| Kimberly is a model based in
Okinawa,
Japan. She has recently joined
our team and we are all very excited to have her model for us. From
her rather busy schedule, she was kind enough to spend some time with us
and answer a few questions and share her
modeling secrets. MYNIPPON:
So why don’t we start off by asking you to tell
us how you ended up modeling in Japan?
Kimberly:
I love to travel and meet people from different cultures. I originally came to the island "DOD employed" and
decided to stay for a little while longer.
It can get a little hot here, but I enjoy the beaches.
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MYNIPPON:
Obviously you must have heard a dozen stories about Japan and the
challenges that foreigners face when they show up in Japan - totally
clueless about the culture and social norms and practically no knowledge
of the language. How did you
prepare yourself prior to leaving for Japan?
Kimberly: I tried to learn as much of
the language as possible from books and read up on the culture. Both differences and similarities are very interesting.
The Japanese people here have worked hard to learn English and they
do a great job. So, it has
made adjusting a lot easier for me. (Related:
Maria Gara)
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 MYNIPPON:
We all know that being in Japan can be a challenge in the
beginning. So how did you
cope with the initial obstacles? Do
you have any advice for other people like you?
Kimberly:
It can be a challenge getting used to the rules of the road,
especially. My advice to that
would be to practice patience and "Look out for the motorcycles."
Also, American women are used to aggressive men in the States and
you will get that from American men here on the island too.
I personally would like to be entertained by a Japanese
man and they are more than likely not going to approach me,
unfortunately. My advice to
foreign women would be to "get aggressive and let them know that you
may be interested in getting to know them better". (Related
article: How to
find a Japanese boyfriend)
MYNIPPON:
You appear to have a very interesting background and we understand
that you are currently working on a few exciting assignments.
Could you please share with our members more details about your
background and the assignment that you have in Japan?
Kimberly:
Well, I am working with a photographer right now on both our
portfolios. I applied for a
modeling job with an American civilian and sent him some pictures.
With the Japanese clothing being so small, I am limited in my
options here. My specialty is modeling for
lingerie.
(Related article: Japanese
lingerie)
MYNIPPON:
What is life like for a foreign model in Japan?
We are constantly being asked by girls from Eastern Europe and
Russia how they can make a living in Japan as a model.
What would you advise them?
Kimberly:
As I mentioned, it has been a little harder for me in Japan to
model. I would advise them
not to get discouraged. The
Japanese women seem to naturally be smaller.
Do not give up. It
really just depends on what they are looking for at the time.
Take pride in yourself, and your womanly bodies.
I am 5'5, 125lbs, 38D, Size 6 in American clothing and I was called
"full size" by an agency. It
really offended me at the time, but I quickly got over it. Foreign women just have sultry shapes (not that Japanese
women do not). Do not base
your career on one person’s discouraging comment or opinion.
MYNIPPON:
As is very clear to all of us, you are extremely beautiful and have
a body to be proud of. We are sure our female readers would like to hear from you
the secrets of how you are able to maintain yourself?
Kimberly:
I love to workout and
run. I
also eat smaller portions at
meals. Believe
me, it takes work and motivation. I
love Xenadrine. It gives me
lots of energy and takes away my appetite.
MYNIPPON:
Do you have any other tips for our female members about fashion and
style?
Kimberly:
I purchase a lot of my clothes online from the United States.
My favorites are The Gap, 3
Wishes Lingerie, and many others.
MYNIPPON:
A lot of women want to know what can they learn from Japanese women
so that they can dress in more style.
What do you suggest to them?
Kimberly:
"In Style" magazine has good tips.
You can also get some suggestions from watching TV programs such as
"Friends." Recommended links:
How
to be an idol? Photo
shoot Slim
Japanese women Tips
on modeling Happy
models Looking
slim like Japanese women Being
a better model
How to pose
when modeling for photos?
Jennifer Sciole |
