Michinoku Anjuerica, the 39-year-old model, opened up about her past struggles with anorexia and the troubling incident of extortion during her recent appearance on ABEMA's show "Damatterarenai Onnatachi" on January 10, 2025.
During this candid discussion, Anjuerica recounted the events surrounding her involvement with her then-husband and one of his male friends, which culminated in them allegedly extorting 350,000 yen (approximately $3,150) from another man. She explained how the conflict began when her ex-husband confronted this friend after discovering he owed money to his business. "My husband was running his own business, and I found myself stuck between their argument," Anjuerica shared. "It escalated quickly, leading to threats made through texts concerning his outstanding balance—ultimately leading to the accusations of extortion."
Anjuerica's life took another tumultuous turn as she disclosed her battle with anorexia, caused by the pressures of being perceived as the perfect model. Standing at 176 cm tall, she revealed she had dropped to just 45 kg (99 lbs). "I was under immense societal pressure to maintain this image, to the point where I erroneously believed my worth was tied solely to my appearance," she confessed. "Eating nothing but salad during shoots became my norm, and it spiraled out of control from there." Anjuerica's experience highlights how public expectations can drastically affect personal health, illustrating the damaging nature of such pressures within the modeling industry.
Reflecting back, Anjuerica stated, "I thought my worth came from meeting people's expectations, which led me to become anorexic. I was so focused on being what others wanted me to be. I lost myself entirely." She admitted her struggles with anorexia were so severe she had no menstruation for seven years due to the condition, yet felt no urgent concern at the time: "Honestly, I wasn't worried about not having my period at all. I was just focused on being thin."
After her life was publicly dissected during the extortion scandal, Anjuerica decided to take time away from the spotlight, leading to her hiatus from the industry. "Explaining the article was futile; it would only sound like excuses," she lamented. Amidst the chaos, she also revealed, "I had no energy to rebut these allegations. I just gave up, thinking it was all over for me." Anjuerica felt trapped by her previous public persona, which contributed to her growing discontent.
Through her experience, Anjuerica has begun to redefine her sense of self and is gradually focusing more on her mental health rather than external expectations. She emphasized the need for authenticity, sharing how she hopes to use her story to inspire others grappling with similar issues. “I now understand the importance of living for myself and not just for others' approval. It took hitting rock bottom for me to see clearly," Anjuerica reflected.
Her revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many women under the weight of societal expectation, highlighting the intersection of mental health, public image, and personal validation. Michinoku Anjuerica's courage to speak out not only sheds light on the darker sides of fame but also serves as a clarion call for accountability and compassion within the industry.
With her heart now set on uplifting others, Anjuerica looks forward to reclaiming her narrative on her own terms, prioritizing wellness and self-acceptance over public perception as she navigates her future endeavors.