Getting Into Modeling in Japan

A CONNECT Magazine interview with JET Alum turned model Kayla Beyer (Niigata 2019-2022)

by Holly Walder (Gunma)

How did you start to pursue modeling?

My interest started while I was living in Nagaoka, but of course there’s nothing around there so really there weren’t many opportunities. Yeah, living in Tokyo gives me a lot more opportunity for that. My schedule is opening up [from my day job as a teacher] a little bit soon to do more modelling. 

Surprisingly enough I did find one opportunity in Nagaoka. It was modelling for a hair salon. The hair stylist wanted to join a hair contest in Kyoto. At the contest, hair stylists came in with models with a bunch of different hairstyles and costumes. So we flew out to Kyoto. [The stylist] dyed my hair green and made it poofy and put me in an outfit. But I didn’t have my glasses, and I didn’t have contact lenses at the time so I was just kind of looking around so confused. But it was really fun. It was an interesting experience.

Kayla models and teaches English in Tokyo. She enjoys everything art, and is often drawing in her free time. You can find her on Instagram @kayla_cbear.

This article was published in partnership with AJET’s CONNECT magazine.