Modeling in Japan?

[KyotoTEA]

Would a modeling Japanese agency ever sign a foreigner?
With a renewable visa? Or a permanent residency?
Would chances increase with a good resume (ex. recent signings with Candian agencies)?
Or would it just never possibly happen?

[Nagoyankee]

You seem pretty mis-informed about the business. Modeling agencies here MOSTLY sign foreigners.

[KyotoTEA]

Are you serious??
Gosh. No, you're right. I know absolutely nothing about modeling in Japan or anywhere overseas.
Thank you. That's positive reinforcement, at least.

[Nagoyankee]

Just a few actual agencies... Google it and you'll find tens more.

STAGE Tokyo Model Agency /株式会社ステージ東京モデルエージェンシー

New Face

axelle Inc. Model management

Model Agency Angel17.inc

Model Agency Friday,

[pixisticks]

I'm actually a little curious about this, myself--the topic just piques my curiosity--but are the agencies over there the same as here? Like, do you need all formally taken pictures and an extravagant portfolio, or...? Just interested. :3

[Ronin4hire]

Originally Posted by Nagoyankee

You seem pretty mis-informed about the business. Modeling agencies here MOSTLY sign foreigners.

Wow... really?

Non-Asian foreigners or foreigners in general?

[kirakira]

Originally Posted by Ronin4hire

Wow... really?

Non-Asian foreigners or foreigners in general?

I'd think in general.

Also it depends on what sort of modeling.

I saw on クイズ雑学王 the other day that only caucasian models were used in women's underwear ads in catalogues in Japan so that Japanese customers can focus on the underwear (knowning that caucasians have a different body type) instead of comparing their body shapes to the ad models had they chosen Japanese model instead.

[Nagoyankee]

Originally Posted by Ronin4hire

Non-Asian foreigners or foreigners in general?

Non-Asian, mostly. Peolple are attracted to those who look different. I think it kinda similar to the rather high demand for Asian female models in North America. If you can grab hold of a few Japanese fashion magazines where you live, I'm sure you'll see what I was talking about.

[Ronin4hire]

Originally Posted by kirakira

I'd think in general.

Also it depends on what sort of modeling.

I saw on クイズ雑学王 the other day that only caucasian models were used in women's underwear ads in catalogues in Japan so that Japanese customers can focus on the underwear (knowning that caucasians have a different body type) instead of comparing their body shapes to the ad models had they chosen Japanese model instead.

Really? Did they give that reason?

Because that really doesn't make marketing sense. At least not in the West.

[Ronin4hire]

Originally Posted by Nagoyankee

Non-Asian, mostly. Peolple are attracted to those who look different. I think it kinda similar to the rather high demand for Asian female models in North America. If you can grab hold of a few Japanese fashion magazines where you live, I'm sure you'll see what I was talking about.

I think the demand for Asian models in the Western world can be put down to racial diversity and exploiting potential amongst the various demographics. I mean there is also a high demand for African and South American models too.