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Models are some of the most insecure people I've ever met. They're constantly being told they're not good enough. You've really got to practice loving yourself.

How many girls, models or not, are secure about their bodies? I think I'm more realistic about what to expect of myself now. I also have a lot of other things than modeling going on in my life that I'm proud of.

I was in a modeling contest when I was 16. People don't think it's different, modeling versus beauty pageants, but it is. As a model, you're still an individual. When you are crowned a Miss, you are representative of a lot.

I'm not just a model who plays volleyball, or a volleyball player who supports herself modeling. I'm a female athlete personality.

All eyes are on you when you're modeling and acting, and I just didn't want the attention when I wasn't working. But as I've gotten older, I've become more comfortable with my body and am taking more fashion risks.

I started modeling with a very negative part of me - I didn't really like myself or how I looked because I was very tall for a Japanese girl.

From as far back as I can remember, I was always insecure about my looks, whether it was my flat chest, my skinny legs, or how to cope with my body as it changed. With hindsight, I can see I was different. I was given a body that worked for photographic modelling and a photogenic face.

If you're comfortable with yourself, then you'll look beautiful. If you're not feeling comfortable with yourself, than that kind of shows. I think that as cheesy as the pageant industry can be seen at times, it actually does help women - boosting their confidence and growing into their own. I have to give it credit for that.