Beauty
March 4, 2015
Kihō Watanabe | Part 21: Conversation with Chico Shigeta, Founder of『SHIGETA』, and Kihō Watanabe (1)
Chico SHIGETA × Kiho Watanabe
The Allure of SHIGETA’s Blended Essential Oils (1)
This time, we welcome Chico SHIGETA, founder of SHIGETA, who is dedicated to promoting the importance of self-care in Paris, France. SHIGETA’s original method based on natural healing, “Vitality Coaching®,” is highly acclaimed, particularly among celebrities in Paris, for its holistic approach.
I am also a huge fan of SHIGETA’s original blended essential oils. This autumn, I’ve incorporated them into my salon’s head spa menu. I wanted to take this opportunity to delve into why SHIGETA’s oils are so effective.
Composition and text by Harumi Someyaphoto by Jamandfix(TOP)
Discovering SHIGETA and Meeting Chico SHIGETA
WatanabeIt all started when a beauty magazine editor, T, who was very fond of SHIGETA’s oils, introduced me to Chico, saying, “Why don’t you meet her?” T is someone I trust implicitly, so I readily agreed to meet her.
ChicoEven from Paris, I was aware that EXCEL is a salon that places great emphasis not only on styling but also on care. When I actually visited the salon, I understood why. All the clients receive wonderful styling and a comfortable care experience. I really felt the pleasant atmosphere of the salon.
WatanabeTo be honest, because of my profession, I receive many offers to try various products. So, when I first heard about SHIGETA’s oils, my reaction was rather indifferent (laughs). Frankly, I thought, “I’ll just listen to what she has to say,” with a casual attitude.
However, when Chico massaged me with SHIGETA’s oil, I could feel it penetrating my body! I realized this was an amazing, high-quality oil and immediately wanted to use it in my salon. It was an instant decision.
ChicoAt that time, I met you with the hope that you would come to know SHIGETA’s oils, so I was delighted that you appreciated their quality. Thank you.

Kiho Watanabe
WatanabeAfter that, when I told friends, acquaintances, and colleagues that my salon would be using SHIGETA’s oils, I was surprised by the enthusiastic response from so many people. Many were already devoted users, and they are all individuals with discerning taste. It reaffirmed my conviction that these oils are truly exceptional.
SHIGETA Oils Deliver Results in a Short Time
WatanabeI was surprised by how quickly and powerfully the oils work. Due to my work, I often suffer from severe headaches, feeling a constant heaviness in my head. But after a massage with SHIGETA’s oil, my headache eased to an extent that I was taken aback, and this relief lasted for about a week. Fatigue naturally accumulates, so the condition eventually returns, but with regular care, one can be freed from headaches. I had my staff give me a massage yesterday, so I feel refreshed today.

Chico SHIGETA
ChicoAnd my hair is so shiny, too.
WatanabeThat’s right. Not only does it relieve fatigue, but it also makes hair incredibly shiny. I keep wondering, why? Why is it so effective?
ChicoThat’s precisely what the blends are designed for. The oils are blended according to their benefits. For example, the oil we use for beauty treatments, ‘Vitality Crown,’ not only addresses the scalp directly but also works from within to nourish and condition the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth. It has a dual approach.
People use oils for specific reasons, whether it’s to relax or to improve their constitution. However, many are busy with their daily lives and find it difficult to implement beneficial practices, even if they know about them. That’s why SHIGETA’s oils are blended for specific purposes, so they can be used easily and as they are. Complicated routines are hard to maintain.
WatanabeExactly. I’m quite lazy, so I understand perfectly (laughs).
ChicoI’m the same way (laughs). So, when I was creating these oils, I thought that if I, being prone to laziness, couldn’t do something, then others probably couldn’t either. I used myself as the benchmark. As a result, we developed oils that can be used undiluted, and while massage is beneficial, they are effective even with simple application.

Because They Are Safe Oils, They Can Be Used Simply
ChicoThe fact that they can be used simply is also because these oils are safe. We employ a special blending technique. And we focus on ensuring that even those unfamiliar with aromatherapy can use them effectively with just one bottle, with simple application and safety as key features. So, we are confident that they are bound to be effective (laughs).
WatanabeThat’s reassuring.
ChicoWe also carefully select the essential oils we use, such as chamomile harvested from this garden or sage from that house. To create safe blended oils, the quality of the essential oils themselves must be high.
WatanabeDo you handle the blending yourself, Chico?
ChicoNo, it’s a collaboration with a French chemist. I utilize my knowledge, experience, and intuition for blending, and he verifies its efficacy at a molecular level, confirming what works for which condition. Furthermore, I am responsible for the scent, aesthetic, and usability. The aroma is crucial; no matter how effective a product is, it won’t be used if it doesn’t smell good. Additionally, since the human body doesn’t always react predictably, we conducted tests to observe its response during actual use. Through this iterative process of evaluating how the blends affect both the body and mind, we arrived at the final formulations.
Part 22: Chico SHIGETA × Kiho Watanabe (2)To be continued
Profile
Chico SHIGETA
Founder of SHIGETA. After exploring various well-being practices in Japan and France, she developed her original method based on natural healing, “Vitality Coaching®.” Her highly intuitive coaching has been featured in French media and magazines, earning acclaim from Parisian celebrities, artists, world-renowned fashion designers, film directors, and VIPs from Japan’s business world visiting Europe.
SHIGETA Japan
Tel. 03-3770-6885
http://www.shigeta.fr


EXCEL Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown Galleria 2F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Inside Shu Sanctuary
Tel. 03-5413-7236 (Direct)
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
www.excel-excel.co.jp
www.shusanctuary.com
