Our third featured personality for MISS X Channel is knockout American-Japanese model, Midori Takechi.
Midori, whose ethnicity is an exotic mix of Mexican, Native American and Japanese, started her modeling career at the ripe age of 18 and has gone on to model for magazines such as NYLON Japan, Blenda, and lingerie brand Ravijour. Thanks to her lithe and svelte figure, she has amassed a handful of sports brands like Nike, Adidas, & Puma on her résumé. Currently based in Taipei, Midori has also recently signed on to be the face of a high-end mall, Breeze Center.
Let's face it, this beauty with dangerous curves, lips like a sphinx and a huge heart has definitely hit her stride.
GLITTERATI sequined flare pants
Where are you originally from, and where are you based now?
I was born and raised in a small city in Japan, Kanagawa prefecture. Kanagawa is about an hour away by train from Tokyo. About a year and a half ago I moved to Taiwan to study Chinese, and I am still here!
How did you get into modelling and what does it mean to you?
I was discovered at the age of 15 on the streets of Harajuku by Namie Amuro's agent. I remember I cried because I was a huge fan of Namie. But at the time, I thought education should be my first priority (yes, I was a nerd). I did not start modeling professionally until I graduated high school.
I try to think of modeling as my hobby; to always try to have fun on set, and not to think too much. Personally, I think the best pictures are taken when I am relaxed and having fun.
Before and after becoming a model, has your perception of being a model and the modelling industry changed over time?
Before I became a model, I thought modeling only required beautiful facial features, but now I understand modeling takes more than just a pretty face. Most models are required to have a fun personality, good work ethic, and a strong presence.
Nowadays, social media is ubiquitous and widely used and so many young, pretty girls are getting discovered from IG, FB, etc. Hence, the abundance of social media has also forced the modeling industry to become a lot more competitive over time.
Which supermodels do you look up to and why?
My favorite supermodel is Irina Shayk. I am just so obsessed with her facial features. I look up to her because she has a very seductive looking face, and curvy, voluptuous body. Typically, in the modeling industry, when a model is too sexy, it's more likely for her to be stuck in mens' magazines and harder to get casted by high fashion brands. But she can do both, and that is very rare.
What are you currently working on and what is the next step in your career?
I just started my modeling career in Taiwan as a Breeze Girl. Although I have modeling experience in Japan, in Taiwan I'm still starting out as rookie! I want to try new things, different types of looks, shoots, and gradually, build my career up in Taiwan. Eventually, I'd love to do many magazine covers.
Describe your perfect day off.
My perfect day off is to stay home with my dog and watch my favorite TV shows all day long. I'm a “stay-at-home” person.
What do you do to keep in shape?
I don't really have a particular eating habit, I usually eat what I want to eat. That’s the reason why I try work out as much as I can. I spend one hour at the gym each time I go, mostly doing weights and mat exercises. I like having curves, so I spend most of my workout routine on gluteal exercises.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Instant noodles. Especially Taiwanese dry noodle "a-sha gan mian 阿舍 乾麵" (ramen)!
What is your go-to outfit for the day? How would you glam it up for the night?
I'm always in a comfortable dress or in sweatpants during the day but at night I change into clothing that hugs my body more to spice things up.
Are your looks well-planned or do you dress according to whatever suits your mood?
I don't plan at all, I just wear whatever suits my mood or dress according to the weather.
What is a look/style that you regret?
When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with the typical Japanese school uniform. I wore a school uniform attire everyday even though my school didn't require it; I was very weird.
What is your go-to everyday makeup look?
My makeup is pretty simple, it’s all about thick lashes and full lips! I can't live without mascara and lipsticks.
Do you feel more Asian or American?
I feel more American when it comes to fashion because I am not afraid to show skin... But in terms of lifestyle I am definitely more Asian. I can't live without rice and only eat Asian food. I was raised in Japan, so my mentality is a lot more Asian.
Do you have a secret talent?
I don't know if I can consider this a talent, but I can belly dance. I adored Arabian/Turkish culture when I was a teenager, so I took belly dancing lessons for few years.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I actually love living in Taiwan. Singapore is another country I wouldn’t mind residing in.
I love how both Taiwan (Taipei) and Singapore combines both a city vibe and an island vibe, not too busy but not too chill. Exciting, yet relaxing.
Sum yourself up in three words:
Emotional, adventurous, and outgoing.
What is your life mantra?
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
Midori's Instagram: @midoritakechi
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