Chasing Dreams
with Playboy New Zealand March 2025 cover star Mimi / @mimikickass
Tell us about the moment you found out you would be featured in the magazine. What was your initial reaction? When I first got the news, I could hardly believe it! I was so excited and proud of how far I’ve come. Being featured in Playboy is definitely a dream come true!
Can you share your favorite shot or spread from the magazine and why it holds special significance for you? There’s one shot that stands out to me because it was my very first photoshoot after successfully losing 40 lbs (18 kg). This photo represents all the hard work I put in, and it makes me feel incredibly confident.
When you’re not working, what helps you decompress and relax? I love going to the gym and working out in my free time. It’s a great way for me to stay in shape, clear my mind, and focus on my goals. Working out not only helps me physically, but it also boosts my confidence and mental strength.
What’s the strangest fan encounter you’ve ever had? One of the strangest fan encounters I had was when I went to a restaurant, and the valet turned out to be a fan. He saw me pull up and literally froze, then started fumbling with my keys like he’d never seen a car before. He was so excited, that he gave me a little pep talk about how much he admired my work and even asked if I wanted a ‘VIP parking spot’—I was like, buddy, you’re already doing that, you’re the valet! It was hilarious and definitely a moment I won’t forget.
What’s the best “wardrobe malfunction” story that you can now laugh about? One of my funniest wardrobe malfunctions happened at an event in Vegas. I was walking around, enjoying the night, when suddenly I heard a loud ‘rip!’ My dress had torn right down the back, right where my butt was. I tried to stay cool, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Thankfully, my best friend was there and quickly saved the day by fixing it for me. It definitely made for a memorable moment, and we couldn’t stop laughing about it all night.
What are some of your biggest dreams you hope to achieve? I’m originally from Japan, and one of my biggest dreams as a model is to work with top fashion brands and continue pushing my creativity in the industry. I also want to inspire others and keep working towards my goals, no matter where they take me in the world.
What’s the weirdest beauty tip or trick you’ve picked up? The weirdest beauty tip I’ve picked up came from my Japanese mom. When I was a teenager, she always told me to save the water from washing rice and use it to wash my face. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but after trying it, I noticed my skin felt smoother and brighter. It’s a traditional beauty trick that actually works.
If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one accessory, what would it be? If I were stranded on a deserted island with only one accessory, I’d choose a sharp, reliable knife. It’s practical, versatile, and would help me handle whatever comes my way plus, I’d definitely need it to open coconuts.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure snack? My go-to guilty pleasure snack is definitely Korean sweet and spicy puffs. They’re the perfect mix of flavors—sweet, spicy, and totally addictive! I can never stop at just one.
What is the absolute worst thing a man can do to completely put you off? The absolute worst thing a man can do to completely put me off is when his actions and words are not aligned. If someone says one thing but does another, it shows a lack of integrity, and that’s a huge turn-off for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring models? My advice to aspiring models is that no matter where you’re from or how old you are, if you’re passionate and dedicated, you can make it. Never stop believing in yourself and keep pushing toward your goals.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, do you have any last words to our readers and where can they find you? Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! To all the readers out there, never stop chasing your dreams and believe in the power of hard work. You can find me on Instagram @MimiKickass, where I share my journey and connect with my followers.
