Saya\u3000<\/strong>Thank you, I definitely see those qualities as my strengths.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>You also model internationally. Do you feel that some global media portrays Japanese women all in one way, with slit eyes and straight cut bangs? <\/p>\n Saya\u3000<\/strong>Yes, I often notice a certain Asian stereotype perpetuated at fashion shows. During one fashion week season in Europe, stylists asked to give me bangs at every show I walked. I always wonder if that\u2019s the world\u2019s only perception of Japanese women.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>It is so stereotypical. Although the world is becoming much more globalized, there are still many misconceptions about other cultures. A lot of people don\u2019t know much about Japan, it\u2019s still considered to be quite foreign to the outside world. It\u2019s models like you that challenge those old-fashioned ideals!<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000You\u2019re right. By putting myself out there, I have the power to change perspectives. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000In this day and age, I feel as though more regular and real looking models are being featured in international advertisements. I don\u2019t see why Japan can\u2019t have the same standards. <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I agree. I really hope to broaden the world\u2019s understanding of Japanese beauty. <\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Have you enjoyed modeling?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I\u2019ve been doing it for 2 years now. When I first started, I was constantly comparing myself to others, thinking that if I looked more like someone else, then I could book specific jobs. But I also feared that I would lose my authenticity. My entire career changed when I cut my hair. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000You already had this haircut when I first met you.<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000At that point, I was just beginning to embrace myself. Now, I feel inside is much more connected with how I look outside. I feel so much more confident. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000In the beginning of my career, I would arrive at shoots with preconceived ideas for the model\u2019s make-up. When it didn\u2019t turn out as I imagined, I got very insecure and frustrated. I falsely believed that I wasn\u2019t giving the same level of work as the model whose working with me. But my work really blossomed once I started letting my ideas unfold in the moment, and allowed for things like the model, location, and lighting to influence me. So, I completely understand how preconceived ideas and insecurities can throw you off track. <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Before I started modeling, I was a preschool teacher, so it was very hard when I first entered the industry to see myself as comparable to other models. I soon realized that my overthinking was preventing me from reaching new goals, and so I need to accept myself and move forward. Luckily, I do this with total confidence now.<\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000It\u2019s hard not to compare yourself to others, but also so important. I feel similarly with my work as well. What about yourself did you have trouble accepting?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Well, I wanted clearer skin, silkier hair, a better body, everything. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000You are beautiful just the way you are! <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I\u2019ve been told that a lot lately. But it\u2019s still hard for me to understand what makes me that way. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Don\u2019t worry too much if you can\u2019t see or understand it. Others can see it within you and know how to bring out the best in you. Just being you the way that you are is enough. <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Oh, I\u2019m really glad to hear this. I used to focus so much on how to make the clothes I was wearing look good, but I\u2019ve grown to realize that simply being myself is the best thing that I can do for a project. Opening myself up to the world makes space for more creativity and possibilities! <\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Have you had any memorable shoots lately? <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000There was one where the makeup artist was really interested in my personality and pairing the makeup to match it. It made me feel a part of the team\u2019s creative processes, which was special. <\/p>\n I love the feeling of spontaneous collaboration. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Do you wish to continue modeling, or do you also have some other life goals? <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I enjoy modeling because it allows me to express myself. On the side, I\u2019m developing an online parent\u2019s advice and communication forum. I want to raise awareness on child abuse and preventative measures we can take to stop it. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Wow, those are two totally different endeavors, but would make such an amazing combination! <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Thank you! I also want to do some more traveling overseas. I love discovering new places and things about myself. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000I get that. I feel like I ventured overseas not because I disliked Japan, but because I wanted to see what the world has to offer. <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000My most recent trip was to China for a three-month shoot. <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000How was that?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I discovered how crucial it is to express myself. Without self-expression, people won\u2019t take you seriously, they\u2019ll even ignore you. I wish Japanese people would speak up more.<\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000I think Japanese people have difficulty expressing themselves. Japan is such a homogenous country; we mistakenly believe that we all share the same values. Going overseas allows you to experience a little more diversity.<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Even though my English is limited, people are always so patient, and genuinely want to hear what I have to say. I want to continue exploring the world beyond Japan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Do you wear makeup every day?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Normally just foundation, mascara, and lipstick. A little makeup gives me confidence. <\/p>\n My favorite foundation is RMK\u2019s Liquid formula<\/a>. A lot of makeup artists use it, and it works well with my skin. For lipstick, I gravitate to Chanel<\/a>. I don\u2019t like anything too heavy. I also love this nail oil<\/a>\u2014the fragrance is wonderful. Someone gave it to me during a shoot, and I\u2019ve been hooked ever since. <\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000That\u2019s fantastic. Fingers can become quite dry, so adding oil and a nice scent to them sounds great.<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000As for fragrance<\/a>, my mother gave this to me as a present, and I\u2019ve been using it ever since. I like it because it\u2019s not too strong<\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Is this massage oil?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000Yes, it\u2019s massage oil <\/a>for a Refa massager<\/a>. I take it everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000Does it work?<\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000You\u2019re not supposed to use it every day, but it works. It\u2019s great for your lymph nodes.<\/p>\n Yasuo<\/strong>\u3000I\u2019ve seen so many people using it, even in various sizes. <\/p>\n Saya<\/strong>\u3000I know. I bring it to shoots and massage my face before getting made up. I also love using it in the bath. It\u2019s one of the many things that I do to refresh myself. I also enjoy reading in quiet caf\u00e9s, doing Pilates, and practicing calligraphy. Alone time is absolutely crucial to me and allows me to focus inward on the things that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n Photos \/ Interview :\u00a0 Yasuo Yoshikawa<\/p>\n Text :\u00a0 Mikako Koyama<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Changing Perceptions For The Better Yasuo\u3000We met at a casting where I was looking for a model with more subtle features. Your personality is quite quiet, but your face does all the talking\u2014it has this delicateness and subtlety that I think perfectly aligns with Japanese modernity. Saya\u3000Thank you, I definitely see those qualities as my strengths. Yasuo\u3000You also model internationally. Do you feel that some global media portrays Japanese women all in one way, with slit eyes and straight cut bangs? Saya\u3000Yes, I often notice a certain Asian stereotype perpetuated at fashion shows. During one fashion week season in Europe, stylists asked to give me bangs at every show I walked. I always wonder if that\u2019s the world\u2019s only perception of Japanese women. Yasuo\u3000It is so stereotypical. Although the world is becoming much more globalized, there are still many misconceptions about other cultures. A lot of people don\u2019t know much about Japan, it\u2019s still considered to be quite foreign to the outside world. It\u2019s models like you that challenge those old-fashioned ideals! Saya\u3000You\u2019re right. By putting myself out there, I have the power to change perspectives. Yasuo\u3000In this day and age, I feel as though more regular and real looking models are being featured in international advertisements. I don\u2019t see why Japan can\u2019t have the same standards. Saya\u3000I agree. I really hope to broaden the world\u2019s understanding of Japanese beauty. To Thine Own Self Be True Yasuo\u3000Have you enjoyed modeling? Saya\u3000I\u2019ve been doing it for 2 years now. When I first started, I was constantly comparing myself to others, thinking that if I looked more like someone else, then I could book specific jobs. But I also feared that I would lose my authenticity. My entire career changed when I cut my hair. Yasuo\u3000You already had this haircut when I first met you. Saya\u3000At that point, I was just beginning to embrace myself. Now, I feel inside is much more connected with how I look outside. I feel so much more confident. Yasuo\u3000In the beginning of my career, I would arrive at shoots with preconceived ideas for the model\u2019s make-up. When it didn\u2019t turn out as I imagined, I got very insecure and frustrated. I falsely believed that I wasn\u2019t giving the same level of work as the model whose working with me. But my work really blossomed once I started letting my ideas unfold in the moment, and allowed for things like the model, location, and lighting to influence me. So, I completely understand how preconceived ideas and insecurities can throw you off track. Saya\u3000Before I started modeling, I was a preschool teacher, so it was very hard when I first entered the industry to see myself as comparable to other models. I soon realized that my overthinking was preventing me from reaching new goals, and so I need to accept myself and move forward. Luckily, I do this with total confidence now. Yasuo\u3000It\u2019s hard not to compare yourself to others, but also so important. I feel similarly with my work as well. What about yourself did you have trouble accepting? Saya\u3000Well, I wanted clearer skin, silkier hair, a better body, everything. Yasuo\u3000You are beautiful just the way you are! Saya\u3000I\u2019ve been told that a lot lately. But it\u2019s still hard for me to understand what makes me that way. Yasuo\u3000Don\u2019t worry too much if you can\u2019t see or understand it. Others can see it within you and know how to bring out the best in you. Just being you the way that you are is enough. Saya\u3000Oh, I\u2019m really glad to hear this. I used to focus so much on how to make the clothes I was wearing look good, but I\u2019ve grown to realize that simply being myself is the best thing that I can do for a project. Opening myself up to the world makes space for more creativity and possibilities! Express Yourself! Yasuo\u3000Have you had any memorable shoots lately? Saya\u3000There was one where the makeup artist was really interested in my personality and pairing the makeup to match it. It made me feel a part of the team\u2019s creative processes, which was special. I love the feeling of spontaneous collaboration. Yasuo\u3000Do you wish to continue modeling, or do you also have some other life goals? Saya\u3000I enjoy modeling because it allows me to express myself. On the side, I\u2019m developing an online parent\u2019s advice and communication forum. I want to raise awareness on child abuse and preventative measures we can take to stop it. Yasuo\u3000Wow, those are two totally different endeavors, but would make such an amazing combination! Saya\u3000Thank you! I also want to do some more traveling overseas. I love discovering new places and things about myself. Yasuo\u3000I get that. I feel like I ventured overseas not because I disliked Japan, but because I wanted to see what the world has to offer. Saya\u3000My most recent trip was to China for a three-month shoot. Yasuo\u3000How was that? Saya\u3000I discovered how crucial it is to express myself. Without self-expression, people won\u2019t take you seriously, they\u2019ll even ignore you. I wish Japanese people would speak up more. Yasuo\u3000I think Japanese people have difficulty expressing themselves. Japan is such a homogenous country; we mistakenly believe that we all share the same values. Going overseas allows you to experience a little more diversity. Saya\u3000Even though my English is limited, people are always so patient, and genuinely want to hear what I have to say. I want to continue exploring the world beyond Japan. Makeup Gives Me Confidence Yasuo\u3000Do you wear makeup every day? Saya\u3000Normally just foundation, mascara, and lipstick. A little makeup gives me confidence. My favorite foundation is RMK\u2019s Liquid formula. A lot of makeup artists use it, and it works well with my skin. For lipstick, I gravitate to Chanel. I don\u2019t like anything too heavy. I also love this nail oil\u2014the fragrance is wonderful. Someone gave it to me during a shoot, and I\u2019ve been hooked ever since. Yasuo\u3000That\u2019s fantastic. Fingers can become quite dry, so adding oil and a nice scent to them sounds great. Saya\u3000As for fragrance, my mother gave this to me as a present, and I\u2019ve been using it ever since. I like it because it\u2019s not too strong Yasuo\u3000Is this massage oil? Saya\u3000Yes, it\u2019s massage oil for a Refa massager. I take it everywhere. Yasuo\u3000Does it work? Saya\u3000You\u2019re not supposed to use it every day, but it works. It\u2019s great for your lymph nodes. Yasuo\u3000I\u2019ve seen so many people using it, even in various sizes. Saya\u3000I know. I bring it to shoots and massage my face before getting made up. I also love using it in the bath. It\u2019s one of the many things that I do to refresh myself. I also enjoy reading in quiet caf\u00e9s, doing Pilates, and practicing calligraphy. Alone time is absolutely crucial to me and allows me to focus inward on the things that matter. Photos \/ Interview :\u00a0 Yasuo Yoshikawa Text :\u00a0 Mikako Koyama<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1585,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"1557"},"categories":[5,8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1817"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1869,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817\/revisions\/1869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_02.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTo Thine Own Self Be True<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_03.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nExpress Yourself!<\/h3>\n
Makeup Gives Me Confidence<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_04.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_05.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_06.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_07.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Honno_Image_08.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n