©ANIMA
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and describe your position in the company?
Hi everyone! My name's Anima, I'm from France. Japan is my passion since my youth. I've been a Visual Kei fan for 13 years. I'm translating interviews in French, looking for new artists to interview and post the latest Japanese musical videos on the Summon the Roses' page.
When was the first time you got into modeling and what inspired you to get into it?
I started modelling in 2015 at Tokyo Collection for the Tenbo brand which invited me to join them for this event. I admit that it basically wasn't a domain that attracted me at all, haha. But Takafumi Tsuruta, the Tenbo leader, found the words to change my mind. I couldn't say no.
How did your close family members and friends feel about you becoming a model? Did they have any objections or were they supportive of your decision?
My close family members and friends didn't all react the same way, haha. My father was really worried and skeptical (and he still is by the way). My mother always saw that as a good thing and is cheering me. My sister was really proud and allowed herself to tell it everywhere around her, haha! Only my best friend was aware of what I was going to do before I begin in modeling. He too was quite worried at first but sees it better now, haha. My other friends discovered it on the moment. I didn't tell them anything until the Tokyo Collection was over. They're all very encouraging.
Was it a big challenge for you to become a model? What are some challenges you faced,and how did you overcome these challenges?
Being a model was a really big challenge for me. I always had trouble to physically accept myself, and I wouldn't have believed that one day someone would propose me to do something like that. To accept that proposition meant to fight against the picture I had of myself, to accept myself. It wasn't easy at first, but I managed to. After years of hearing people saying that after all I'm just a "girl in wheelchair", being with people complimenting me was really disturbing. But I did some effort, I thanked them, I started thinking that maybe they were right and I shouldn't underestimate like I did. I forced myself into taking more pictures of myself, being more tolerant with those and posting more on social networks. Now I know that, even if I was afraid, I did the right thing to give myself an opportunity in this domain, because it helped me to moving on.
We want to know a bit more about your modeling career and all the wonderful things you have experienced so far. How do you prepare before a photo-shoot? Do you choose your own outfits?
Before a photo-shoot, I prefer to not think too much, because I tend to stress quickly, haha. I simply try to keep focus, to not stress too much so the pictures are successful and to always take it as an entertainment rather than an obligation. I sometime choose my clothes myself depending on my mood, but often one of the brands I represent entrusts me with some outfits. It depends.
©ANIMA
I consider myself as a Visual Kei, with a style close to that of Mana from Moi dix Mois for example. However, I don't like to give myself etiquettes, I am myself, I wear what I like without worrying about fashion or people's opinions. A style is a style, we shouldn't judge people only with that. Being "dark" on the outside doesn't mean that you are in your mind too, haha. I'd like to try to wear a "lighter" outfit, while keeping my dark makeup for a photo-shoot or a parade. It could be an interesting contrast. On the other hand, wearing anything "soft" doesn't attract me. I don't really like what's banal, haha.
Do you have any favorite brands you want to model for? Who's your favorite designer?
Moi-meme Moitie, YOSHIKIMONO, h.NAOTO, Baby The Stars Shine Bright, SEX POT REVENGE, Anna Sui, ATELIER BOZ, ATELIER PIERROT, Fanplusfriend Garden, ACDC RAG... Those are the first names that come to my mind, but I'm open to any brand that would be interested. I'll necessarily do favoritism for the designers by saying Takafumi Tsuruta for Tenbo and Kouji Oukanda for Hippies, haha! I'm also a big fan of Sixh since many years. But my preference goes necessarily to Mana for Moi-meme Moitie and Yoshiki for YOSHIKIMONO.
Do you have any favorite models that inspire you?
Here too, I'm forcefully going to do favoritism by citing my friends Takuma Hara, Soushin Kouyoushi and NalmiX, haha. I also really like what AKIRA (Dis@code) does as a model. Otherwise, I can also cite Winnie Harlow.
What are some important goals that you want to achieve as a model and in your personal life?
As a model, I'd like to make myself known more in Japan, whether it's with new brands or with those I already represent. I'd like that my image inspire other people who feel complex or not confident in themselves (whether they have a handicap or not). In my personal life, I'd like more than anything to once be able to live in Japan and keep going in artistic, no matter which domain, because it's the environment I'm the most fond of.
What does modeling mean to you? Do you see yourself modeling for a long time?
I long saw modeling as a superficial picture of our world that I found unrealistic. That's why it basically didn't interested me at all. When I joined Tenbo, I realized I was wrong. modeling is an art and, when used properly, can allow you to transmit important messages to people. I sincerely hope that what I do as a model opens the eyes of those who persist in rejecting those who are different of them or those they don't want to see. Our world is so and ignoring it won't change anything. We've got to accept each others, and modelling is a good tool to promote diversity and tolerance. That's why I joined Tenbo, because their message goes in that way. I don't know if I'll be a model all my life, but it wouldn't displease me. But if one day I feel like I'm not transmitting any message anymore, that would certainly convince me to stop.
What are some important values in your life?
Tolerance, to accept ourselves as we are, honesty, to respect the others, to always do our best to reach our goals, to be trustworthy, to listen the others when they need, to be useful for the world when we can.
Could you describe your personality to those who don't know you well?
When people see me for the first time, they tend to think that I'm a cold and distant because of my style. In reality, I really like to kid, I'm really attentive to the others, I'm curious about a lot of things. I admit to appear as a calm person, but it's more shyness. I like to do my best when I do something.
You travel to Japan often! Can you tell us one of favorite memories from your past trips to the beautiful country?
I have a lot of good memories of Japan, it's going to be difficult to choose only one, haha! I'd say that maybe it was when I went to the first YOSHIKIMONO exhibition in 2015, because it's not something one can do often in one life. Since I'm a big fan of X JAPAN, I was really delighted to assist it. The show was really magnificent, as much for the outfits as the show. And seeing Yoshiki in flesh and blood was a privilege for a Visual Kei fan like me, haha.
You are studying Japanese at the moment, how are your studies going?
It's going well! I like the Japanese language a lot, so I don't really see it as an obligation, haha. I especially try to train with Twitter and Facebook, thanks to my numerous Japanese friends. It works quite well.
Have you ever been to America? Do you ever plan to visit?
No, I never went to the USA. But maybe one day I will. After all, I have a really good friend there that I'd really like to meet, haha.
What other companies are you associated with at the moment? What are other talents you have besides modeling?
I'm officially model for Tenbo and Hippies in Japan. I'm also administrating the official French and American Street Team of Sana Sama on Facebook. I like art in general, so I try a bit of everything. I try to design outfits and jewels for example. But basically, I'm an author. Even if to this day I never managed to do much in that domain, I hope one day I'll be able to keep going. I write a bit of everything, otome-games, mangas, graphic novels, comics characters...
How many languages do you speak? Are you planning on translating articles in another language in the future?
Except for French of course, I speak English since I was 8, I'm been learning Japanese for more than 1 year, I understand Italian because it's one of my 2 mother tongues, and I know some Russian words too. For now, I don't have the level to translate articles in other languages than English and French, but maybe I'll soon be able to translate in Japanese!
Are you working on any important projects right now you want to share with us?
As I said before, I'm currently doing my best to live in Japan. Of course it's extremely hard, because it's a country where immigrating is like the 12 labours of Hercule, haha. Especially when you're disabled. Unfortunately, I'm not receiving much support, which greatly slows me down. But I won't give up! I'll do my best as usual, and I know I'll reach my goal. Support me, my friends, haha!
What are your goals for the remaining of this year 2017?
First of all, returning in Japan at the end of the year and keep doing the procedures to live there. Progress as a model in the hope that I'll reach new horizons. I always have a lot of things to do so I'm not too worried, I'm not about to get bored anytime, haha!
Lastly, do you have a message for our followers?
Thank you all for your support, it means a lot to me! I'm waiting for your point of views on our future projects. Never give up your dreams, always fight to reach your goals, whoever you are. Don't let the others tell you what to do or tell you that you're worth less than the others. Approach those who aren't like you, you'll have good surprises. And especially, keep following us on Summon the Roses! I love you! Visual Kei Powaa!
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Thank you Anima Kurayami for allowing us to conduct this interview.
Facebook: visual.kei.is.not.dead
Twitter: AnimaKurayamiInstagram: animakurayami
