Model and talent Atsuko Yamaguchi

2025.03.24

The power to make your dreams come true is to believe in yourself

■ Profile
Born on September 1996, 4 in Fukuoka Prefecture.
She is currently based in Tokyo and works as a model and influencer. She also serves as the "Yame City Tea Country Goodwill Ambassador" for her hometown of Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture. She has previously appeared on "Dancing! Sanma Goten!!" and "Tonight, Let's Compare." She made her runway debut at Sapporo Collection 2023. Her diverse activities include producing photo books and planning and running bus tours.

"Believe in yourself and keep working hard to make your dreams come true." This is the belief of model and TV personality Atsuko Yamaguchi. She grew up in Fukuoka and once got a job, but then moved to Tokyo to pursue her dreams again. After going independent and going through a lot of trial and error, she has been using social media to carry out a variety of activities. We spoke to her about her journey of continuing to take on challenges and her message to university students.

When I was in sixth grade, I had a complex about my appearance. I had dark skin and thick eyebrows, and I worried about being different from the others. But one day, my aunt told me, "You have a similar look to Hasegawa Jun," so I went to a bookstore to look for a magazine to see what kind of model she was. I was so moved by her radiant appearance on the cover that I became interested and thought, "I want to be a model too!" I still vividly remember the shock that ran through me when I saw Hasegawa Jun's natural, healthy appearance. It made me realize that what I thought was my complex was actually my one and only individuality.
After that, I happened to attend an audition at a local flea market, won the grand prize, and joined an agency. I never thought I would be chosen, and I couldn't believe it, thinking, "Could it be me?" Not understanding what was happening, I felt a mixture of surprise, confusion, and a little joy.
However, when she first joined the agency, she was mainly active as an idol trainee, and she began to feel strongly that "what I want to aim for is not to be an idol, but a model." And so, when she was in her second year of junior high school, she made up her mind to take lessons in the modeling department.

■Why I didn't give up on my dream despite experiencing setbacks

I was taking lessons at an agency in my hometown of Fukuoka and trying out for modeling auditions, but I couldn't get in. I was painfully aware of my lack of ability, and since my family prioritized academics, I felt it would be difficult to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
After entering a junior college in Tokyo, she tried her hand at work as an extra while also balancing her studies. Experiencing the atmosphere on set reaffirmed that "I really love this world." However, after graduating, she returned to her hometown and got a job at a Japanese confectionery shop. "I'm happy to stay in my hometown to show my appreciation to my parents," she thought, but somewhere in her heart she still had regrets about leaving the entertainment industry.
What woke me up was my sister saying, "Why not just do it?" I took a three-day weekend to go to Tokyo, and while talking with former industry insiders, I became convinced that "this is where I belong." On the Shinkansen train on the way back, I was in tears as I told my parents, "I want to do my best in Tokyo."

■ Three things that are fun about work

There are three things I enjoy about my job.
The first is "photography." On set, we collaborate with many people to create a single piece of work. I really enjoy working with a variety of professionals, including hair and makeup artists, photographers, and stylists. The process of working as a team toward a common goal and bringing it to fruition is very rewarding.
The second is to have something tangible to last. I hope that when the advertisements and films I appear in are released into the world, people who see them will chuckle or feel even a little better. I feel very happy when the role I played in a film or film leaves an impression on viewers.
The third is the response. I am really encouraged by the reactions I receive from my fans on social media. Being able to leave an impression on people through my work and receiving their support motivates me to take on my next project.

■ Important things to make your dreams come true

I believe that "if you keep wishing for it, your dreams will come true." For me, the most important thing to make your dreams come true is to "keep taking action." For example, my dream of walking down the runway finally came true at the age of 26. It was only possible because I kept wishing for it for 14 years without giving up. The important thing is to speak out your goals. By talking to someone about them instead of keeping them to yourself, you will develop the awareness that "I have to do it."

As for how to overcome anxiety, I think it's important to "face it." It was my first acting job in a while, and I had to memorize three different scripts. I was nervous, but when I talked to a senior colleague, he told me, "Once they ask you to do it, you should be confident." I listened to his advice and just kept practicing, and as a result, I was able to go on set with confidence.

I also realized at this time that being consumed by anxiety could betray the trust of the person who entrusted me with the job. I strongly felt that since someone needed me and had reached out to me, it was important to make an effort to meet their expectations.

My goal for the future is to connect with even more people while working in a wider range of fields. I would like to increase my activities in my hometown of Fukuoka and also focus on work that promotes the area's appeal. I would also be happy if I had the opportunity to walk the runway with my sister one day. Furthermore, I would like to spread positive messages to as many people as possible through social media. Nothing would make me happier than if people who see my work think, "Taking on challenges is fun."

■Message to university students

Your university years are an important time for building the foundations of your life. Whether you play or study is up to you. That's why I want you to cherish each and every day. In particular, I want you to be conscious of "growing beyond who you were yesterday" rather than comparing yourself to others.
I also hope that they will find lifelong friends. At my wedding, 8% of the attendees were friends from college. It's difficult to make friends as an adult, which is why the friendships you build in college are so precious. I think that relationships that aren't just fun, but also allow you to show each other your weaknesses are the greatest assets.
I would be happy if my continued challenge could inspire you all.

Student Newspaper Online, June 12, 2025, Interview by Tsuda University 2rd year student, Karin Ishimatsu