It has been estimated that around 1 in 10 actors are working at any given moment. For the other nine, that can make for a constant hustle — a Woody Allen character once described the film industry as being "worse than dog-eat-dog, it's dog-doesn't-return-other-dogs-phone-calls."

Japan is no exception. Like in Hollywood, the right look and a lot of luck are often necessary for success. Signing with a top management agency is also seen as crucial. Up-and-coming actress Nanami Kameda is aware of this, yet she currently manages herself. She'd previously been with two agencies — one during her early teens, the other shortly after returning from a four-year stay in Los Angeles — but is now biding her time before selecting the next one.

"It doesn't look good if you change agencies often so it's vital that I don't rush into anything and carefully consider my options," she tells The Japan Times confidently in English. "It sounds wonderful signing for a company who may be able to get you a role in a movie or TV show, but the reality can often be different. It's ruthless and many young people who sign up don't realize this."