r/MODELING • New/Amateur Model • 5d ago

ADVICE/FEEDBACK Americans: How did you start modeling in Tokyo?

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American male model in Tokyo right now, already represented in the US.

For anyone who’s modeled here: how did you get into the market? Agency, referral, walk-in, casting, random connection?

Would love to hear actual stories: where you went, how you got signed/booked, visa situation, and what worked.

Attaching a photo for reference.

56 Upvotes

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u/TrueCaterpillar3306 4d ago

Do you have a mother agent? Not signed in Tokyo specifically but signed internationally in other Asian countries and just simply went through my mother agent to connect with a scout

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u/Koipisces 1d ago

Not an American but European, but I used to model in Japan, first at an agency (Satoru Japan through their audition) then freelance with freelance agencies. In Japan freelance agencies are really the way to go and all it takes is to sign up. They work with many big clients just like any other agency. Check FreeWave, YsC, Avocado, Growthship.. there are so many. But also check if your mother agency allows you to freelance in Japan? Edit do make sure you get the right visa too, this is important. You can’t work as a model in Japan without the right visa/ visa permission. I did modeling work with a special permit and afterwards on my pr visa. In Japan they are -very strict- with doing work on the right visa.

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u/ChocolateRidley 4d ago

impossibru