Rising star Meisa Kuroki (21) is all set to become a bigger name worldwide, with the help of a major commercial contract. She has just signed on as a spokesperson for cosmetics brand L'Oréal Paris, whose beauty products are popular in more than 150 countries.

Kuroki has been building her career in Japan since 2004, but she finally got her big international break last year when she starred in the joint Japanese-Chinese film "Subaru," based on a manga about a ballet dancer. Her performance caught the eye of L'Oréal's international general manager Vianney Derville, who praised Kuroki's elegance, beauty, and natural talent.

L'Oréal will feature Kuroki in advertisements around the world, starting with Japan in early March for the release of the new hair care product Damage Care PRO EX. The company's current roster of spokespersons includes top celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Beyonce, and Eva Longoria.