Ayana Sakai goes full speed ahead
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TOKYO \ Ayana Sakai has a rather unusual hobby \ changing people. Shefs so serious about it that she refers to it on her blog. Thatfs the blog the 21-year model/actress writes when shefs in the bath each night. Shefs also serious about something else \ shefs determined to get married when she turns 26. No two ways about it. Finding the right guy might take time, but finding a wedding dress wonft be a problem. Sakai has been busy this year designing them as part of her newest endeavor.
Therefs no doubt that Sakai has crammed a lot into her relatively short show business career. Born in Chiba, she got her break when she beat out 30,000 applicants to win the Talent Scout Caravan gPure Girl 1996h grand prix organized by the HoriPro agency. Since then, she has performed with the pop group LICCA, done TV commercials for Lotte, Calpis and Bandai, among others, appeared in movies such as gBattle Royale IIh and in the TV dramas gWater Boys Finaleh and gAttack No. 1.h These days, though, the 168-cm-tall Sakai devotes most of her energy to modeling and fashion design.
gI didnft really think Ifd get into the entertainment business. My parents were music teachers and I learned to play the violin and piano and thought I would become a teacher, too,h she says in her first interview with English media. Although she understands some English, Sakai says she wants to study it overseas some day rather than study at a language school in Japan. gIfd like to study in New York where I could communicate with a variety of people from all around the world because I only get one life and I want to make the most of it.h
Although she goes abroad a few times each year, mainly for fashion shoots, a trip to Paris earlier this year was the impetus for her debut in fashion designing. She was invited to take part as a model in a haute couture show. gI was extremely nervous and there were many Japanese media about,h she recalls. gThe supermodels in the show with me were something. They were so tall and had great bodies, stunningly beautiful. Anyway, after the show, I was asked by Bellclassic (a Japanese wedding dress rental company) if I would like to design something for them. That was a challenge because Ifm poor at drawing, but I gave it a go. I had to design 10 wedding dresses in less than six months. I always carried a notebook with me so I could jot down ideas.h
Cuteness and youthful ebullience
Sakai finished her collection in June and held a big fashion show in Tokyo. Cuteness and youthful ebullience were the concepts for the designs. The media praised her and the dresses debuted in Bellclassic outlets this month. She has already been commissioned to design another 10 wedding dresses for fall and winter. gNow that Ifve got a taste, Ifd like to launch my own brand of clothing besides wedding dresses in the future,h she says. gBut I wonft stop modeling. I want to appear in fashion shows even when I became a mother and grandmother.h
But first, of course, there is that question of getting married at 26. What sort of man would fit the bill? gHe must be someone who can lead, but not be pushy. He also has to have long hair. If he doesnft, Ifll make him grow his hair long,h she insists.
Is this what she means about changing people? gYoufve been reading my blog,h she says with a laugh. gThings do tend to happen with people around me. If you are feeling blue, Ifll cheer you up. Ifve read a lot on encouraging people. I like books that leave you feeling optimistic and make you like yourself.h Despite her busy schedule, Sakai reads a lot and updates her blog nightly. gI can do it in the tub via my cell phone. I get a lot of messages from young women who encourage me.h
She also maintains a keen interest in the news, especially issues related to North Korea. gI wonder whatfs going to happen in the future with the missile crisis and Megumi Yokotafs abduction,h she wonders.
One thing not on her immediate agenda is college. Sakai says she doesnft miss student life. gI enjoyed it enough when I was in high school. I know only too well how hard it is to balance work and study, so currently I donft want to go to college. But if I have an opportunity in the future, like when Ifm a housewife, I want to study nutritional science at university.h Does that mean no sweets? gOh God, no, I love sweets. I love guys who like sweets, too. But because Ifm a model, I have to look after my skin, so too much sugar is a no-no.h
On her rare free days, Sakai likes shopping in Shibuya, but says she doesnft really like to go out much, preferring to entertain friends at home. If she could invite any three people in the world to dinner at home, who would she pick? gBritney Spears,h she answers without hesitation. Then Jessica Alba and Orlando Bloom. gHowever, Ifm not so sure about dinner. I can cook, but I donft think itfs good enough to serve anyone,h she says ruefully.