Horizons of Ambition: Maiku's Journey from Japan to Canada and Beyond

PHOTO BY RACHAEL REID

In the delicate landscapes of Japan, where tradition whispers through cherry blossoms, Maiku's journey began—a journey fueled by a dream to transcend cultural boundaries and redefine possibilities.

In the heart of Maiku’s cultural adventure lies a singular aspiration: to inspire future generations, especially his own children, to dream big and to reach beyond the confines of societal expectations. For Maiku, this meant more than just geographical transition; it meant embracing the courage to challenge norms, to defy odds, and to envision a future brimming with limitless potential.

Against the backdrop of uncertainty, Maiku took the leap that many only dare to dream of—he signed with NEXT Models in Toronto, catapulting himself into the pulsating realm of the fashion industry's elite. Yet, his ascent was not solitary; it was buoyed by an unwavering support system—his cherished family, steadfast friends, and the nurturing embrace of his agents.

Through their collective encouragement and belief in his vision, Maiku's dreams became a reality, affirming that with determination and a steadfast resolve, the impossible can indeed become possible. This is the story of a cultural transformation, a testament to the power of resilience, and the journey from one horizon to the next.

Models of Canada: Can you tell us about your journey in the fashion industry so far? What factors do you think contributed to your rapid development as a model?

Maiku: I signed with my agency, NEXT Canada, late last year. My first job was with Tilley, and following that I worked with Arc’teryx for Veilance in Vancouver and have been shooting in Montreal with SSENSE. Each time I’m on set, I gain experience and grow as a model. With each job comes a new challenge that I have to overcome, whether that’s the initial feeling of nervousness when I arrive on set or creating a bond with a team I’m meeting for the first time. There’s always a moment, usually a couple of hours into a job where the nerves dissipate and the day takes on rhythmic quality. By this point, I feel more comfortable with the photographer and we work in tandem to execute the vision of the brand. I’ve learned to take direction and step outside of my comfort zone. It’s so important to experiment with movement on set and to actually feel the garments.

My agents have been instrumental in guiding me forward in the industry thus far, and the creative teams I’ve worked with have been so inspiring. There’s so much amazing talent in Canada. It’s a great place to nurture and grow in a creative career.

Models of Canada: Transitioning from Japan to Canada must have been quite an adjustment. How do you think your cultural background influences your approach to modeling?

Maiku: Japan has a culture of carefully preserving old things and passing them onto the next generation. This culture can be sensed on the streets of Japan, and in our food and entertainment. For example, many historic shrines and temples remain in Japan. Built many years ago, the way these were constructed is very different from the architecture styles of modern day. The reason this rich history is preserved is because of the respect our country has for them. They are as beautiful today as the day they were built. I have great appreciation for these places and for this Japanese tradition of preservation.

By leaving Japan and moving to Canada, I experienced a culture vastly different from where I came from. While in Canada, many things are preserved, there is also an emphasis on newness and breaking barriers. In Canada, there’s no limit to my dreams. My dream has always been to go beyond what culture expects of me and to pass that same thinking onto my future children. Canada has such a rich tapestry of culture.

Models of Canada: You mentioned having more client bookings than creatives to build your portfolio. How do you prioritize between commercial work and creative projects? And how do you ensure your portfolio remains diverse and reflective of your skills?

Maiku: I’m grateful to my agency for their guidance because when I started I had no experience and hadn’t been exposed to the inner workings of the fashion industry. My agents and I collaborate together closely on every opportunity that presents itself.

Doing my first creative, I met other models, photographers, and stylists. From there, I started leveraging social media to network. Although I’m doing more client work these days, I love working with creative teams and helping bring their vision to life. Being open minded to new experiences has been crucial in career development. You never know where a photoshoot is going to take you, who’ll meet, or where your career will go from there.

Models of Canada: What are some of the biggest differences you've noticed between the fashion industries in Japan and Canada? How have you adapted to these differences?

Maiku: It’s hard to compare the two industries. A similar feeling is that in my field at least, this is one industry where I feel a lot of respect among the people I work with. It’s a mutual respect. Something that’s quite different is how relaxed, yet hard working people are here. Both can exist at the same time. Working in a more relaxed environment makes my work more pleasurable. Contrary to what some may think, a career in modeling isn’t easy. At the end of the day, each person on a booking has a job to do and a client to leave a lasting impression upon. The industry in Toronto is small in comparison to other cities like Tokyo, however it’s consistently busy and there’s so many amazing brands here.

Models of Canada: Can you share a particularly memorable experience during a photoshoot or runway show? What did you learn from the experience?

Maiku: I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of so many great jobs, but the one I remember the most was with Arc’teryx in Vancouver. It was my first major project and everything was new to me. I flew there from Toronto and stayed at a hotel. Once the work began, we spent a great amount of time on each garment and each photo. I was tired from the travel and felt so nervous. As the day went on, though, I felt more at ease and confident in my abilities. I learned the importance of punctuality and being kind to others who I may encounter at a future booking. Since then, I’ve been investing more time in self care, like my skincare and hair routine, and maintaining a healthy balanced diet.

Models of Canada: As someone who has achieved considerable success in a relatively short time, what advice would you give to aspiring models, especially those who are new to the industry or are considering moving to a different country for their career?

Maiku: The first challenge someone moving from a different country may face is a language barrier. I’ve been working on my English since I arrived, and after almost one year here I’m just beginning to feel comfortable speaking with others. Something I love is sharing parts of my Japanese culture with others I encounter here. A few things have been instrumental to my success in the industry. The support of my parents and agents. Paying attention to call sheets and ensuring I always arrive on time. It takes a lot of determination to leave your home country and all that you know. Leaving your family and living on your own forces you to develop a sense of independence pretty fast. Each day a new challenge presents itself, which might be as simple as ordering lunch in English. However, it’s important to not give in to despair. We can all grow and learn from the experiences life offers us.

Written by: Models of Canada