YURI

Background

Background

My work as a fashion model in Japan and overseas for nearly twenty years, and as a runway and movement coach for almost fifteen years, has repeatedly encouraged me to think about many kinds of environments. I teach modeling and competition runway skills, foundational posture and walking, and movement that strengthens both presence and performance. For example, garments worn by models in shows often cannot be sold directly to customers. They become samples and may ultimately be discarded in ways that harm water, air, and the wider environment. As a freelancer and independent professional, I have also faced social attitudes toward people working outside conventional employment and have often heard about human-rights issues, difficult workplace conditions, and harassment within companies and organizations. Models themselves are also deeply affected by human-rights concerns. I hope to help create meaningful improvement across all of these areas.