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by Ken Toyota, December 3rd, 1998 
"I was very pleased and surprised." Mina Yamaguchi, better
known to most wrestling fans as Princess Yamaguchi or "Beauty
Princess", said about her recent victory over former champion Nina
Miyagi, in her debut match. The big surprise was that this was
Yamaguchi's first time wrestling ever! "It was a little scary but I was
confident in my skills." Yamaguchi said.Everyone knows the story of Mina Yamaguchi, discovered by a top modeling agency at the age of 15 and one of the first Asian "super models" by 17. She shocked the world by deciding to return to her homeland of Japan, after a lengthy stay in the U.S., and become a professional wrestler. The U.S. press treated this like a joke but Mina was very serious indeed. "I never really paid any attention to the media." she admits. "Wrestling had always been my dream and I didn't care what anyone said." When I went to meet her, I didn't know what to expect. I mean this girl is a major celebrity. Her face is and has been seen almost everywhere. I expected a major celebrity attitude! But I was very surprised. She is a very sweet and friendly young woman and much wiser than her 18 years. "Modeling and traveling the world at such an early age forced me to grow up rather quickly." Yamaguchi stated." I didn't have too much time for a childhood." I met her at her hotel and decided that she was even more beautiful in person than any of her pictures, if that is possible. She wore no make up and said that she believes in letting natural beauty show. She wore a simple, white Calvin Klein slip dress (one of her favorite designers, she admitted) and matching heels. Her long, black hair fell past her shoulders. I decided to follow her during one of her favorite activities - shopping in downtown Tokyo. She is a self-described "clothes freak" and admits that one of the best perks of being a model are the free clothes that she receives from the designers. "I usually go shopping with my mother. I'm extremely close to my parents. I'm their only child so I guess you could say that they spoiled me." She says smiling. "I'm their little princess." She was very gracious and signed autographs for the fans when they approached her. "Being kind to the fans is very important. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today." She reflects fondly on her wrestling training with her stable, Models Inc., an American group of models/wrestlers who have been taken to task in the U.S. for emphasizing looks over wrestling skills. Their manager, Miss Melinda, a former wrestler and model, has been accused of promoting beautiful girls with no wrestling skills. Yamaguchi denies these charges. "Models Inc. doesn't deny that we only manage beautiful women. We work in the modeling industry and that is a given. But we are very serious athletes. The training I received from Miss Melinda and the others was very rigorous and difficult." Yamaguchi said. "Melinda feels that sending me to Japan is a good way to promote Models Inc. world wide. In fact, Angel Saito, another new Models Inc. member is now negotiating with the new J.I.W.W.A." Yamaguchi also said that she was pleased with her new home, Ringst*rs. "Ringst*rs is the best! They are very professional and very much like a family. They have welcomed me with open arms. I couldn't ask for a better promotion for my first time." she said excitedly, her brown eyes sparkling. "I am very dedicated to becoming the best wrestler in RINGST*RS. And I'll reach my goals as long as I uphold the Models Inc. values of beauty, class, and sophistication. It won't be long before I am a champion." Yamaguchi has modeled in England, France, Mexico, the U.S., and Jamaica, among others. And is fluent in both English and French. "I really like the U.S. and Mexico! I've had some great times there. In fact, I'm traveling to Mexico in two days for a photo shoot." she explained. Modeling one week and wrestling the next?! How does she do it? How does she separate the two? Is it difficult? "Nothings ever too difficult for a princess." she said with a sly wink and a smile. And with her attitude I tend to believe her. 
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