Alexis Kestler
The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and Japan continues to be a hub for producing top models that are influencing trends globally. From editorials in leading fashion magazines to walking the ramp for luxury brands, Japanese models are leaving their mark across platforms.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top 20 Japanese models that you should follow in 2023. These talented men and women are taking the fashion industry by storm and their star power is only rising. Let‘s get to know them better!
1. Kiko Mizuhara
With over 8 million Instagram followers, Kiko Mizuhara (@i_am_kiko) tops our list. The American-born model grew up in Japan and entered modeling at a young age by auditioning for Seventeen magazine.
Since then, Kiko has established herself as an influential figure in fashion and expanded her portfolio to include acting, singing, and designing. Besides being one of the most prominent Japanese female models today, she has also appeared in several Japanese dramas and designed dresses for global celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce.
2. Suzu Hirose
The cute and youthful Suzu Hirose (@suzu.hirose.official) boasts 3 million Instagram followers. Alongside her sister Alice, Suzu began modeling with Japanese fashion magazine Seventeen.
While pursuing modeling, this young talent also demonstrated her acting chops by starring in several popular movies and TV shows like A Morning of Farewell, Not Quite Dead Yet, and Bitter Blood. Suzu‘s sweet personality and gorgeous looks make her a fan favorite.
3. Nana Komatsu
Actress and model Nana Komatsu (@konichan7) has leading roles in hit shows like The World of Kanako, Destruction Babies, and Drowning Love under her belt. With 3 million Instagram followers, Nana‘s fame will likely continue rising in 2023.
Fun fact – Nana started learning dance when she was in 3rd grade, so she has talent both in front of and behind the camera!
4. Yu Yamada
At 38 years old with 1 million Instagram followers, model and actress Yu Yamada (@yuyamada) proves that you can have a thriving career in fashion while also being a mother of four!
Yu has acted in many popular Japanese dramas over the years, like Zenibana 2, Nodame Cantabile, Gokusen 3, and Binbō Danshi. Her perseverance and work ethic is inspirational for women in the industry.
5. Ai Tominaga
Ai Tominaga (@Ai_tominaga_official) paved the way for Asian models globally by being one of the first to walk European runways. With almost 1 million Instagram followers, Ai‘s influence in fashion still runs strong today.
Over her decades-long career, this veteran Japanese model has represented luxury brands like Christian Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, and many more. Ai shows no signs of slowing down!
6. Sora Choi
The unique Sora Choi (@sola5532) has over 880,000 Instagram followers enamored by her one-of-a-kind gothic fashion. Sora made history as the first Asian model to win Korea‘s Next Top Model.
Since then, the half-Japanese, half-Korean model has fronted campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Prada, Versace, Marc Jacobs, and more top designers. We can‘t wait to see what edgy look Sora tries next!
7. Yuri Ebihara
Former arts student turned model Yuri Ebihara (@yuri_ebihara) attracts over 860,000 Instagram followers with her glamorous lifestyle and photos. After getting her big break with the fashion brand CanCam, Yuri also starred in Japanese TV shows like Tokumei Kakarichō Tadano Hitoshi.
Even in her 40s, Yuri still stuns and remains an influential figure in the country‘s fashion scene. Any brands would be lucky to have her on board in 2023!
8. Yuka Mannami
Instead of going the traditional route, Yuka Mannami (@Yuka) got her big break on Instagram when luxury brand Fendi discovered her at 23 years old. With over 860,000 followers now, the former ballerina and nurse has modeled for Vogue Italia and Teen Vogue.
Yuka serves as an inspiration that you can enter and thrive in fashion at any age. We can‘t wait to see the sublime images she creates next!
9. Tsubasa Masuwaka
Actress and former idol group member Tsubasa Masuwaka (@tsubasamasuwaka1013) attracts over 650,000 loyal Instagram followers. While she started as a model for Popteen magazine and musician, Tsubasa now stars in the popular TV show Fly Me to the Saitama.
Her bubbly personality and cute smile make her an entertaining follow for any fashion lover or pop culture fan!
10. Tao Okamoto
As a model of 14 years and counting, Tao Okamoto (@Taookamoto) has become a familiar face on runways and campaigns around the world. After getting chosen as the global face of Ralph Lauren in 2009, Tao moved to NYC and her fame skyrocketed.
With over 150,000 Instagram followers, this hard-working Virgo represents top brands like Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. Tao‘s commanding runway walks will surely be seen at Fashion Week and beyond this year!
11. Kiko Arai
Former Miss Universe Japan, Kiko Arai (@Kikoarai) has graced the covers of Vogue Japan multiple times since getting her crown. She regularly gets booked for runway shows and campaigns thanks to her modelesque 5‘9" frame.
Even with over 150,000 Instagram followers, Kiko shows no attitude and continues to impress with her positivity. We think 2023 may just be her best year yet!
12. Rila Fukushima
While acting takes priority, model and actress Rila Fukushima (@Rila_fukushima) still gains over 110,000 Instagram followers through her fashionable posts. She has brought comic books to life by portraying major characters in Wolverine, Arrow, Ghost in the Shell and more.
Rila always looks fierce whether she‘s acting or posing for the camera. We love her adventurous roles and look forward to seeing what character she tackles next!
13. Yumi Lambert
The half-Japanese, half-Belgian stunner, Yumi Lambert (@Yumilambert) turned heads as a model from just 15 years old. Now with over 86,000 Instagram followers, Yumi continues to impress with her European and Japanese style mashup.
She has already walked for luxury designers like Prada, Chanel, and Miu Miu. We predict big things coming from Yumi this year!
14. Rina Fukushi
19-year-old model, singer and former idol group member, Rina Fukushi (@Rinao127) attracts over 73,000 Instagram followers through her bubbly personality and cute selfies. She represents brands like Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and more.
As her career remains on the rise, Rina also sets a positive example to her fans through charitable initiatives – showing that models have big hearts too!
15. Chiharu Okunugi
Discovered at just 13 years old, model Chiharu Okunugi (@Chiharoukungi) has graced catwalks for fashion giants like Akris, Hermes, and Kenzo. Now 21 years old, she continues gaining Instagram followers through pictorials and fashion posts.
Hailing from a small Japanese village originally, Chiharu‘s story serves as inspiration that you can make it big in fashion no matter where you‘re from. We‘re certain her 50,000+ followers will double soon!
16. Miki Ehara
Stunning images, designer looks, and magazine covers are just some things you can expect from model Miki Ehara‘s (@Miki_ehara) Instagram feed. With nearly 40,000 followers, her steady popularity comes as no surprise.
Becoming an exclusive model for Louis Vuitton within three months shows just how in-demand Miki is! We‘re certain 2023 will grant her covers onNumero Tokyo and Vogue Japan.
17. Erika Sawajiri
Former teen model turned actress, singer, and designer – Erika Sawajiri (@erika_sawajiri_zone) boasts immense talent. She gained over 20,000 Instagram followers thanks to her decorate career spanning different creative fields.
Some of Erika’s noteworthy acting gigs include hit shows like 1 Litre of Tears, Break Through!, Pacific Blue, and Shinobi: Heart Under Blade. Even with her recent controversial drug offense, we hope to see Erika‘s creativity back on screens soon!
18. Kohei Takabatake
Male model Kohei Takabatake‘s (@Kohei_326) sharp bone structure and 6’1 height make him a hot commodity on runways. After getting scouted by a Parisian agency in 2017, the now 25-year old books gigs for Versace, Fendi, Balmain, Dior, and more top designers regularly.
With over 17,000 Instagram followers, Kohei shows guys everywhere that modeling isn‘t strictly a female profession. His rising fame reveals that the industry wants more Asian male models!
19. Manami Kinoshita
One of Japan’s top models on the rise is Manami Kinoshita (@Kinishitamanami), with over 12,000 Instagram fans at only 23 years old. Whether she’s rocking the latest trends or dishing out makeup inspiration, Manami has an aesthetic that resonates with the digital generation.
Also skilled in dance and acting, we foresee Manami gaining even more followers as her star power grows across creative fields in 2023. Big things ahead!
20. Safil Kawamura
At just 21 years old, male model Safil Kawamura has already walked the runway for heavy hitter designers like J.W. Anderson, Craig Green, and Ann Demeulemeester. Hailing from Japan’s northern coast originally, Safil packed his bags for Europe after getting scouted by a model agent.
With his career still budding, Safil shows no signs of slowing down. His rugged looks make him one to watch in 2023 for magazine editorials and fashion campaigns.
As this list indicates, Japan harbors exceptional modeling talent that often reaches global fame. Whether you’re looking to book talent for your own brand’s campaign or simply want to leverage their social influence, here’s how to connect:
The best method is working with professional modeling or talent agencies that represent these models in Japan. Contact the agency with your campaign brief or collaboration proposal.
Some models here like Kiko Mizuhara may be too exclusive or expensive for smaller brands. However, up and coming talents like Safil Kawamura or Manami Kinoshita may fit your budget range for endorsements.
When reaching out, be clear on campaign specifics like:
- Ideal model criteria or names from this list
- Budget
- Deliverables like posts, content creation, events etc.
- Launch timing & schedules
Pitch your brand and why partnering together is mutually beneficial. Highlight content that resonates with the model‘s audience and values.
Note that there may be language barriers when working with talent agencies, so prepare briefs and contracts in both English and Japanese. Google Translate can help finalize specifics too.
For direct influencer marketing campaigns rather than high fashion endorsements, platforms like Ainfluencer make searching and connecting with relevant Japanese influencers smooth and streamlined.
Japan has cultivated scores of talented, buzzworthy models that are taking the fashion realm by storm. This blog introduced the top Japanese models you should follow to stay on top of the latest style inspiration and industry trends in 2023.
From their magazine editorials and runway credentials down to their infectious social media presence, these top 20 Japanese models boast the whole package.
As their fame and followers rise, these young talents also provide a gateway for international brands to attract wider Asian audiences. Leverage their creativity and influence power to make your next campaign gain maximum impact!
