fukushima trip part 2 - never give up

(going over our discussion topics one last time)

(with Akane)

(Ms. Nozomi and Ms. Akemi)

(Akane and I at the after party)

( with former Olympic gymnast Naoki Iketani)

From day 2 of my trip to Aizu, Fukushima. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I was a guest speaker for "Aizu Engine 007 - Fukushima Never Give Up!" which was an event to give hope and encourage the people of Aizu to overcome the hardships after the nuclear explosion. Many well-known actors, writers, athletes, and artists were invited to share their stories to the people of Aizu. I participated in a talk show with 3 other models - Nozomi Igarashi (former Miss Universe finalist), Akemi Fukumura (runway coach), and Akane Nakajima (model and TV host). With Ms. Nozomi as the host for our event, we discussed many topics related to modeling such as how and why we became models, any interesting episodes we have had to encounter as models, and beauty and health tips we follow. Even though I was on stage talking to the audience, I learned a lot from the other models as the discussion progressed.

After the talk show, each of us went to a different restaurant in the area to eat delicious food and get to know the people of Aizu. I was lucky enough to have dinner at a restaurant called Kiriya, a lovely soba place with a great atmosphere. I took the position of MC and introduced some of the other participants, including former Olympic gymnast Naoki Iketani. I wish I had pictures of the food I ate, but let me tell you, I had some of the best Japanese cuisine there.

After this dinner event, the participants of Aizu Engine gathered at a fancy bar for an after party. I had sparkling sake for the first time - so good! 

I had a great time in Fukushima getting to know Aizu and meeting many amazing people during the short time I was there. I hope anything that I contributed during the event changed someone's life even in the smallest way.  Thanks for reading! :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Asia Collection Model Audition 2012

(dress, wedges & cuff: forever 21; jacket: irene's story; purse: from Japan;

necklace: Rimo)

I had the honor of attending the Asia Collection Model Audition 2012 yesterday at the Holiday Inn Torrance. I was so happy to see Melody Yoko and Akane Nakajima (first photo) again since my trip to Japan. They were both busy at work despite their short vacation at home. 

Out of the 13 contestants (they were all very talented, by the way), 5 of the girls won prizes. I'm so proud of my friend Mizuki (last photo) for winning the Judge's Choice award! All of the girls did very well so I congratulate them for their hard work! お疲れ様！Looking forward to seeing what's next for these girls, as well as for myself. :)

Also, I'd like to announce that my blog has received over 10,000 views since I started in October 2011. I would like to thank all of my readers and followers for their support thus far, and I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog. I truly appreciate it! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

TOKYO EYE

Hello everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I will be making my first TV appearance tonight on NHK World's "Tokyo Eye!" The first showing will be at 5:30pm, and it will be aired a couple times after that. Akane Nakajima and I will be introducing Akiruno and Tokyo Summerland in Tokyo, Japan. 

You can watch the show online here and check the schedule here for additional airings (Tokyo Eye is towards the bottom of the page). 

You'll be able to view different parts of Tokyo, spots that are quite different from the city, and I promise it'll be worth your 30 minutes :) Thank you!!

Love,

Samantha Mariko