- Date of Birth June 28th, 1988
- Height 5.7 feet
- Eye color Dark brown
Hey Sayo, tell us a bit about yourself – background, your brief life story and career so far, etc…
I was the oldest girl in my family. When I was a little kid, although I was friendly and cheerful, I was not good at communicating with people in a group. When I was in junior high, I got bullied and was scared to go to school and started to stay at home gradually. Instead of going to school, a home tutor came to my house. After all of that, I graduated from high school and entered college to study economics like other normal students.
Do you have any nicknames? What do your friends call you?
Just call me Sayo please.
What’s the best thing about your hometown and why?
I lived in Saitama which is located next to Tokyo. I don’t have any special memories in there, but I can say that I was really into Judo (Japanese martial arts) when I was little.
Tell us about this shoot – where, when, what you enjoyed about it, etc…?
It was a really nice shooting with my favorite team. Since I like the “wet” images such as a wet hair style, my team usually splashes water on me during the shoot. A stylist makes gorgeous items for me and the shooting atmosphere was so fun exchanging ideas with each other.
How did you get into modeling?
When I was in college, I was thinking my boyfriend I was dating at that time liked “sexy girls”, so I tried to surprise him with wearing sexy bikinis. I wasn’t serious at the beginning, but now you see I’m still doing it. To tell the truth, it seemed like he didn’t like my sexy surprise. He actually was astonished though!
What’s been your career highlight thus far?
I’ve been doing modeling for 10 years so far. My main clients were travel agencies and shoots for hot springs and spas. Eventually I’ve been to so many hot springs in Japan that I don’t feel like going there anymore. I guess I’ve visited too much!
You have quite the Instagram following, what’s the best thing about having Instagram as a tool?
Actually, I made this account as my hobby at first to show my secret images of me that nobody knows, but it turned out to be one of the greatest tools to reach many people around the world since I could meet awesome publications such as FHM Thanks to Instagram I could meet YOU in the end! This is the awesome tool that allows you to connect to people through even one photo. My Instagram account is @sayo_diary.
How do you usually deal with negative criticism from followers?
I don’t mind whatever people say. You know, there is no way to avoid the criticism unless you can totally conceal yourself somewhere nobody’s going to find you. No matter how you make it big, I know it’s impossible to be loved by everyone in the world.
What are the best and worst things about being a model?
Thanks to being a model, there are so many opportunities that I could meet awesome people. Every time when I meet someone new, they help me expand my field of vision and my horizons. People around me notice things that I’ve never known, and that awareness becomes a part of the motivation to keep me brushed up.
On the other hand, you it can be difficult to receive stable jobs offers (even though you research and apply for auditions constantly and diligently). Since it’s not a stable job, you should be tough enough even when you see your model friends go for their work and shoot while you have nothing to do at home.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? Food? Bad comedies?
I’m addicted to the bubble tea. I know it’s a high calorie drink!
Favorite movie quote?
“Hard work is mandatory, but I think everybody’s afraid to admit what a big part luck plays.” – Match Point
Favorite travel destination?
Recently I visited Southern France. They have abundant nature and beautiful scenery. Whatever I saw, everything was beautiful. However, I strongly believe that whom you are going with is more important than where you are going, right? All of the places are very special if you are with someone precious.
What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word ‘FHM’?
It’s one of the most famous international magazines and the image of the magazine is like the sexy woman on the coolest car or a bike.
What would you say is a common misconception people have about you?
For photoshoots I usually wear a sexy lingerie and might look flashy but the real me is at home wearing simple wardrobe and I’m not really the social type. My room is very neat and I’m an early bird.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would like to live in Hong Kong. It’s geographically closer to Japan and a stimulating place.
Everyone is motivated and people are very energetic!
What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart?
When the guy makes me feel like I’m “the one”. I like the guy who cares not only for me but also for the people around me. I think it’s so lovely if he always does a little display of affection.
What’s one thing you wish guys understood about women?
Some women tend to say their opinions inconsistently and it seems that what they say is changing every single day but actually they just say what they think in the moment (sometimes emotionally) but it doesn’t mean their opinion is changing. If you take their comments too seriously you might think their behavior is inconsistent. Basically, we might say something different from what we really think.
What’s one feature you absolutely love in a man?
A plump body! Fluffy is better!
If you took FHM on a date, where would we go and why?
I would love to visit a nice restaurant and go for a ride to visit some places where I’ve never been to in Australia.
What’s next in your career?
I’m currently working on some international shooting projects such as a cover and some more interviews coming. I’m excited!
Credits:
Photographer: Kiyotaka Ota
Hair makeup : Yuki Miyajima
Producer : Risa Tsukatani
PR: MUSE
