Noelle in Japan: Japanese Baby Modeling

I've gotten quite a few emails asking about my daughter modeling in Japan. She has been doing it since she was four months old and loves every minute of it. For foreigners, it is not difficult to have a part-time modeling job in Japan, especially for foreign children. All racial mixes are sought by one company or another, but blonde hair and blue eyes seems to be particularly popular. Excepting the fact that Leila does not have much hair, she fits that description. However, no matter what your child is like, if you have time to dedicate you should definitely consider baby modeling!

SIGNUP

There are two ways to start the baby modeling process:

AUDITIONS

When an agency has found a possible job for your child, they will call or email you. First there is a photo selection phase. In this phase, the agency will tell you the possible dates and times for the audition and job to see if you are available (exact dates are not usually available at this time). They may also ask you questions about your child's abilities (e.g. can they walk, crawl, sit on their own, etc.). If you are available and your child fits the bill, the agency will submit your photo for consideration. Some companies do photo selection only. However, many choose to have an additional in-person audition.

Auditions generally take place in Tokyo, though don't be surprised to spend 1-2+ hours on a train to get to the audition destination. Many times there are no elevators at the train stations, so bring a baby backpack if you have one. Pack bottles, juice, and snacks for your child and bring some form of train entertainment. An agent from your agency will meet you at a specified gate in the train station (e.g. "West Exit"). They will then escort you to the audition location. They will translate anything that needs to be translated for you and will generally give you 1000 Yen as a transportation fee. You will need to write your name, address, phone number, and signature on a receipt to show they paid you the fee. The agent handles all the paperwork and introductions to the client and you just have to wait for your baby to get called. Most of the time, your baby will then need to change into the client's choice of clothing and then photographers will take pictures and sometimes video of your child. After they are done with this 1- to 2-minute audition, you are free to go (so long as you've gotten your transportation fee). Generally, you should plan on spending 30 minutes or less in an audition location, except for really big auditions like Combi Mini.

PHOTO SHOOTS

From 24-hours to one week after the audition, your agent should contact you to let you know whether you were selected or, if they haven't decided yet, more detailed information about the shooting dates to confirm your availability. If your baby is selected, you will go to the audition. The good agencies meet you again on audition day to escort you from the train station and introduce you, but some agencies just send you a map and ask you to find it on your own. It is not common for an agent to stay during an entire photoshoot. For these days, it is a good idea to bring snacks and toys for your children and yourself! I often bring a book to read during my child's nap time (they do allow naps and sometimes even take photos during a nap). More often than not the shoots are in the afternoon to evening. Sometimes lunch is provided and often snacks, but bring your own food just in case, especially if you are a health nut! Photoshoots are quite a bit of work. You need to have enough energy to get your child's attention to the camera and get good facial expressions. Also, often they are working with other children or adult models. Make sure your child is ok with strangers before getting into baby modeling! Bring your own blanket and your own toys, but keep a close eye on them as there may be other babies there who pick them up accidentally. Most of all, try to have some fun. I have never been able to keep the clothing from a photoshoot. Often times they wash it to use on another day on another baby in case one isn't cooperative. However, I've always been able to take pictures of my child with my own camera at the shoot. This is a good idea as sometimes it takes months for the photos to get to you (though you are usually given at least one copy eventually).

PAYMENT

You receive your payment from your agency in the form of Yen. It usually takes two months to process, but it depends on the agent. There are a few options for receiving the payment. You can setup a Japanese bank account and, for a small fee, have it directly deposited into your account. I have not done this and cannot, unfortunately, elaborate on the process. My preferred method is to pick up payment at a future audition or modeling fair. Agencies are in Tokyo and you are more than welcome to take the train out on a weekday to get your payment, but call ahead! Generally, compensation is between 10,000-30,000 yen per afternoon (~$100-300), but I've made as much as 100,000 yen when Leila and I modeled together. Be sure to clarify the payment amount before accepting a job.

OTHER TIPS

Here are just a few more tips to help you have success in Japanese modeling:

AGENCIES

The following agencies are very popular and have English-speaking staff:

My preferred agents are E-Promotion and Avocado because they are the most personally attentive. Good luck!