In Japan, people of mixed race are generally referred to as “half.” Half-models and celebrities are extremely popular due to their distinctively non-Japanese, striking facial features and physiques. Additionally, many half-models are bilingual and able to speak multiple languages, which has led to a growing number of them finding success not only in Japan but also on the global stage. In this article, we will introduce five male and five female half-models who are thriving in various fields, from the modeling industry to acting and singing.
Yu Shirota, born on December 26, 1985, is an actor who left Watanabe Entertainment and is now represented by his own private agency. With a diverse background—his mother being Spanish and his father Japanese—he is active not only as an actor but also as a singer and model. His notable works include the musical “The Prince of Tennis” and the drama “Boys Over Flowers.” His tall stature and exceptional singing ability make his presence on stage particularly striking.
Raul, born on June 27, 2003, is a talent under Johnny’s Entertainment and a member of Snow Man. He is of mixed heritage, with a Venezuelan father and a Japanese mother, and this international background is one of his many charms. Raul is also active as an actor, and his leading role in the movie “Honey Lemon Soda” garnered much attention. His height of over 190 cm and sharp dance performances further highlight his unique presence, setting him apart from other talents.
Jesse, born on June 11, 1996, is a talent managed by a private agency and is an active member of SixTONES. He is of mixed heritage, with an American father and a Japanese mother, which contributes to his bright personality and exceptional English skills. Standing at an impressive height of 184 cm, Jesse is also active as an actor, known for his roles in dramas such as “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” and “Colorful Love.” His sense of humor and dynamic singing voice are unique charms that set him apart from other talents. Additionally, he has outstanding athletic abilities, and in a TV show segment, he showcased his extraordinary skills in archery.
Alan Shirahama, born on August 4, 1993, is an entertainer affiliated with LDH JAPAN and is active as a member of both EXILE and Generations from EXILE TRIBE. He is of mixed heritage, with a Japanese father and a Filipino mother, and his multicultural background adds a unique dimension to his personality. His sister is also active in the entertainment industry as a half-talent and model. As an actor, he has appeared in the “HiGH&LOW” series and the drama “Shosetsu O.” His exceptional dance skills and approachable character make him stand out with a charm that other talents don’t possess.
Marius Yo (Marius Yō) is a Johnny’s talent born on March 30, 2000, and is an active member of the group Sexy Zone. He is of mixed heritage, with a German father and a Japanese mother, which contributes to his striking looks and international appeal. At one point, he took a break from his entertainment career to focus on studying for university entrance exams, and he successfully gained admission to a prestigious university, showcasing his brilliance. As an actor, he has appeared in dramas such as “Kodomo Keisatsu” and “Otona no Jijō,” gaining attention for his versatility across various fields. Additionally, his high linguistic ability, being fluent in Japanese, German, and English, sets him apart from other talents.
Ayami Nakajo, born on February 4, 1997, is a model and actress represented by TEN CARAT. She is of mixed heritage, with a British father and a Japanese mother, and is known for her exotic beauty. Her notable works include the movie “Snow Flower” and the drama “Nurse in Action!” where she has gained attention for her ability to portray a wide range of roles. Her outstanding style and fashion sense set her apart from other talents. Last year, she announced her marriage on her Instagram, and her more domestic side is likely to become a point of interest moving forward.
Rola, born on March 30, 1990, is a talent represented by LIBERA. She has a richly diverse background, with a Bangladeshi father and a mother who is half Japanese and half Russian. Rola quickly became popular for her bright and unique personality on the variety show “Viking,” and she has also thrived as a model and actress. Her distinctive way of speaking and exceptional style highlight Rola’s unique charm that sets her apart from other talents. Currently, she divides her time between LA and Japan, actively pursuing her modeling and acting careers with a strong focus on international activities. Her appearance in a Hollywood movie in the past has heightened expectations for her future endeavors.
Karen Takizawa, born on May 13, 1992, is a model and TV personality represented by Stardust Promotion. She is of mixed heritage, with a Ukrainian father and a Japanese mother, which gives her a strikingly exotic appearance. As a model, she has served as an exclusive model for “JJ” magazine, and she gained widespread attention on the variety show “Odoru! Sanma Goten!!” for her unique Japanese expressions and sense of humor. Her distinctive character and candid remarks offer a charm that sets her apart from other talents.
Naomi Trauden, born on April 21, 1999, is a model and TV personality affiliated with Pearl. She is of mixed heritage, with a German father and a Japanese mother, and is known for her strikingly refined features and intellectual presence. Her notable work includes serving as an exclusive model for the magazine “CanCam” and appearing as a commentator on the news program “Saturday Station.” Her fluent German and extensive knowledge give her a unique charm that sets her apart from other talents.
Maria Tani, born on July 28, 1995, is a model and TV personality affiliated with Platinum Production. She is of mixed heritage, with a Pakistani father and a Japanese mother, and is known for her striking and glamorous appearance. Utilizing her looks, she has made a significant impact in the modeling industry, gracing the covers of popular women’s magazines such as ViVi and andGIRL. Additionally, her recent notable work includes her regular appearances on the quiz show “Sekai no Hatte Made Itte Q!” where she has gained popularity for her cheerful personality. Her multilingual abilities and cross-cultural understanding set her apart, giving her a unique edge among other talents.
We have introduced 10 of Japan’s top half-models. Each of them is a mix of different nationalities, featuring strikingly unique facial features that set them apart from typical Japanese looks. Their ability to speak multiple languages and their highly appealing visuals make them a powerful asset in any campaign. However, the cost of partnering with them can be quite high, which is a common concern for many companies. At Hotice, we offer influencer casting services to address these concerns. If you are looking for half-models or talents at a more affordable rate than the 10 mentioned above, please do not hesitate to consult with us.
