Fetish Cult Sirens

05/11/11

Miu became an Instant Favorite the moment we saw her port on Model Mayhem... we later discovered that she was also specializing in fetish themes a lot so an invitation was sent. She's impossibly nice and friendly, so prepare to be amazed just below:

1) What can you tell us about your background and ethnic heritage?

Am mixed! My mother is Japanese and my father is Thai. I was born and raised in Tokyo till I was 18 and moved to the UK where I went to university. I've been living in Europe (UK and Holland) for over 15 years.

2) You’re a lovely tiny creature but a real talent giant as portrayed in your art! When did you start modeling and was it already a career path for you?

That's so sweet of you to say! I suppose what I lack in height I make up for by being more "interesting". While looking good is important, having personality and talent is even more crucial. People remember you more. I started modelling nearly 4 years ago, firstly starting out as a life model for artists and painters years before that. I had no intention to make it a career path in the first place but just do it for fun, which is still the case even now. You see, am a born exhibitionist and modeling is a way to explore my wild side! I try not to take it all too seriously and see modeling more as a creative and artistic pastime, the way some people for instance play musical instruments as a hobby I suppose.

3) Tell us a bit about your own personal makeup skills... are you self-taught or have you studied in the field?

Having beautician background, I also trained as a make-up artist with the intention of using those skills should I ever need something else to fall back on. I feel that make-up is also a personal thing for me. I prefer doing my own than getting someone else to do it as I know what sort of look I like or suits me best. But it would be cool one day to do an avant-garde beauty shoot using theatrical make-up and embellishments or having something wacky like colourful flowers drawn on my face. In that case, I'll need someone to help me!

4) What can be your real level of comfort when doing fetish or bondage pics? Do you like to explore a "darker" side in photo themes?

Well, I actually enjoy bondage shoots and have done a few stills and videos for pay sites in which I am a damsel in distress. Gagging and blindfolding is fine so long as I know the stuff is clean. I've done a number of Shibari shoots in the past but decided to take it easy since having damaged a nerve on my right wrist recently whilst in Japan. I plan to resume when am ready to, as I love the artistic "wow" factor behind Japanese rope bondage! Though I experimented with nipple clamps, I am very squeamish about pain. I steer clear from extreme stuff too. I had offers to do spanking shoots but don't fancy having my hiney bruised or worse bleeding and being in so much pain I'm unable to even sit for days.

5) Are there advantages or disadvantages in being an asian model? Do you think that you’re offered the same kind of assignments than caucasian models, for example?

I try not to consider things as "disadvantages" but more as limitations. In the mainstream adverts, fashion magazines and sexy glossies in Europe you will find more caucasians simply because like it or not, they represent the majority of the population! It's becoming more multi-racial though so perhaps a higher representation of models from minority backgrounds would be ideal, but I learn to accept that. In fact, I try and stay positive by turning that situation into an advantage. Asian models are scarce in Europe, and I suppose we're considered exotic and mysterious which is a good thing. People like variety. Furthermore, nearly all Asian models out here are reluctant to be adventurous by posing nude. So that's an added bonus for me as most photographers prefer models to be more flexible. By networking actively and being versatile in my style, I have over the years become rather well-known among a wide cross-section of the industry, further enhanced by being Asian.

6) What are the best and worst behaviors that a photographer can have on a set?

I expect photographers to treat us models with respect. The best ones I've worked with have been ones that make us feel at ease by being friendly whilst keeping a professional distance. It's also good to be told that if we are not comfortable with anything we should say, and discussing comfort zones and what we want from the shoots prior to the session is important. Touch wood, I never had a bad experience on set. Many people see that I have a strong personality so know not to mess with me! That said, I also try to persevere even when the going gets tough because I want our images to have good effective results. After all, how many of us are crazy enough to pose nude in the snow, have barbed wire wrapped around our private bits and discreetly flash in public places like a train platform? I am!!!

7) Do you have to keep in shape each day or are you blessed in being able to eat anything and keep your perfect figure?

Once upon a time, I was able to stuff my face and drink like a fish with very little exercise and get away with it. Not so anymore! I no longer smoke nor drink, watch what I eat and I work out at least 5 times a week by running, gym and seeing my personal trainer weekly. On my rest days, I do a yoga class to keep my> body supple. I don't do weights anymore as I found it made me more chunky. I like to keep my body toned yet maintain my feminine curves.

8) Where do you see your career in a couple of years from now? Is there anything that you haven’t tried before that you would like to do?

Guess what. I intend to continue modelling even when am 60! I want to prove that age as well as height should not be seen as limitations in the industry. That said I believe in ageing gracefully and naturally, and I don't want to resort to artificial things like botox and surgery. I therefore maintain a healthy lifestyle through good diet, exercise and being positive. In terms of what I would like to do, I have quite a few ideas in the pipeline. Am always looking out for the extraordinary and putting my drama skills to good use. Am also into uniforms and Cosplay, especially since my Japan trip a month ago, so would like to explore that more. . My ambition is to be featured in magazines and coffee-table art books one day. As I also enjoy writing and have been told I am talented at it, perhaps publishing my own book on my experiences, based on my blogs, would be an idea.

9) What are your favorite activities when it’s time to relax (you do have time to relax, don’t you)?

The past three years, I've been travelling too much back and forth to UK and Holland and also for modelling assignments around the UK. I was always so stressed, edgy and exhausted. Since moving to Amsterdam in December and now that we are selling our UK home, I am travelling less and finding it easier to relax. Amsterdam has such a laid-back atmosphere and the people have a healthy life-work balance and don't get worked up about small things. I enjoy taking a stroll in this beautiful city and in the parks as well as the countryside. And when I stroll, I try to walk slowly, breathe the air and appreciate the surroundings. Yoga is also a good way to wind down especially as much of my work out routine pumps up a lot of adrenaline.

10) So now by participating in this, you’ve become an Cult Siren! Any chance in seeing you in person by visiting us in Montreal in the future? North America needs you!!! :D

Oh yay!!! I would very much like to visit Montreal. I've never even been to Canada itself! As I also speak French, it would be an idea to check out Montreal as well. I hear it's so beautiful with quite a lot of European influence. Perhaps I'll do a North America tour once I save up. Montreal will definitely be on the list!