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Born to a Japanese mother and a French-Canadian father, Maria Ozawa was raised in Japan and began her career in adult films at age 19. Also known as Miyabi, she has worked on Japanese TV shows and has also worked as a model. She is also known as an AV Idol.
Born to a Korean-Japanese mother and an American father, Kiko Mizuhara plunged into modeling after winning a Seventeen Japan contest. After winning hearts in the Japanese modeling circuit, she became a Chanel ambassador. Her designs, made in collaboration with Opening Ceremony, have been worn by artists such as Beyoncé.
Rei Kawakubo is a Japanese fashion designer and the founder of Dover Street Market and Comme des Garçons. She is known as one of the most influential designers and is widely regarded as a fashion icon all over the world.
Koyuki is a Japanese actress and model best known for her portrayal of Hiromi Ishizaki in the 2005 film Always: Sunset on Third Street, for which she received a nomination for Best Actress at the 29th Japan Academy Film Prize in 2006. Over the course of her career, Koyuki has also won awards, such as the Nikkan Sports Film Award.
Tokyo-born Rila Fukushima initially wished to be a model agent but ended up being one of Japan’s most popular models, walking the ramp for Louis Vuitton and gracing magazines such as Vogue Japan. She later appeared in The Wolverine and the series Arrow and Gunshi Kanbei.
Japanese pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki had started a TV career after moving to Tokyo at 14. She later gained fame with her dance hits and ballads. Also known for her dramatic costumes and videos, The Empress of J-pop has been rendered totally deaf in one ear, owing to a ear infection.
Though Chiaki Kuriyama gained immense fame as a child model, especially for her photos in the bestselling book Shinwa-Shojo, the book was banned for child pornography later. Now an actor-singer, too, she is known for her roles in films such as Battle Royale and Kill Bill: Volume 1.
Issey Miyake was a Japanese fashion designer best remembered for his technology-driven clothing designs, fragrances, and exhibitions. His perfume brand L'eau d'Issey is widely regarded as his best-known product. Over the course of his illustrious career, Issey Miyake was honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Kyoto Prize and the Praemium Imperiale.
Japanese cultural icon and J-pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu soared to fame with singles such as PonPonPon and Candy Candy. She now promotes everything from soft drinks to fashion and make-up. Also dubbed as the Harajuku Girl, she is also known for her love for blonde wigs.
Haruka Ayase is a Japanese actress, singer, and model. After starting out as a gravure idol, Ayase went on to become a much sought-after model, appearing in commercials for brands like KFC, Coca-Cola, and SK-II. She then went on to become a prominent actress, winning several prestigious awards for her work in film as well as Japanese TV.
One of Japan’s most well-known adult stars, Yuma Asami had begun her career at age 18. She mostly worked with studios that specialized in soft porn. The Grand Prix award-winning actor was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Post-recovery, she ditched the adult industry and began working as a singer.
Masako Natsume was a Japanese actress who achieved worldwide fame after playing Tripitaka in the popular Japanese television series Monkey. Throughout her brief career, Natsume won several awards like the Elan d'or Awards. Masako Natsume remains a household name in Japan; calendars and picture books featuring pictures of Masako Natsume are still popular today.
Yōsuke Kubozuka is a Japanese musician and actor who worked as a model for TV commercials and magazines before starting his career as an actor. He then went on to establish himself as a reggae musician. Over the years, Kubozuka has been honored with many prestigious awards like the Japan Academy Film Prize, Television Academy Award, and Kinema Junpo Award.
Rino Sashihara is a Japanese actress, singer, and producer best known for her association with the popular idol group HKT48 where she was an important member. Sashihara was also part of AKB48's sub-group Not Yet. Over the years, Rino Sashihara has contributed immensely to several Japanese TV dramas and films.
Hiroshi Tamaki is a Japanese actor, model, and singer. He is best known for his portrayal of Sato in the 2001 Japanese comedy film Waterboys. Tamaki is also known for his contribution to video games and TV shows.
Beni Arashiro is a Japanese R&B singer who achieved popularity in 2004 after the release of her third single Here Alone. Her popularity soared in 2008 when she started performing under the Universal Music Japan label. Many of her albums and singles have been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) and appear on charts like Oricon.
