Yamashiro Nanae, a 36-year-old former manba gyaru model, has had a life full of twists and turns, marked by her early start in the modeling industry and a significant health challenge that has shaped her views on life and beauty.
Beginning her career as a television personality and model in her teenage years, Yamashiro gained prominence in the world of gyaru, particularly as a manba gyaru, a subculture known for its bold and exotic fashion choices. She even served as the second-generation representative of gyaru circles, showcasing her leadership within this vibrant community. However, at just 19 years old, she opted to retire from the entertainment industry, seeking a different path in life.
Years later, at the age of 27, Yamashiro decided to revive her modeling career, showing incredible determination to re-enter the fashion world after years away. But her journey took another unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer at 31. This diagnosis not only challenged her physically but also forced her to re-examine her past and aspirations.
Reflecting on her youthful days in the gyaru scene, Yamashiro remarked, "When I was in my manba days, I just wanted to stand out." Tracing back, she acknowledges how much her values and outlook have changed since those years of heavy makeup and striking styles. The once vibrant journey has enriched her life, even as she now faces the uncertain challenges posed by her health. Despite these trials, she maintains a strong connection to the spirited essence of her youth.
"I didn’t tan my face, thinking about the future," she shares, emphasizing her awareness of the importance of skincare even during her most glamorously excessive fashion phases.
Now standing at 177 cm tall, Yamashiro has grown into her height, which once felt like a disadvantage in a world that often idolizes more petite forms. She recalls how her parents instilled in her a sense of carefulness regarding her growth. "My dad was very particular about my appearance and my bones' growth, advising me against things that could harm it,” she explains, indicating her father's influence in shaping her health-conscious mind.
During her teenage years, her height used to surprise many, as it was not inherited from her family; her father stands at 171 cm, while her mother is 163 cm. When asked about her height in contrast to beauty standards prevalent during her youth, Yamashiro notes, “Back then, being short with a round face and curvy figures was considered attractive. Now, I appreciate my height more, especially in the modeling world.”
Yamashiro's earlier journey also included drastic weight changes. At one point, she weighed 60 kg but was able to reduce to 45 kg by using diet pills imported from Thailand. The journey to manage her physical identity underscores a continual struggle many face regarding body image and societal expectations in the modeling industry.
Today, as Yamashiro continues to navigate life post-diagnosis, she has shifted her focus on living a fulfilling life while challenging the narratives that often accompany illness and beauty. Through her story, she aims to inspire others to embrace their individual journeys with grace and authenticity.
In closing her reflection, Yamashiro notes that while her past in gyaru culture carries nostalgia, it is her current battles, health-conscious decisions, and wisdom gathered along the way that fully define her character now. Yamashiro Nanae stands not just as a remnant of a bold, exuberant youth but as a beacon of resilience, facing the uncertainties of life with the same zeal she once embraced while capturing the limelight in the glamorous gyaru scene.
