Supple Muscles Strengthen Both Mind and Body

— Besides Takarazuka, are there other things you're passionate about?

Hiromi YamamotoI've gotten hooked on strength training.
Adult women need muscle. Without adequate muscle, both body and mind can become unstable. That used to be me. I never exercised and had no stamina. But once I built muscle, my body became incredibly energetic, and my spirits lifted too.
I train with a personal trainer once a week for an hour. I've been doing that diligently for about eight years, and I've finally reached a decent level, so last year I started going to a gym as well.
In any case, I've realized that building muscle strengthens both mind and body, so I can get absorbed in training. I'll continue for my health and beauty. Within reason, of course—I don't want to get too muscular (laughs).

Kiho WatanabeWhat I want is "supple muscle." I understand what you mean, as I've been doing resistance training for about two and a half years.

HiromiKiho, the effects of your training are remarkable. Your appearance has changed dramatically.

KihoI feel like the quality of my muscles is completely different. My upper arms have become toned, and I feel more confident.
I used to go to the esthetician frequently, but ever since I started resistance training, I haven't gone at all. After all, body lines don't change that easily with just massages. While I understand that it can lead to beauty, you first need to establish a solid foundation with your muscles.

Hiromi Yamamoto

HiromiI agree! Supple muscles come first.

— What about beauty? Is there anything you're particularly into?

HiromiMy beauty philosophy is, "What can I achieve with my own body?" Nowadays, there are many options like cosmetic procedures, but I want to embrace the changes that come with age naturally, without relying on them as much as possible.

Of course, given my profession, when cosmetic procedures first became available in Japan, I researched them thoroughly and was very interested. But seeing those around me try them one after another made me step back. I felt that perhaps there should be someone who could convey what happens when you age naturally, and what effects ordinary cosmetics can have.

— So, even if you receive various information, you don't jump on board?

HiromiI don't. I'll confirm what others are doing and think, "I see," but I stick to my own methods. Determining what can be achieved with my own hands and ordinary cosmetics is, for me, a path as a beauty professional. I hope to convey this to women everywhere through my own experience.

Being beautiful is for yourself, and it's also a form of etiquette towards others.

HiromiRegarding beauty, Kiho, I admire how you always put on makeup properly when you're going to be in front of people. I first noticed this on our trip to Los Angeles together.
We were going to have dinner with a hairstylist Kiho had been seeing for years, and there wasn't much time before the appointment. Normally, you'd think, "I just have to go as I am." But Kiho took a shower, touched up her makeup, changed her clothes, and then went. She does that even if she's a little late.

KihoThat hairstylist taught me. She said, "A woman must always shower, reapply her makeup, and then come to dinner."

HiromiThat was quite a revelation for me. I thought, "That's right, it's a matter of courtesy."

KihoExactly. Presenting yourself neatly is a clear form of etiquette towards the person who has prepared a proper setting for you.

— I see. Grooming isn't just for yourself, but also for others.

HiromiMichiko Fujiwara, a makeup artist, has always been my diva. Whenever I attended her talk shows or makeup shows, there was always a wonderful Michiko there, and I always looked forward to seeing her and was delighted.
Now, I find myself increasingly in the public eye, and I realize that Michiko likely paid attention to her appearance because she believed that looking presentable was a form of courtesy to others. That's why I also strive to present myself in a way that will please those who are present when I'm in front of people.
Therefore, I also strive to present myself in a way that will please those who are present when I'm in front of people.

KihoApplying makeup and styling your hair appropriately for the occasion is very important.

HiromiIt's about TPO (Time, Place, Occasion). Many people say, "My makeup always looks the same." The solution is simple: change your perspective slightly. Is it a formal occasion, a relaxed one, or a critical one? Simply adjusting your makeup to suit the situation can dramatically change the impression you give. It's just a small change, a slight consideration for yourself and those around you, and you can easily transform.

KihoGrooming also affects your mood. When you're dining, if the other person is well-presented, the atmosphere becomes more enjoyable, and the food tastes better, doesn't it? I truly believe one must always be well-groomed.

Profile
Hiromi Yamamoto (Hair & Makeup Artist)

After graduating from the Shiseido Beauty School, she worked as a hair and makeup artist for a cosmetics company, involved in advertising, public relations, and product development. She became a freelancer in 1992.
Her theme is "beauty as a consumer." She presents simple and easy-to-understand beauty theories, primarily in beauty and women's magazines. She is active in a wide range of fields, including makeup, writing columns, appearing in talk shows, and advising on cosmetic product development.