A model, actress, DJ and master of streetstyle, Akimoto Kozue is one of Japan’s ‘It’ girls. Famed for her sleek black hair and wardrobe to match, the Tokyo-based model is adored by streetstyle photographers. Her unique look has also seen her featured in Vogue Taiwan, Harper’s Bazaar China, Grazia and Elle Japan, as well as Hypebae, Nylon and GQ Japan. In addition to her editorial work, Akimoto has walked on runways in Japan, Milan and Paris fashion weeks, and featured in campaigns for Givenchy, Kenzo and Adidas.
As the daughter of champion sumo-wrestler Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, Akimoto has been in the public eye from a young age. After graduating from Tokai University, she started her career as an actress, making her first appearances in supporting roles in Japanese television dramas and reality programmes. Akimoto made her name in the MTV Japan programme “Shibuhara Girls,” which premiered in 2011. Although she has since transitioned more into modelling, she continues to undertake video and film work, having most recently been a voice actor in Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs,” released in 2018. Akimoto is also a DJ and has hosted a radio programme since 2014.
Among her many accolades, Akimoto has released two books; her most recent title “Kozue 2017-2018,” launched in May 2018 in honour of her 30th birthday. The book is a compilation of work from illustrators, writers and photographers. She counts Mitsuhiro Kubo , the owner and creative director of the concept store GR8, as a mentor, who provided his store space for the launch of her second book.
In 2018, Akimoto married Japanese actor Shota Matsuda. She is represented by LesPros agency.
