Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Kono
Mindy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share a bit of my story. It all begins in Yokohama, Japan, where I was born and raised in a multicultural household. My mother is Taiwanese and half British, and my father is from Hong Kong, so I grew up immersed in multiple cultures and languages. Cantonese was my first language since I was raised by my grandmother, and although my parents spoke Mandarin, my family primarily communicated in Cantonese. I later learned Japanese through TV before preschool, and English became my second language thanks to my American cousin, childhood best friend, and uncle.
Growing up with such a diverse background shaped who I am today. It gave me a global perspective, allowing me to connect with people from different cultures and work seamlessly in international environments. That foundation has been key to my career as a model, influencer, and business consultant.
Mindy: A Multifaceted Model, Influencer, and International Media Personality
Over the years, I’ve built a career that reflects my passions and adaptability. I’m a model, lifestyle influencer, and international business professional, working across Japan and the U.S. for over a decade. My experience spans runway, fashion, fitness, and commercial modeling, and I’ve built a reputation for versatility and presence—defying industry norms and breaking barriers.
Beyond modeling, my background in psychology and international business gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to navigate different industries and bring something fresh to the table. I’ve always believed that being multifaceted is a strength, and I’ve embraced that throughout my journey.
A Career Built on Passion, Versatility & Expertise
I started modeling in Japan, walking the runway, appearing in website campaigns, and being featured in fashion, fitness, and yoga magazines. After moving to the U.S., I expanded into music videos, commercial campaigns, and fitness modeling. Now, I’m working toward breaking into editorial and high-fashion runway modeling.
But my work isn’t just about modeling. I hold an AA, BA, and MA in Psychology, specializing in multicultural and health psychology. After earning my BA, I worked with Japanese consulate offices worldwide, helping expatriates and executives adjust to life abroad as a personal interpreter.
Later, I transitioned into international business consulting, managing negotiations, vendor agreements, and logistics between Japan, Hong Kong, and the U.S. Whether it’s coordinating pop-up events, handling shipments, or facilitating cross-border partnerships, I’ve built a career at the intersection of business, culture, and communication.
Now, based in Los Angeles, I help Japanese businesses expand into the U.S. and guide American companies looking to enter the Japanese market. I provide market insights, cultural consulting, and strategic business connections. I’m also advising an entrepreneur on launching a business in Japan—covering everything from concept development and visa processes to market preferences and menu creation.
Even though international trade slowed after the pandemic, I continue to work in exports, assisting Japanese businesses with logistics and orders between Japan and Hong Kong. At the same time, with growing interest in Japan, I’m developing bespoke private tours in Tokyo, curating personalized experiences for visitors. Although I’m currently based in the U.S., I’ve already received a lot of interest and plan to return to Japan to fully launch this service.
Helping Others Navigate Cross-Cultural Life
Alongside my business work, I’m passionate about helping individuals—especially Japanese families and students—adjust to life in the U.S. Through private coaching, I offer guidance on cultural adaptation, parenting in a foreign country, and overcoming social and professional challenges. For students, I focus on helping them integrate into the education system, build confidence, and explore international career opportunities.
A Legacy Rooted in Culinary & Cultural Heritage
My passion for wellness, aesthetics, and storytelling is deeply influenced by my grandfather, a pioneer of Chinese medicinal cuisine (薬膳料理) in Japan. He was a well-known TV personality, magazine columnist, and published author, introducing the principles of Chinese medicinal cooking to Japan. He also worked as a consultant for Ajinomoto, shaping the flavors of many famous Japanese seasonings, and taught at multiple colleges.
His influence instilled in me a deep appreciation for food, culture, and the ways they connect people. That’s something I carry with me in both my personal and professional life, whether I’m modeling, consulting, or creating new experiences for people around the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While my journey has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Breaking into the competitive modeling industry has been one of my biggest hurdles, especially as an Asian model advocating for greater representation in runway and editorial work. Opportunities remain limited, requiring me to work twice as hard to establish my presence while continuously demonstrating my versatility.
Transitioning from Japan to the U.S. also came with its own set of challenges. Adapting to a new market, building the right connections, and balancing multiple roles—modeling, influencing, and business consulting—required patience, persistence, and constant self-reinvention. The industry here is incredibly fast-paced, and standing out in a city filled with top talent takes continuous effort and strategic career moves.
Beyond modeling, my background in psychology and business has given me a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and industries. With an MA in psychology, I offer private coaching for individuals navigating the cultural differences between Japan and the U.S., particularly families raising children in a foreign environment. Understanding both perspectives has allowed me to help others adjust, bridge cultural gaps, and thrive in new settings.
In business, success is built on connections—something that drives both my consulting work and my modeling career. Whether I’m guiding Japanese companies expanding into the U.S., helping U.S. businesses enter Japan, facilitating cross-border trade between Japan and Hong Kong, or forging key industry relationships in fashion and media, I’ve learned that being in the right rooms with the right people is essential to long-term success.
Despite these challenges, I view each as an opportunity to evolve. Every setback has driven me to innovate, seize new opportunities, and continuously refine my approach. My journey has been anything but linear, but that’s precisely what makes it so fulfilling.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear many hats in my professional life—model, lifestyle influencer, business consultant, and cross-cultural coach. My career blends creativity, strategy, and global connections, allowing me to bridge industries and cultures in a way that few others can.
As a model, I have worked in Japan and the U.S. across various categories, including fashion, fitness, commercial, and digital campaigns. While I have experience in runway modeling in Japan, my goal is to expand into editorial and runway work in the U.S., an industry where Asian representation is still evolving. What sets me apart is not just my look but my adaptability, professionalism, and ability to create compelling narratives through visuals.
As an influencer, I have built a strong presence in the digital space, collaborating with brands and attending high-profile industry events. My work has been recognized on platforms like Getty Images, Shutterstock, and Alamy, reinforcing my impact as a media personality. My background in psychology also allows me to create content that resonates on a deeper level, blending aesthetics with meaningful storytelling.
Beyond the creative industries, I specialize in international business consulting, focusing on Japanese companies looking to expand in the U.S. and, more recently, U.S. businesses and individuals looking to enter the Japanese market. I help clients navigate cultural nuances, develop market strategies, and connect with the right people. Business, much like modeling, is all about relationships, and I pride myself on fostering meaningful connections that lead to success.
I also continue to facilitate export work between Japan and Hong Kong, handling orders and logistics for clients. While the industry slowed post-pandemic, I remain involved in cross-border trade, ensuring smooth operations between these markets.
As interest in Japan continues to grow, I am expanding my services to include personalized consulting for individuals and businesses looking to establish a presence there. Currently, I am advising an entrepreneur on opening a bar in Japan, providing insight into visa processes, market preferences, menu development, and concept creation. Additionally, I am developing bespoke private tours in Tokyo, offering tailored experiences based on cultural counseling and personal interests. While I am currently based in the U.S., I have already received requests for these services and look forward to fully launching them in the future.
Alongside my business consulting, I offer private coaching for individuals—particularly Japanese families and students—adjusting to life in the U.S. With my background in multicultural psychology and my own experience transitioning between cultures, I provide guidance on cross-cultural challenges, parenting in a foreign country, and adapting to new professional and social environments. For students, I focus on helping them navigate education systems, social integration, and career opportunities, ensuring they feel supported as they pursue their goals abroad.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to continuously evolve, seamlessly integrating my diverse skills into a unique career path. I’m not confined to one industry—I create opportunities where they didn’t exist before. My multicultural upbringing, deep understanding of human behavior, and ability to connect with people on both a professional and personal level set me apart in everything I do.
I don’t just follow one path—I build my own.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I think about my childhood, every memory leads back to my grandmother. She raised me from birth, and in every way that mattered, she was my mother. As an only child, I never felt lonely—she was always there, waiting for me to come home, making sure I was loved and cared for.
She was strict, deeply rooted in tradition, and had an old-fashioned way of thinking, which often made things challenging for me, especially in education. She followed the traditional Chinese approach to teaching, grounded in discipline and high expectations, while I attended a Japanese school, where the educational style and values were quite different. The cultural and educational gaps between her methods and the Japanese system often clashed, making it difficult for me to reconcile the two worlds.
Despite her strictness, she wanted me to have the same opportunities as any other child, never wanting me to feel different just because I didn’t have a mother in the traditional sense. She enrolled me in extracurricular activities, lessons, and swimming school, ensuring I had a well-rounded upbringing. My swimming school was far from home, but she took me there every time, sitting in the waiting room above the pool, watching over me. At the time, I didn’t realize how much effort she put into every little thing, but now, I see how much love was in those moments.
Every morning, as I ate breakfast, she would lovingly do my hair—carefully brushing and tying it up before I left for school. During my elementary school years, lunch was provided at school, so she didn’t need to make a lunch. However, from preschool (on certain days) through six years of junior high and high school, she woke up early each day to prepare me a homemade lunchbox. In Japan, it wasn’t just a choice—it was an unspoken rule that every child was expected to bring a neat, balanced, and beautifully packed lunch. A simple paper bag with a sandwich wouldn’t suffice. It was her way of showing love, and she did it with devotion, ensuring I had a nutritious meal that met those societal expectations.
My grandfather was my source of warmth and comfort. Unlike my strict grandmother, he was always smiling and always on my side. Even in his final days, he remained dedicated to his work, completing his book from his hospital bed before passing when I was 17. My father, always busy running his company and traveling for business, was rarely home for dinner, so it was my grandparents who sat at the table with me, who took me on trips to see the world, and who filled my childhood with unforgettable experiences.
Hawaii was another defining part of my childhood. From birth, I traveled there twice a year, sometimes staying for as long as three months until I was 18. My cousin, also an only child and a year younger than me, lived there, and we spent every day at the beach or the pool. My father would only join for about a week, so most of my time was spent with my grandmother. I even attended summer school in Hawaii, adding another layer to my multicultural upbringing.
Every moment, every memory, ties back to my grandmother. She was my everything. Even now, after her passing in 2022, I think about her every single day. There’s an irreplaceable void in my heart, yet I carry her love, her lessons, and her strength with me always.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lehuadeur_aming
Image Credits
Courtney Tyler
Dan Kennedy
Jaspreet Singh
Usmaan Mela
Mindy Kono
