Before Fate, there was Tsukihime. Written by Kinoko Nasu and published by TYPE-MOON as its first visual novel in 2000, Tsukihime set the stage for a franchise estimated to be worth 7 billion USD. At the centre of it all, the illustrious heroine, Arcueid. 

According to a 2001 interview, illustrator Takashi Takeuchi based Arcueid’s design on a foreign model he had seen in a magazine. Unfortunately, the identity of the model was lost, and remained a mystery for the next 23 years.

Thanks to the help of users on Reddit, they were able to piece together the model’s identity as Amanda Dyer, a Canadian model who modeled for SPUR magazine in 1996.

Presenting all-new images from the original photoshoot, Karoshi and Anime Trending had the opportunity to interview Amanda Dyer about modeling in Japan, and her introduction to the world of Tsukihime nearly 29 years later.

From the Far Side of the Moon

How did you find out about Tsukihime and Arcueid? What was your initial reaction to this unexpected revelation after so many years?

Amanda Dyer: It started with a message on Facebook. A fan reached out and said something like, “This might sound strange, but we think you’re the model that inspired a major character in a Japanese game.”

To be honest, I get a lot of random messages on social media, so I almost scrolled right past it. But this one caught my eye because they had attached actual photos of me from my modeling days. 

That made me stop and read the rest.

He explained that there was an entire group of fans who had been trying to track me down for over 20 years. That part blew my mind. They had even brought in Stefan Morse, who’s known for solving online identity mysteries. 

This wasn’t just casual speculation, these fans had gone full detective mode. They traced the shoot back to a 1996 issue of SPUR and slowly started connecting the dots.

When I saw the Reddit post, how detailed and passionate it was, I was completely stunned. 

You live a whole life, move through different careers, raise kids, and then one day you find out that part of your story has been living in this parallel universe the entire time.  It’s strange, beautiful, and completely unexpected.

⁠What led you to want to become a model in the first place?

Amanda Dyer: When I was 14, there was this massive modeling competition in Toronto, with over 3,000 girls competing. I was down with the flu that day, barely able to lift my head, but something in me said, “Go.” 

So I showed up, sick and all, and somehow placed second.

The top agencies were there, and I still remember them saying, “You’re too young right now, but come back in a year.” So we did. 

A year later, I walked into Elite’s office — one of the biggest agencies on the planet — and they signed me.

Was there any reason you moved to Japan when you were just a teenager? Was there something that interested you there, or did you find that it had an opportunity for you?

Amanda Dyer: After signing with Elite, I was doing some modeling gigs around Toronto, figuring it all out. About six months in, a scout from Tokyo flew in and saw me.

 She approached me and said, “We’d love to bring you to Japan.” I remember thinking, “Wait, what? Me?” Then she mentioned the offer, which at the time felt like serious money, especially for someone who was still in high school.

A few months later, I was on a plane to Tokyo, signed with Satoru Japan. I didn’t speak the language, didn’t know a soul, but I was all in. 

Japan was on fire back then. The fashion scene was bold, fast, and full of energy. There was this amazing contrast between tradition and hyper-modern culture that completely drew me in.

Can you tell us about some of the brands you’ve worked with during your modeling career, and share a few standout moments you’re especially proud of?

Amanda Dyer: I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with some of the most iconic fashion houses in the world. From Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, and Max Mara, to Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, the journey took me to places I never could have imagined when I first started out in Canada.

My career quickly went global. I was based in Tokyo, but from there, it took me across the fashion capitals, like Milan, Paris, New York, Singapore, Germany, and Greece. 

I was one of the youngest models walking the major shows at the time. I vividly remember the surreal feeling of being backstage with some of the world’s biggest supermodels, many of whom were incredibly kind and took me under their wing.

In the Spur of the Moment

⁠What kind of fashion magazine is SPUR? What is the target subculture, audience, and type of fashion featured in the magazine? 

Amanda Dyer: SPUR is one of those magazines that really defined an era in Japanese fashion. In the 90s, it was everywhere, and being featured in it meant you were part of something culturally significant.

 It was the coolest thing ever!

What made SPUR stand out was its ability to walk the line between avant-garde and mainstream. It showcased bold, directional fashion without losing that sense of polish and sophistication. 

You could see an edgy Comme des Garçons editorial on one page and then a beautifully styled Max Mara campaign on the next. It pushed boundaries, but it did so with elegance.

It wasn’t just about wearing clothes, it was about telling a story through fashion. That’s what made it special. 

⁠What led you to be contacted by SPUR to do a photoshoot?

Amanda Dyer: I don’t remember the exact casting, but I do remember how it felt to be booked by them. SPUR had a reputation for producing really thoughtful, artistic editorials, so when I got the call that I was confirmed, it felt like a milestone.

It really came down to the right look meeting the right energy. 

When you’re in sync with a place and a moment in time, these kinds of opportunities tend to find you. And that’s exactly what happened with SPUR.

What was the main inspiration behind the original photoshoot? What was the style that you were going for in the original magazine shoot? 

Amanda Dyer: This was a full-scale professional editorial, the kind where every detail is considered and nothing is left to chance. 

The photographer was Shigeo Shidara, a visionary behind the lens. Hair and makeup were done by Coco from AVGVST, and I was styled in pieces by Agnès b., which brought this chic, understated elegance to the whole look.

I was actually the cover model for that issue, which made the experience even more meaningful. The overall style was clean, minimal, and modern — very reflective of Tokyo’s aesthetic in that era.

Think sharp silhouettes, natural light, and a quiet kind of sophistication. It wasn’t about being overly styled or dramatic, it was about presence, subtlety, and precision.

What’s wild is looking back now and realizing how iconic that shoot has become. At the time, I had no idea it would resurface decades later and spark such an emotional response from fans. 

That’s the part that still blows my mind. 

⁠What were your favorite outfits from the photoshoot?

Amanda Dyer: There was one look in particular, a clean white turtleneck, that I absolutely loved. Maybe it’s the Canadian in me, but I’ve always had a soft spot for turtlenecks. They’re cozy, they’re classic, and they always photograph beautifully.

What I loved most about the outfits was how stripped back they were. There was no need for flashy pieces or bold accessories. The simplicity of the wardrobe allowed the mood, the lighting, and the emotion to come through. It was quiet, but powerful. 

Sometimes, less really is more.

You revealed never-before-seen photos from the photoshoot, including one where you are holding a cat. What is the story behind the cat in the photoshoot? 

Amanda Dyer: I wish I had some wild backstory, but the truth is, I honestly don’t remember where the cat came from.

It might have just been hanging around on set, or maybe someone from the crew brought it in at the last minute as a creative impulse. Either way, we rolled with it and shot a few frames.

One of those images turned out beautifully, me in that clean, minimal look, holding this totally relaxed cat. At the time, it was just another moment from a shoot. But now, looking back on it with everything happening around Arcueid and TYPE-MOON, it feels almost prophetic.

I mean, a photo of me holding a cat, and then there’s Neco-Arc, Arcueid’s wild, cat-like alter ego. I couldn’t make that up if I tried. The symmetry is unreal. I have a feeling that when fans see that image, they’re going to lose their minds  — in the best way.

Arcueid Brunestud, Moon Princess

⁠Tsukihime has a dedicated global fanbase. What has it been like to suddenly find yourself at the center of attention for this community? 

Amanda Dyer: The fans have honestly been incredible. Since the discovery came to light, I’ve had thousands of people reach out across my social platforms. 

Out of those thousands of messages, some have truly stayed with me. Fans have shared deeply personal stories about how Tsukihime changed their lives, how they saw themselves in Arcueid, and how her strength, complexity, and vulnerability helped them through really dark moments. 

I wasn’t prepared for that kind of emotion. I found myself just sitting with these stories and feeling the impact this character has had on people. 

Were there any messages from fans that stood out or inspired you in any way? 

Amanda Dyer: Definitely. What struck me most was how many fans weren’t just celebrating the discovery, they were asking to be part of something more.

It wasn’t just about Arcueid, it was about me, my style, my creative energy, and my story. That surprised me in the best way. People want to feel a connection not just to the character, but to the woman behind the inspiration.

You said you enjoyed vampire stories. What vampire-related stories were your favorite?

Amanda Dyer: Don’t laugh, but Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, like most people, I’ve probably watched both a million times. I’ve also seen Interview with the Vampire and Underworld, which I loved for their darker aesthetic, strong female leads.

There’s just something about the eternal mystery, the beauty, and the danger — it’s magnetic. Those worlds draw you in and don’t let go.

Gathering from what you currently know about Arcueid, what aspects do you think both of you share in common?

Amanda Dyer: Arcueid has this powerful, timeless presence with a bit of mystery, I can relate to that. Throughout my career, I was often cast in roles that needed that look: striking, slightly untouchable, yet emotionally layered. Her aesthetic also aligns with the kind of classic style I’ve always gravitated toward.

Honestly, I’ve always been a bit of a night creature. I’d take moonlight over the morning sun any day. That quiet intensity, that nocturnal energy — it resonates [in me]. There’s something beautifully lonely about it, but also strong. That part of her definitely feels familiar.

Looking back, did you ever imagine that your work in a fashion magazine could have such a huge impact on a completely different medium? 

Amanda Dyer: Not at all. When you’re modeling, you’re focused on the shoot in front of you, the team, the energy of the day, and then you move on to the next one. 

You never think that a single editorial could echo across decades and somehow inspire a character with such a passionate, global fanbase.

When I was on a job across Japan, I had a moment I’ll never forget. I was in a McDonald’s, just grabbing something to eat, and a group of teenage girls recognized me and completely freaked out, asking for autographs and were clearly excited. 

I wasn’t even working that day, just grabbing lunch, and suddenly it turned into a whole scene.

I still get messages from people who say they recently spotted me in a campaign or magazine somewhere. These images really have a life of their own. They keep resurfacing, finding new audiences, and creating new meaning.  

⁠What are your thoughts on anime influences within the spaces of fashion, and what kind of discussions on anime in fashion?

Amanda Dyer: We’re in a moment where anime and fashion are blending more than ever. You see anime-inspired aesthetics on the runway, in luxury brand campaigns, and even on red carpets. 

The visual language of anime is stylish, bold, expressive, and often emotionally charged. It makes complete sense that the fashion world is not just embracing it, but collaborating with it.

Anime offers a sense of character depth and fantasy that fashion naturally gravitates toward. And fans are no longer just observers, they’re part of the creative conversation. That shift has made room for some really fresh, unconventional expressions of style. 

What are your next steps in your career? Do you have any last closing thoughts about this whole experience?

Amanda Dyer: Right now, I’m continuing to travel the world through Living 360 Magazine, reviewing luxury hotels, interviewing top chefs, and curating global lifestyle content. I also run a homeware brand called Maison by Amanda Dyer, which is now expanding into fashion, with a clothing line launching soon.

I’ve had a lot of fans ask me to explore a fashion or makeup line inspired by Arcueid, and I think there’s something really exciting there. Not in a costume way, but in a more refined, wearable interpretation. The idea of taking a character’s essence, her strength, elegance, and edge, and turning it into something people can wear or live with every day is powerful.

There’s so much potential in that crossover between storytelling and style, and I think we’re only just beginning to tap into it.

This entire experience has been unexpected, emotional, and honestly, a lot of fun. I had no idea that a moment from my teenage years would come full circle like this.

It’s wild to think that a moment captured in a Tokyo studio so many years ago could ripple out and become part of something as rich and beloved as Tsukihime. It makes you realize how powerful visual storytelling can be, even when you don’t see it coming.