Whilst living in Tokyo, I also wanted to try a variety of different jobs and not just personal training. For about a year, while business was picking up at the gym, I was teaching English in cafes and at home part time. I also read the Metropolis magazine for foreigners every week, and kept coming across advertisements for models and talent wanted. So I applied to agencies, submitting my details and photos via a webpage I made, and before I knew it I was getting some of the funniest and weirdest jobs I've ever done!

There's a wide variety of different jobs to get here. It doesn't matter if you think you are not the model type. Japanese companies are looking for any foreigner so don't hesitate to send your details in and get your name and face known. Auditions are the best way to get into the industry and get your name known. Before living in Japan, I had next to no experience. I was just turning up to auditions having no idea what to do and no idea what people were saying to me on set. So, learn a bit of Japanese, bring along a portfolio of photos, and before you know it you'll be on your way.

My biggest jobs were a regular appearance on a TV show skit most Saturdays for 3-4 months, a catwalk model for a American sports clothing company, and a model for an exercise tube instruction manual. I've also done various other photo shoots, as well as one with Rebecca for a restaurant. (see left, in the middle)

My recommendations to get into the modeling and talent industry in Tokyo are to start reading Metropolis magazine as well as another local magazine called the Tokyo Notice Board and start applying to all the companies advertising for models and talent. Search on the internet as well, for Modeling Agencies in Tokyo and start applying before you get here. I will recommend one site you must visit: Harada IP . Get to know Marianna Harada. She's a Slovakian born agent who speaks 7 languages and has given me plenty of work! Thanks Marianna!

I was only doing this for fun and part time work, but if you want to get into modeling and acting full time and make a career out of it, then you will need a lot of patience. Before you are well-known, time between jobs can sometimes be weeks or months apart. Money can vary quite considerably, but when you do get a good job, big money and overseas trips are very possible. In fact my very first audition was for a VISA golf advertisement where I would have been paid around ¥250,000 (US$2,400) for a 3 day gig playing golf in Saipan (Micronesian island)! The best audition I've had was when I had to kiss a European model dressed in her bikini for a paint advertisement! Don't know what any of that has to do with paint, but you know what they say: sex sells!

One more thing to know, supposedly Cameron Diaz started her modeling career here. So if you want to get some experience, and great money, then come to Japan!