If they published Vogue magazine in heaven, Jessica Michibata would probably make the front cover on a regular basis. The seraph-faced, impossibly exotic paramour of Formula One driver Jenson Button is one of Japan's top models and was recently named an official ‘friend' of the TAG Heuer watch brand. A model since she was 13, Jessica has been a spokesperson for Peach John, the lingerie retailer, and has appeared in so many adverts that she has become one of Japan's most ubiquitous faces - not that you'll find anyone complain about that.
Speaking about dealing with the attention Button gets, she told London's Evening Standard last year, "I know women fancy him because he's a Formula 1 driver and world champion, not because of his personality. It's a fan thing, and I completely understand, because I get the same thing happening with male fans. One said he would have a tattoo of my face done on his body!"
Shortly before celebrating Button's victory in the Japanese Grand Prix last month, the 27-year-old told us about her post-modelling ambitions, her favourite UAE activities and why it's OK to judge a guy by his timepiece.
You have a fascinating heritage, being a mix of Japanese, Spanish and Italian. How many languages can you speak, and which football team do you support during World Cups? It must be a bit of a dilemma.
I speak Japanese and English. I can also speak a little bit of Spanish and French. Unfortunately I don't follow football very much, but when Japan and South Korea hosted the World Cup in 2002, I supported Japan, Italy and Argentina.
You've recently become an official ‘friend' of the Tag Heuer brand. Is a man's watch something you look at when judging his character? Some women say they find awful shoes a turn-off in men.
Yes, I do believe that watches are a very important item for men. Not only for fashion, but it's kind of like a statement, and you can sort of guess what the guy is like by looking at his watch.
Japanese women, including yourself, are known for their youthful looks. It can't just be all the sushi they eat. What's the big secret?
Japanese women definitely take very good care of their health. Especially when it comes to their skin. We have food that has collagen in it and it's very popular in Japan at the moment.
How did the tsunami in Japan affect you and your family and are you involved in the efforts to help Japan get back on its feet?
We were all very shocked and sad when it happened. I've been giving and also raising money to help the people who have been affected by this disaster.
Can you see beyond a career in modelling? What would you do if the work dried up tomorrow?
I'd like to try something I've never done, so maybe acting. I'm also interested in nutrition science and I love cooking, so maybe I'll study nutrition and open a healthy Japanese food restaurant somewhere in Europe one day.
What kind of film do you think you'd like to act in, and would you ever consider taking acting lessons?
I would love to take lessons one of these days as I have never been taught acting before! If I acted, I would prefer to be in drama, suspense or even action movies.
Which actress do you admire?
Naomi Watts.
You've previously visited the UAE. How much have you seen of the country? Have you seen any of the souqs or been on a desert safari?
I love visiting the souqs whenever I'm in the UAE. I've also enjoyed riding a camel in the desert and watching a belly-dance performance.
You must do a lot of travelling in your job? What is the most interesting place you have visited so far?
It is interesting to visit various places as each one is totally different from Japan, but I really enjoy staying in France. Of course, Paris is the epicentre of the fashion world.
Is the modelling industry in Japan as cut-throat and bitchy as elsewhere?
No, not really. I make sure I always work with the nice people.
