provide management for our models. We can open the door for the Models, but it's up to the individual to walk through it. It's those models that can work with clients and be engaging, polite, and most of all professional, are the models that are going to get booked again by that client.

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