I received this question awhile ago on Formspring.me when I had an Ask Me Anything account there:
I have a question about modeling in Japan. Are the height requirements similar to the ones here? I’m relatively short (5’2-ish) and curvy, but not fat in the least!
Hi! Models in Japan need to be a minimum of 5’6″ (166 cm). Since the average Japanese person is shorter, there tends to be no market for models under that height. You also need to be able to fit into Japanese clothes, with the standard size being: B (80-86 cm; 31-34″) W (54-60 cm; 21-24″) H (80-86 cm 31-34″). (There is a little bit of variance here and there, and if you want to work on late-night TV shows or raunchy catalogs etc you can be more curvy.) There is almost no market for foreign Asian models there – the more blond and Caucasian you are, the more work you are likely to get. (Though as of the last ten years or so half-Japanese models are getting more work for more mainstream outlets, but they are usually from Japan and speak Japanese to begin with.)
Hope that answers your question!
xo
Carly
xo
Carly
My modeling in Japan story:
I moved to Japan when I was 11 in 1990, and ended up living there 6 years total. I speak, read and write Japanese fluently. (I made a silly YouTube video 4 years ago of me speaking in Japanese to my half-Japanese son.) I used to model in Japan in 1998-1999, when I was extremely, unhealthily thin. (5’6″, <89 lbs) I did mostly TV show appearances, commercials, and music videos; not print modeling. Bit parts, nothing spectacular. Probably the most famous thing I did was appearing in Hikaru Utada’s “First Love” music video. (It’s very very quick, but I am there dancing in the crowd wearing a silver velvet crop top and gray skater pants with a white stripe down the leg.) When I first went to an agency (AtsuC Models in Tokyo) in Fall of 1998, I weighed 128 lbs. and was told I was “too fat” for modeling in Japan. My Japanese was fluent, but I was also told that most clients don’t want to hire a foreigner who speaks Japanese well – if you’re Caucasian they WANT you to speak it badly, with an accent, and my Japanese was just too good. But it wasn’t good enough to be a comedienne, a funny タレント, so I fell kind of in-between in terms of demand for my skillz. And looks-wise, I just photographed fat, so they couldn’t use me. I registered with a couple other agencies though, just in case. That year I lost an enormous amount of weight, and once I got down to around 105 lbs I started to get jobs. The lower my weight got the more jobs I got, and the more main the parts in the commercials and TV shows. I made a little bit of money to live on, which was fantastic. In Summer of 1999 I went back to the States.Though I’ve returned to Japan since my son was born in 2005 for a month every single year to visit my in-laws, I never modeled there again. All I can speak towards is general trends I’ve been seeing over the past decade or so, but I’m no expert!!
How is it that Tsubasa Masuwaka, one of the most famous models in Japan is 158cm ? (5’2) And one of the most popular Western models in Japan right now it 162cm (according to her agencies website, shorter according to her older websites) ?
There are always exceptions to generalities. I took the question to be about a non-Japanese person going to Japan to model – and from my past experience working with a number of agencies, my shot height (5’6″ – 166cm) was mentioned as just barely meeting the minimum requirements that clients like to work with. Things change. Tsubasa Masuwaka is Japanese, and when it comes to Japanese models modeling in Japan, if they’re cute or have some other shtick that will sell (like Gyaru, in her case), height isn’t so much a factor. If you’re under 166 cm you might have a tough time being signed to an agency unless you also speak Japanese, or are extremely thin, or have a really great look that will sell. But again, those are just generalities.
I have Latin looks and mesure 1,74 m (5’8 1/2”) and 55kg (121 lbs), do you think a model who looks latina has a chance (fair skin, dark eyes and hair)? Thank you!
Yes, I would say so. If you look “exotic” and couldn’t pass for full Japanese, then that would likely give you an edge. I’m not sure of your clothing size though, but if you can fit into Japanese/Asian sizing (which is a little different: smaller ribcage, shorter lengths, higher in the arms, flatter in the chest) then it’s probably not an issue. If you *don’t* fit into the Japanese sizing, it would likely be very hard to find work! But why not try – what’s there to lose? Best of luck to you! 🙂
I’m going to research a bit more about this market, as I’m staying there due to my father’s work for two years or so. Anyway super merci / thank you!
No problem! Hope you enjoy – it’s always a fun place to visit for a couple years! 😀
I probably can’t I’m filipino and korean so I probably can’t
Hi Aria, you might be able to if you have an “exotic” could-pass-for-not-Japanese look to you. If you look *very* Japanese then you might have more difficulty…but you could only try – what’s there to lose? Best of luck to you!
Hi! I’m a sansei girl (my gradparents were japanese) Is there any chance for me if i’m 1.57 m tall and 42 kg. B: 85 W:60 H:90 ??
Thanks!
Hi Andrea, I don’t really know. It depends how foreign and exotic you look – if you could be taken for a Japanese person, it’s unlikely you’d find much success in the market. But you can always try! Just register with an agency and see what happens!! If you’re extremely photogenic and have a “look” that is trendy now, you might do really well! Good luck 🙂
Hi! I want to be a model in Japan.My height is 171 cm.My weight is 50 kg.Can I be a model in Tokyo?Can you help me? I worried..
Hi Nilsu! I’d suggest just doing an Internet search for modeling agencies in Japan, show up, get your photo snapped, and get registered with them. It can’t hurt! Whatever the client is looking for at the time is whatever they hire for, so there really are no hard and fast rules as to what is hireable and what isn’t. You could register and get no work. You could register and be just what someone is looking for at the time! The agency will likely suggest some things to do to improve your hireability (and the biggest that they tend to suggest is “lose weight to fit into Japanese sizes!”) Best of luck to you!
Thank you,I want to send my pictures to you but how? Twitter or facebook? I believe,I can be a model in Tokyo! I can do it!
Not to me! Send them to a modeling agency in Tokyo! 😉
Which model agency in Tokyo? Agency’s name? I don’t know
Sorry, I don’t know either. I haven’t lived in Japan since 2002. You’ll have to search on Google or go to Tokyo and find one through word of mouth/advertisements! Good luck!
I found 🙂 Thanks for everythink 🙂
You’re welcome! Good luck with everything 🙂
こんにちは！I am living in USA, South Asian-American, and speaking Japanese. With long shoulders and legs and arms is it okay in Japanese clothes? And my skin isn’t very white color, somewhat white. 171 cm tall and 120 lbs. Will I success in Japan?
Hi Rina, I don’t really know! All I can say is you’d have to go to a modeling agency there to see what they see – they would be much more in tune with the market and it’s current needs than I am. While in Japan you could try on clothing and see how it fits you. An agent there who is working with placing models in current opportunities could advise you better. Hope that helps!
Hlw I’m Barsha Sharma from Japan well my nationality is Nepali and I speak both English and japanese I want to try for modeling but my height is not 5 feet .Should I try for it or not.
Hi Barsha, I wouldn’t recommend it, since you’re under 5′ tall. Even though models in Japan are shorter than average, usually the minimum they say is 5’6″. There’s no harm in trying but you may find very limited success. As a petite model you may find more…but the Japanese market for foreign petite models may not even exist. Ask at some local modeling agencies and see!
I am African American and I am currently living in Japan now. Not sugar coating anything, what are my chances of becoming a model in Japan? Are they just looking for Caucasian?
Hmmm…I’m not sure since I don’t live there now and tastes/trends may have changed. From what I remember whenever there was a “B-Girl” trend in terms of clothing, makeup, music (fueled by popular music from Beyonce, Misia, or Crystal K for example) then girls who look African American may be more in demand in that niche for modeling certain clothing that fits that look, ads for certain Shibuya-109 shops, CD albums for bands that make hip hop style music. But trends move fast there and it may be difficult to find long-term commercial success outside of that niche, especially if you don’t have any Asian features and couldn’t “pass” as a “crossover” type of model. For an African American girl who has similar features to an Asian girl, it may be more possible to cross into mainstream modeling, especially if your skin is lighter (since the market there has a marked preference for either light-skinned girls … or girls who look “tan” when they are a “B-girl” type). Things may have changed somewhat and there may be more demand currently depending on the trends. Anyone want to weigh in? I haven’t been to Japan since March 2014 so I may be a little out of touch. Thanks for your question!
I wanted to get back into modeling(child model in China when I was younger :D) I moved to America around 6, and currently I am 5’3,16 years old and I weigh around 100 pounds. Of course, you can’t really be a model in the states with that kind of height haha. So I was wondering if there would be agencies in Japan who might accept me? I’m Chinese, but my family was mainly from the mountains. I fit into the beauty standards of Asia(pale skin,double lid) but I have brown hair and brown eyes…I am full Chinese but I don’ know why I have that feature. My proportions are lanky.
Hi Annoe, Thanks for your comment! I modeled in Japan at 5’6″ and was totally fine at that height waaaay back in 1999-2000 (it’s not runway height, which would be 5’8″ and above in Japan). So if you’re skinny and 5’6″, there it’s probably enough. And agencies over there were really casual back when I was modeling, you can sign up with anyone who will take you, there didn’t seem to be any weeding out process. It may be different now. There may be work for someone who is Chinese and looks Chinese…it’s really hard to say. It’s much easier to go there in person and just visit agencies to get a true feel of what the market is there for you, since everyone is different and there are so many factors that can affect success. There may be a smaller market there for someone who looks Asian when there, they already have many hundreds of thousands of Asian models to choose from, but again it’s hard to say when I don’t know what you look like. My only advice would be to try it and see! Best of luck 🙂
Hi, Im Filipino-Japanese. I am 17 years old, 5’6″ tall, and I weigh 100 pounds. I am relatively skinny, B-30; W-24; H-32. I have Japanese eyes (chinky, single lid), and I wear braces. Do you think I got the chance? My japanese is fair but definitely not perfect (I grew up in the Phils), I can speak, read and write. Im scared to go out and audition. Im not sure if I got what it takes, and I dont want to waste their time nor mine either.
Hi! I’m about 5’6 and pretty slim. I am African american but I’ve been told that my eyes are pretty Asian – like. I don’t really think I could pull off the “kawaii” look without some makeup and I’m not super dark skinned but I’m not tan either. What do think my chances are of becoming a model?? Help!
Hello, i am 19 and brazilian and have really pale skin, dark eyes and straight hair. I am 1,73cm tall. Do you think my looks would sell well? I want to be a commercial model, and i want to be part of bravo models. I have the doll look, big eyes and everything. Thank you
I’m 17 years old, and half Japanese. I’m 160 cm tall (5’3). I speak Japanese well — but not fluently. I have almost-black hair, and eyes. My eyes are also large (and round). I kind of have the doll-look. I’m thinking about moving to Japan to live with my grandmother. Do you think modelling is something I would be able to pursue/get into in Japan?
Maybe – it depends how unique your “look” is. Half-Japanese models have been in demand for awhile but they still need to be pretty and unique-looking compared to the average Japanese girl, they have to photograph well, and many people will expect you to speak Japanese well if not fluently because you are half. If you plan on working in Japan I’d recommend 1) visiting there and talking to some modeling agencies while you are there to find what they think your marketability is BEFORE you make the commitment to living there permanently. 2) Having a visa. If you are half Japanese I hope you have a Japanese passport so you can work in Japan legally. Or find an the agency that will sponsor your visa. It’s very important to model in Japan legally and not get in trouble with the law! Good luck!
Hi! I’m from borneo and I’m a Chinese mix Iban ( but look more chinese) I’m only 150cm tall and I weight 35kg. I’m thinking of going into printing model. Think I might have a chance there?
I would say no…at 150cm you’re going to be too short. If you read the above post you’ll see where I noted that “Models in Japan need to be a minimum of 5’6″ (166 cm)” – that’s pretty standard. There is little to no petite market there for foreigners. In print modeling as you know people tend to photograph shorter than they really are…so were you to achieve success over there it would be pretty much an anomaly in the industry. That isn’t to say it’s 100% NOT POSSIBLE…I mean, anything is *possible*…but unless there’s some sudden demand for short models who look Asian (and in Japan, they have a whole country to pick from of shorter women who look Asian)…it would probably be highly unlikely. But again, if you’re super-determined, you could always visit over there and go to an agency in person to talk to an agent to get their direct input as to current trends and if there would be a demand for your “look.” Good luck!
Asian male 5.9 weight 68
It’s possible to be a model in japan?
Sorry, I really don’t know anything about the market for male models in Japan!
my name is Leah and I’m 12 years old and 162 cm tall. I am Kazakh (central Asia), dutch, native american and canadian. I look half asian and exotic. do you think I could meet the requirements?
Sure – as a child model. You will need to have a guardian present for entering you in legal contracts. Plus you need a visa in Japan that allows you to earn income while there – a travel visa is not adequate. Talk to your parents about that.
Hello! I am Anna my height is 164.5 and I am here to ask if Japan takes children for clothes modelling at about the age of 12 and over if they did should I try oh yes and I am half Japanese and half Australian.
Yes they do but you need to have a guardian present for entering you in legal contracts. Plus you need a visa in Japan that allows you to earn income while there – a travel visa is not adequate. Talk to your parents about that.
I’ve always been interested in fashion, so modelling has always been a dream. Sadly, I’m only 5’3″ which height is a major problem for the industry. I have brown hair and very dark, big brown eyes and my measurements are 31-23-32. My mother is Native Canadian and my father is Egyptian so I don’t look like the average Canadian/American and I don’t look asian either so I’m not quite sure what they would think of me. I wanted to know if there was at least a slim chance of getting into modelling in Japan.
Thank you very much!
I really don’t know since I’ve never seen a photo of you. You’re too small for clothing/runway modeling there. Please read through my response to others’ comments on this post – since I discuss other modeling options for people who are shorter, like hand modeling, hair and makeup modeling etc. You could do quite well if you niche yourself down and market yourself like that, even though the market would be very narrow. Hope that helps!
Hi, I’m a full blood Filipino (well I’m pretty sure I am…) and I am only turning 14 years old this year but I want to plan and think about my future early. And I was thinking of doing modelling when I grew up but being a model means there is a height requirements and body requirements, and my skin isn’t even fair and I’m short I’m about 150cm (average Filipino women height: 150cm). But… Is there any ways I could still pursue my dream to model?
Perhaps! There are always niches you could explore, such as hand modeling, makeup modeling, hair modeling. Not necessarily as lucrative if you niche yourself down, but if that’s truly what your market is because of your height restrictions then go for it! You are also only 14 so you’re likely still growing, so I wouldn’t give up just yet 😉
Thanks for the helpful article! I’m a 3/4ths Caucasian and 1/4th Native American teenage girl (my eyes look Asian but I have long wavy brown hair so I’m obviously not). I’m only 157 cm tall, but I have the required Bust, Waist, and Hip measurements. I’m also very slender (which makes people believe I’m a few inches taller than I actually am) and have a natural “cute” or “kawaii” look. I have already contacted several Japanese agencies and I am now awaiting feedback. However, how do you think I would be received in Japan by Japanese modeling agencies and agents? If I have the other required aspects, is height really the deciding and final factor? Thank you for your time.
Height is a deciding factor for clothing modeling, the Japanese market wants models who are taller than their average population and who photograph slender and well-proportioned. At your height, TV personality, hairdo, or makeup modeling may be more suited. Hand or jewelry modeling may also work well. But trust the feedback of the agencies much more than me – they’re immersed in the day-to-day, and they know the current market! The Japanese market shifts just as quickly as the US one does, so they would be your go-to for a good handle on where you would fit.
Hi! I’m a boy/man (20 years old) and i’m thinking of moving to japan and make a living of print and commercial modeling (and maybe a side job in a café or something). I’m 176 cm and have a italian/spaniard-ish look with brown eyes, curly/wavy brown hair and a pretty face if i may say so myself.. and ow yeah, im a little ripped. Do I have a change of getting a steady income? Thnx!
I’m sorry, I really have no idea of the male model market over in Japan now! Remember – if you move to Japan to be a print/commercial model you MUST have a visa that allows you to work there, otherwise you will be there and working illegally. Good luck!
what is the recommended age group that they want models to be in Japan? you said they take people who look exotic , but i’m British is this the same thing or do you literally mean they have an exotic look about them? As I am , I would stand out in Japan like a sore thumb but i’m also 5,6 and wondered if they accept that in today’s market. I can also speak some Japanese but badly. So I really need to go there to get better at pronunciation. Many thanks.
If you are living in Japan and have a guardian’s consent you can be anywhere from a baby to the age of 18. If you are on your own there you must be over 18 to give consent and enter into legal contracts.
When I write “exotic” I mean NOT Japanese. There are hundreds of millions of people in Japan who look Japanese so if you don’t have some differentiation to you, you will likely not have a viable market over there. You can get around not being able to speak Japanese if you are in Tokyo but you do need to pick up some words and phrases to go to casting calls and go-sees, which it is expected you will be able to do on your own.
I’m 5’6″ too and found a variety of work at that height; it’s the minimum required for clothing modeling over there. Hope that helps!
Hello!
Thank you for your post! I’m latin, but I’m blood mixed (I’m qhite skin with brown eyes and hair) I’m 162 cm tall (5’3 8/10″) and weight 102 pounds. I have some possibilities to be a model in Japan?
You’re welcome!
Please read through the comments and my responses and you’ll probably get a good idea. Your height is far too short for clothing/runway modeling but there are other types of modeling available in Japan. Please look into them if you are truly interested!
Comment
Thanks for your answer! What other types of modeling are available in japan?
Thanks again!
Sure thing! As any modern modeling market, there are a variety of niches available, though as a foreigner it might be difficult to break into them unless there is a specific company looking for your specific look. Hand modeling, makeup modeling, hair modeling, lifestyle modeling, catalog modeling, TV and commercial work, pinup girl, spokesmodel at events…there are a lot! An agent there would be able to give you an idea of what niches are looking for someone with your look, as well as your chances for breaking into the market there. Hope that helps!
Hello! I am Japanese but I’ve lived in Singapore for most of my life! I’ve always wanted to be a model, but the Singapore market is just too small and dominated by Singaporean caucasians. I don’t speak a word of Japanese since I was raised here. Will the Japanese modelling market find an albino exotic? My features are mostly averagely japanese, but I do have a sharp square jaw and my skin is extremely extremely pale. My hair is also white, and I’m not very sure if that’s a plus since most Japanese models tend to have brown or black hair. What are the chances of me finding success if I return to Japan?
Yes, you sound very unique and interesting! However not speaking a word of Japanese may make things a bit difficult for you if you look Japanese. The presumption will be that you can speak it. I’d recommend visiting Japan briefly and going to some modeling agencies that deal with foreign models to get an idea of your viability in the market there. You never know!
Hi I’m 17 and currently finishing my last year of high school, my ancestry is a mix of German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Tunisian. My height is 5’6 and I weigh around 100 lbs. I’m thinking about studying in Japan and also about modelling there. I’ve wanted to model since I was a kid. So my skin is rather light, almost pale-ish and I have dyed blonde hair (it’s naturally a medium brown) and greenbluegreyish eyes with long lashes and a small nose and heart shaped mouth. I look pretty white/caucasian and people have already told me that I should model. I’m interested in print modelling.
Sure, you could certainly try it! If you’re truly planning on studying there, then while you’re there visit some local agencies to register and get a sense of what the market is looking for now. You just have to be available for casting calls and go-sees on a moment’s notice so a school schedule can interfere with that. Remember you have to have a visa that allows you to work while there; a typical student visa is not adequate for that. You could always model in Japan and not get paid, but the moment you collect a paycheck you would violate the terms of your visa. Just to let you know!
Hi, I am half Japanese and about 5’4″ in height. You mentioned there potentially being a market for half Japanese models and, since I am not completely foreign, do you think I might have a chance at my height?
There is a market for half Japanese models (as long as you *look* half Japanese. If you look too Japanese then you may not look different enough to be viable in the market). Your height however would be an issue unless you looked particularly exotic. There is also a market for hair and makeup models, many of whom are part Japanese, and for those models that appear in hair or makeup catalogs or at the backs of regular women’s magazines, height may not be an issue at all. It’s only if you want to be a clothing model that height would make a difference because of how it shows up on camera and your relative body proportions. It can’t hurt to look into the hairstyle or makeup modeling niche and go from there!
Hi Carly! My name is Caitlyn (currently 15), and next summer my family and I are going to Japan and are staying in the larger cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.). I am about 175 cm in height and I’m also half Japanese and half Russian, though I look more European in my looks compared to other half people. Since I’m tall, my weight is more evenly proportioned, and I weigh about 145 lbs. My complexion is light olive and usually clear, and I have double eyelids, which I heard is a big deal there. While I’m in Japan, I want to get scouted, but I’m concerned about a couple of things, such as I can’t fluently speak Japanese, and I also don’t have a modeling portfolio. Will these impact my chances of being scouted?
Hi Caitlyn, so if you’ve read through my responses to other people’s comments you’ll probably notice a couple things:
1. You need a visa to work in Japan in exchange for money. A tourist visa is not adequate. I assume from what you wrote in your comment that you have a Japanese passport since you are half-Japanese? If so, check with current laws, but my understanding is that you will be able to work there as long as you have Japanese citizenship and a Japanese passport as proof of this.
2. As a minor, you should have a parent accompany you to castings and shoots. They must be able to sign for you entering into any agreement or contract.
3. It doesn’t matter if you can’t speak Japanese, but you do have to have some familiarity with the maps and trains and getting around there so you can go to castings and such. The casting company/agency will not help you and you are expected to be self-sufficient.
4. I haven’t seen you in person, and likely you carry it well, but I’m sorry 145 lbs is likely too heavy for the Japanese market. You have to be able to fit into Japanese clothes. Now I could be totally wrong and you could just be super-fit and toned, but in general they’ll expect you to have the sizes that I referenced in my above post. And they will tell you directly “You are too fat! Go on a diet!” if you do not fit into Japanese sizes (with room to spare).
5. Don’t wait around to get scouted. That’s like waiting around to win the lottery without buying a lottery ticket. While you are there in Japan, visit a few modeling agencies. There they will take snapshots of you, and if you photograph well that will be enough for them to market you to their clients for jobs. But if you get “scouted” while walking around in a big city? It’ll likely be for a job as a prostitute or call girl, so don’t trust anyone “scouting” you. Go to legit agencies with a parent, ask questions about what your viability will be in the market, what should you expect? What is their communication like? Are you legally able to work with them? Etc.
6. And, most important of all, DON’T spend A CENT!! on getting a modeling portfolio shot before you get there. You know you want to work in the Japanese market. Don’t shoot it before getting to Japan and taking the advice of photographers outside of the country! Ask the modeling agencies whether they feel you need a portfolio. If so, what photos are they looking for? The ones that do they may have a service where they shoot it for you. Don’t say yes, get the opinions of other agents first. I put together a portfolio before I went and it was useless…I lost so much weight and my appearance changed so much, plus the portfolio didn’t show prospective clients what they wanted to see…that I had to get the whole thing redone after 6 months. Once you do know what photos will help your career there, then get them done, and get them done well.
7. Finally, it’s unlikely an agency will sign you up if you are only there temporarily. It’s just a hunch based on what you wrote in your comment, but if you’re just there visiting and moving around from different cities I wouldn’t count on getting any work during that time. There are millions of people who visit Japan every year. Agencies only want to put dependable models in front of their clients, not ones that could be gone a week later or in Osaka when the next job is in Tokyo. It can also take awhile to get the ball rolling with modeling in Japan, so you may not get traction right away. They may say, “OK, you have a nice look, but come back and register with us once you actually live in the country and have an address where we can reach you.” I did get that when I went there to just see some agencies one time. That’s just to keep your expectations realistic and not set you up for disappointment once there!
Good luck!