[2024ver.]Japanese Fashion Models[My hot 10]
As the Korean Wave continues to spread globally, interest in the Asian market is also steadily increasing. In Japan, the country’s geographical proximity to Korea means its fashion scene is heavily influenced by Korean trends. This article focuses on 10 Japanese models, beyond those famous in domestic media and magazines, who are making a name for themselves on the global stage. We hope that through this article, readers can learn more about Japanese models thriving internationally.
Japanese fashion Male Models
1st : Gendai（Gendai）
Gendai is one of Japan’s most promising models, born in 2000 in Tokyo and standing at an impressive 188cm. His modeling journey began in 2021 after the pandemic forced the closure of his part-time job in the food industry while attending university. Although his initial attempts at auditions were challenging due to a lack of experience, Gendai practiced relentlessly, perfecting his walk through nightly sessions in parking lots. Just three months after joining his agency, he made his runway debut at RYUNOSUKE OKAZAKI in September 2021, marking the start of his rapidly rising career. Currently, Gendai is actively working for major fashion houses like Saint Laurent, Maison Margiela, and Louis Vuitton, expanding his presence both in Japan and internationally.
2nd : 中野 悠楽（Nakano Yura）
Yura Nakano is a 186cm tall model, born in 2001 in Nagano Prefecture, with Japanese and Taiwanese heritage. Known for his unique presence and refined looks, he has walked the runway for top fashion houses like FENDI and Hermès, marking him as a rising star in the industry. His modeling career began after being encouraged by a childhood friend who was modeling in New York. Yura has since participated in Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, and he continues to expand his work both in Japan and internationally, featuring in numerous fashion shows, magazines, and advertisements.
3rd : 水谷 彬人（Mizutani Akito）
Akito Mizutani began his modeling career in 2018 after graduating from university and gained significant attention in 2020 when he became the first Japanese model to walk the runway for Gucci. Known for his refined looks and unique presence, Mizutani stands out with his gender-fluid style, notably wearing a skirt in Kenzo’s 23SS collection, which sparked conversation about new fashion norms for men. He continues to thrive internationally, making a name for himself at European Fashion Weeks and in magazines and advertisements across various platforms.
4th : 甘粕 拓真（Takuma Amakasu）
Takuma Amakasu is a 186cm model born on May 13, 1999, who began his career in 2019. He made his debut at the LOUIS VUITTON × NIGO collection and has since walked for major fashion houses like LOEWE and FENDI. He gained particular attention at the 2021 Paris Fashion Week and continues to appear in magazines and advertisements globally. In addition to modeling, Amakasu pursues music, performing electronica, with his work available on YouTube and Apple Music. He is a multifaceted talent, thriving across various creative fields.
5th : 秋吉 恭佑（Akiyoshi Kyosuke）
Kyosuke Akiyoshi is a rising Japanese fashion model, gaining attention for his refined looks and strong presence on the runway. He has collaborated with top brands both in Japan and internationally, earning high praise for his confident walk and distinct style. In 2024, he made his collection debut with Our Legacy’s 24AW. Notably, within less than a year of his debut, Akiyoshi appeared in prestigious collections like Louis Vuitton and KENZO, showcasing his rapid growth. He continues to build a solid reputation through numerous magazine and advertising appearances.
Japanese fashion Female Models
1st : 美佳 シュナイダー（Mika Schneider）
Mika Schneider is an international fashion model born in Paris to a Japanese mother and French father. Having spent her childhood in various countries such as France, Japan, Russia, and India, she speaks French, English, and Japanese fluently. Her modeling career began when her mother submitted her photos to an agency while living in India, and she was scouted via Instagram. Mika has since appeared in campaigns for major brands like Saint Laurent and LOEWE, and recently walked for Hermès and Louis Vuitton’s 24AW collections, further expanding her global presence.
2nd : 平田 かのん（Hirata Kanon）
Kanono Hirata, born in 2002 from Tokushima, stands at 179cm and is a rising fashion model. She made her debut while still in high school and is now based in Paris, appearing in global collections and magazines. Initially drawn to ballet, she considered joining Takarazuka, but chose modeling for its international opportunities. At 15, she was scouted in Osaka, and later, during high school, she was selected as a winner of the popular segment “Paris Collection School” on HAYASHI SENSEI NO HATSU MIMIGAKU, leading to her Paris runway debut.
3rd : 中島 沙希（Nakashima Saki）
Saki Nakajima is a 175cm tall fashion model born in 1996 in Fukuoka Prefecture. She started her modeling career in high school after being scouted and is recognized for her signature long black hair, appearing in both domestic and international collections and magazines. Beyond modeling, she co-founded “EF,” a platform focused on promoting sustainability alongside fellow model SONOYA. EF sells eco-friendly items, donates proceeds to WWF, and actively shares information about SDGs and environmental issues, a cause Saki is personally committed to after learning about the impact of microplastics on ecosystems.
4th : 小田 鈴音（Oda Suzune）
Oda Suzue is a 179cm model born in 2001 in Kyoto Prefecture, began her career at 16 upon her mother’s recommendation. Initially lacking confidence, her perspective changed after watching a CHANEL show on YouTube, inspiring her to pursue runway modeling. In February 2022, she made her Paris Fashion Week debut, walking for MIU MIU, Chloé, and The Row. She is now a regular in CELINE’s collections, where she enjoys a close rapport with creative director Hedi Slimane. Fluent in English, Oda manages her international work seamlessly, having developed her language skills through specialized high school classes and additional lessons during the pandemic.
5th : 川崎 萌菜（Kawasaki Mona）
Kawasaki Moena is a 178cm tall model who made her debut in 2022 and quickly rose to prominence, walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week in September of the same year. She has appeared in collections for major brands such as MARNI, DIESEL, and noir kei ninomiya, establishing herself both domestically and internationally. Besides modeling, Kawasaki is active on TikTok under the name “Toppogi,” where she shares dance and fashion content with over 190,000 followers. Recently, she walked for Paloma Wool’s 24AW and Mame Kurogouchi’s 24SS collections.
Conclusion
- 1st : Gendai（Gendai）
- 2nd : 中野 悠楽（Nakano Yura）
- 3rd : 水谷 彬人（Mizutani Akito）
- 4th : 甘粕 拓真（Takuma Amakasu）
- 5th : 秋吉 恭佑（Akiyoshi Kyosuke）
- 1st : 美佳 シュナイダー（Mika Schneider）
- 2nd : 平田 かのん（Hirata Kanon）
- 3rd : 中島 沙希（Nakashima Saki）
- 4th : 小田 鈴音（Oda Suzune）
- 5th : 川崎 萌菜（Kawasaki Mona）
This time, we introduced 10 Japanese fashion models making their mark on the international stage. Since the pandemic, opportunities for talents to work abroad have been on the rise, and more individuals are pursuing careers outside of Japan. At Hotice, we also work with international creators who align with the growing demand for inbound marketing. If you are planning any future campaigns targeting Japan or neighboring countries, feel free to reach out to us for collaboration.
