In ultra-conservative Japan, where change often happens at a snail's pace, top catwalk model Melody Yoko Reilly believes fashion has a role to play in shifting society's attitude to race and identity.
The 27-year-old, who was born in California's Redondo Beach to a Japanese mother and an American father, told AFP that mixed-race models have already altered the DNA of the fashion business there.
Reilly, who has represented dozens of brands including cosmetics maker Shiseido and casual fashion giant Uniqlo, points to the fact a half-Japanese with African American heritage, Ariana Miyamoto, won last year's 'Miss Universe Japan' title as a sign that things are changing.
