Born as the daughter of a Kendo (modern Japanese Martial Art) master, Miyu Minty immersed herself in the world of martial arts from a young age. At the age of 19, she moved to the United States of America and graduated from the university in Oklahoma. Upon returning to Japan, She started to working in financial industry while she continue the part time career as a model where she was chosen as the Japanese representative for the World Supermodel Pageant, marking the beginning of her international career. The following year, she was appointed as the ambassador for the same competition.
Upon completion of this world pageant, using her advanced English skills & her passion for architecture and Interior design, she additionally gained her professional real estate licence in Australia as a self-employed agent, introducing properties to high net worth domestic and international investors. This enabled her to simultaneously pursue her career in both Real Estate as a leading influencer within Japan. Her strong desire to assist other women who share the same dreams has led her to engage in activities that support women in achieving global success, including overseas ventures and entrepreneurial endeavours.
From a daughter of a Kendo master….
Coming from a disciplined family through Kendo, this helped to focus her thoughts & goals in her early adult life. Japan life helps to give the young generation a structured & balanced lifestyle with its 4 Seasons, healthy living & considerate approach to others culture. However, from a young age, from watching international magazine & TV, she developed a strong desire to learn English & other cultures. This desire helped to enable Miyu to challenge herself abroad in the US & develop her English whilst gaining an international mindset to further her business career.
… To Influencer in Japan
Upon returning to Japan, Miyu started to do some freelance modelling where she was recognised as a potential talent for the Miss World Supermodel Pageant. From here, she used that strong discipline from her younger life, twinned with her international learnings to start training. Through rigorous training for walking, pose, etiquette & approach, she was successfully awarded the title of Miss World Supermodel Japan in 2012. In the following year, she was then also awarded as the ambassador role enabling her to start her charity works & mentoring of younger women in Japan.
To further her international exposure, Miyu moved to the Gold Coast in Australia & qualifying with her real estate licence in 2013. During this time, she gained a passion for using various social media channels including Instagram which was a relatively new application at that time. Developing her followers, through luxury hotels, fashion brands & beauty cosmetics, this helped to develop her profile. Additionally, being featured by the Japan Times for her insights into this fashion industry, enabled her followers to continue growing.
Favourite Brands of Miyu Minty
As an influencer within Japan, Miyu gained a respect & trust in both International & Japanese luxury brands. With Japan, internationally known for their beauty cosmetics, Miyu regularly uses Shiseido products due to their innovative way of creating new standards in the cosmetic industry. Whilst for fashion, Miyu developed a love for both Chanel & Shoji Tadashi, due to their iconic styles.
Being a Mom makes life complete
Whilst juggling her busy current work life, Miyu also has a 1-year-old boy. Having always been focused on her career, since having her son this has been a lifetime changing event. The view through childbirth and parenting, It’s not just filled with joy, but also with many challenges. Experiencing parenting first-hand, she has come to realize that there are so many things that don’t go as planned, and the ideal image I had of ‘how parents should be’ has pleasantly crumbled.
“Until becoming a mother, this helped my family life to be complete which is such a special feeling. Every day is a small celebration & I love being a mother, enjoying each & every moment” she said. She wants to warmly watch over and respect her child as a person with equal dignity, no matter how small they are.
Favourite places in Vietnam
One of Miyu’s favourite places in Hochiminh City, is the Sofitel Saigon Plaza also awarded as Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam Hotel of the Year in 2022. With Miyu’s love for fashion and social events, the Sofitel Saigon with its rich history originating from France, aligns well with her taste. The hotel has a chic design, authentic restaurants & bars with a deep heritage of arts & culture. She has been impressed with the hosting of many international fashion events and views it as the leading international 5* hotel in the city.
As relatively new to Vietnam, Miyu has still found time to travel and one of her favourite places is Hoi An. Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, the old town displays both local & foreign influences well. Known as the “bánh mì” capital of the Vietnam, Miyu also appreciates the various diverse food in Hoi An too. Famous for its lanterns, the town displays a beautiful array of colors, showcasing the beauty of Vietnam.
Favourite Vietnam Designers
She loves the approach of being independent, solid and confident, but also want to feel like a princess too. Therefore, her favourite designer currently is Tung Vu as his design is a “fairy tale effect”. Throughout the collection is the contrast between the fragile, colorless materials of velvet, silk, organza, chiffon, georgette and embellishments with a sophisticated finish with bold aesthetic qualities.
“I went to various fashion events here and love to discover more local designers and understand the designer’s origins and story“ she said.
Thoughts on Vietnam Life
Since moving to Vietnam, Miyu has been impressed the vibrant energy & positivity experienced so far. She has been inspired the deep sense of family orientated lifestyle, especially directed at kids. Before moving to Vietnam, Miyu had tried several signature Vietnamese foods, but is enjoying trying daily the wide variety of dishes such as Cari ga, Banh canh & Hue food. She is excited to continue to experience more of Vietnam, learning more about its deep culture & traditions.
**Team Credit**
Talent: Miyu Minty Toyonaga
Designer: Tung Vu
Photography: Nguyễn Dương Vũ
Photography Assistant: Tuấn Nguyễn
Makeup&Hair: Nguyễn Thi Trinh.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
