This Japanese model thinks punk

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-year-old Tokyo-based model Saki Asamiya has the “model-off-duty” look down to a science, but none of that overpriced, faux-boho Isabel Marant stuff for her, please — especially not last, last year’s clunky sneaker wedges. Nope, our girl Saki prefers to go punk all the way, to the point of being too cool to reveal which labels she prefers, and of course, what kind of music she listens to. “There’s just too many on my list,” she says.

After just three years of working as a model under Bon Image Corp. (Tokyo), Saki has booked a well-rounded mix of campaigns for Uniqlo, Nature’s Way, Lotte Ice Cream, Panasonic and streetwear label Stussy Woman. On the editorial side, photographer Edric Chen observed that her biggest accomplishment of 2013 was booking three separate Vogue Nippon editorials in just one year, one in which the glossy called her “The Young Spirit of Japan.” She's also appeared in other publications like Elle Japan, Elle Girl, Vogue Girl, Glamour, Numero Tokyo and Nylon Japan, to name a few.

Not that any of these accomplishments has gone to her head. “I don’t think I’m successful yet,” she says. In any case, if she ends up being the heir to Ai Tominaga’s throne in the international scene, just remember: You saw her here first.

YSTYLE: How would you describe your style?

SAKI ASAMIYA: There’s no one style in particular. It usually depends on how I feel. If what I wear matches my mood, then I’m happy.

Do you listen to a lot of punk music? Who do you listen to?

There’s just too many on my list, but I also listen to opera and classic. I also love Carlose Kleiber, the conductor.

If you have a more formal occasion to attend, what would you wear?

I never really thought about it.

Who taught you how to dress?

No one. I just randomly pick out items from my closet.

You have a lot of tattoos. How old were you when you got your first one?

At the age of 18. I got it because I felt like it; I’m not sure how many tattoos I have now.

What’s the last thing you purchased?

DVDs.

Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

Pants and a T-shirt.

Favorite city: Musashi Murayama.

Favorite drink: Guava juice.

Favorite artists: Nirvana.

Favorite Sunday afternoon haunt: Kinuta Park or anywhere with soil.

Favorite vacation destination: Sendai.