Man Crush: Akihiro Sato

Man Crush: Akihiro Sato

Written by C. Mendez Legaspi
Monday, 06 October 2008 09:28

MEET Penshoppe’s prized hot property: the Japanese-Brazilian bombshell Akihiro Sato On the web site thedailymodel.com, Akihiro Sato is listed as No. 8 among the top 100 Asian models. (The top spot goes to Wu Zun, the Brunei-born, Japan-based boy-band member of Fahrenheit. Marc Nelson is fifth. The Coffee Prince Gong Yoo is ninth.) Thanks to a heady mixture of Brazilian and Japanese blood (like Ford supermodel Juliana Imai), the charming model’s rise is nothing short of phenomenal, especially in this country which has grown enraptured in recent years with the seductive chinky eyed.

Following a stint in Thailand as a top-flight model, Akihiro waded into Manila’s shores and created not just a ripple. The unassuming man created shockwaves across the modeling world. Overlooked by lifestyle empire Bench, Akihiro found a home in retail player Penshoppe.
Taking over the reins as Penshoppe’s main man (after actor/musician Jericho Rosales), Akihiro leads a Brazilian-Japanese domination of the local fashion scene. The swoon-worthy Hideo Moraoka lords over Folded & Hung, while the gorgeous Nagae Ono takes over the runways and editorial spreads.

In between English and Filipino classes at the University of the Philippines and overtures at Star Magic for a future show-business progression, the sizzling modeling star and Mercator Model Management mainstay pauses to answer some questions.

Does your name mean anything?
It was the name of the Japanese emperor’s son.

What makes Manila a more desirable working place than Bangkok or any of the places you modeled before coming here?
Well, everybody here speaks good English; that helps me in improving mine. And people here are really friendly.

Is acting your next goal? What are your preparations before you go into show business?
Yes, acting is definitely my next goal. I have been studying every day acting, speech, English, Tagalog and voice.

Who are the people you are grateful to for the big breaks coming your way?
I’m really grateful for the Mercator team, especially Mama Jonaz [Gaffud, Mercator maven] and Penshoppe for the support, and [designer] JC Buendia.

How does it feel to be a Penshoppe endorser?
Honored, for giving me their trust in so short a time.

What do you miss most from your homeland?
Family and the surf.

When your family and friends ask about the Philippines, what do you tell them, good and bad?
I always mention the beautiful islands, their strong religion—which is the same as mine, and that makes me feel comfortable—and how nice the people are here.

Besides you, there are Nagae and Hideo with mixed Japanese and Brazilian blood; do you think you’re being multiracial is an advantage in modeling?
It is an advantage, in a way.

What qualities do you have that will make you a success here?
Humility and happiness, because I can always see a good side in everything.

How long do you intend to stay in Manila?
Forever!