Next month, as she approaches her 60th birthday, Japanese model and multi-talented instructor Yoka Takine (滝根 陽花) is making headlines globally, proving that “dreams can come true at any age.” Her inspiring journey began with a dramatic lifestyle change at age 56, leading her directly to the runways of the world, including a major debut at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
From 70kg to Global Model: A Four-Year Transformation
Takine’s modeling career is rooted in a personal triumph over health and fitness. At the age of 56, standing 162cm tall and weighing 70kg, she committed to a drastic diet and exercise regimen. Within six months, she successfully lost 25kg.
This transformation fueled her entry into the beauty pageant world at 57, culminating in her winning the Japan Grand Prix at age 58. By 59, she had fully launched her career as a model, participating in numerous fashion shows and gaining media coverage on television and YouTube.
NYFW Debut: A Negotiated Success
The highlight of her recent achievements is her participation in the global fashion circuit. On September 12th and 13th, 2025, Takine walked the runway for two designers at THE bureau FW during New York Fashion Week.
Notably, Takine’s appearance was secured without an agent or broker. She personally negotiated her role, communicating in English and submitting a custom-made digital comp card. She was the only Japanese individual among hundreds of models, staff, and attendees, solidifying her status as an international model.
To prepare for her New York and Paris engagements, Takine intensely focused on her physique, losing an additional 5kg. She currently maintains an impressive figure at 162cm and 40kg.
Paris FW Role: Model and Team Contributor
In addition to her NYFW success, Takine was heavily involved in the Paris Fashion Week activities on September 30th.
• She served as a Lookbook Model for designer Hasegawa Maya’s (はせがわマヤ) GX FW Collection.
• She will be featured in a special edition international magazine, 365ART+, dedicated to Hasegawa Maya’s Paris FW collection, with a full-page feature and other photographs.
• In a separate capacity, Takine also participated as a staff member for the Japancolle Team during the Paris FW, walking in the Designers & Staff Runway. (It is important to note that her role in Paris was specifically as a model for the Lookbook and a staff member for the runway/team, distinct from her direct runway modeling role in New York).
The Entrepreneurial Instructor
Based in Osaka, Takine utilizes her diverse skills and life experience to run a home-based salon, though her counseling reaches nationwide via Zoom. Her extensive list of offerings includes:
• Runway Model Walking Instructor
• Subconscious Mind Diet Counselor/Trainer
• Kimono Dressing Instructor
• Cartonnage and Preserved Flower Instructor
• Medical Aroma Instructor/Advisor
• French Cuisine & Confectionery Instructor
• Protocol Manners and Table Setting Instructor
Takine states her main goal is to inspire others, proving that age is merely a number when pursuing one’s passion. She balances her demanding career with personal interests like classical music and ballet, and proudly refers to herself as a “Grandmother working hard on model body-making and using strength training to manage her grandchildren 👠🩷.”
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