Hiromi Yamamoto x Kiho Watanabe: A Conversation Between Best Friends – When You Have Something You Love, You Can Become More Beautiful (4/Final)
Hiromi Yamamoto x Kiho Watanabe: A Conversation Between Close Friends
When You Have Something You're Passionate About, You Become More Beautiful (Part 4/Final)
“We’ll Gently Share the Secrets to Our Generation’s Well-being”
In the final installment of our beauty talk, we welcome Hiromi Yamamoto, a hair and makeup artist.
As adults, maintaining our health becomes another hobby. When you think of it that way, there should be many things to be passionate about. "If you only look at life from your usual perspective, you won't find them easily. Things you can be passionate about are often found just off the beaten path, or in the process of taking a detour," says Hiromi.
Text by Harumi SomeyaPhotos by Kaoru Kitahara
Even Everyday Life Can Be a Source of Passion
Hiromi Yamamoto
Hiromi YamamotoActually, there’s one more thing I’m really into. What is it, you ask? Walking. Originally, my legs and hips were weak, and I hated walking. But every doctor I saw told me, 'Walking is fundamental.' So, I started reluctantly. However, once I discovered these shoes called 'MBT,' everything changed, and now I find walking incredibly enjoyable.
MBT are scientific shoes that apply the superior walking techniques of the Masai people, who live barefoot. They are incredibly comfortable. Since I started wearing them, I've been able to walk much further. Now, unless I have a lot of luggage, I try not to take taxis. When I have time, I wander around town, and even at the gym pool, I actively choose to walk.
Kiho WatanabeThat’s wonderful. As for my recent interests, I suppose it’s about ‘living life properly.’
Do you understand? Walking properly, cooking properly – things that might seem ordinary to some people, I truly aspire to right now.
HiromiCertainly, with our irregular work schedules, being able to live a normal daily life is always a goal, isn't it?
KihoThat's why I try to shift my work schedule to get even a little bit of that time. But when I actually have free time, I find myself feeling anxious. I should have mountains of things to do, yet I don't know what to do right now. I want to work on that this year.
And then there's health. I'm currently engrossed in improving my health from the inside out.
Regular Body Maintenance. Mastering Health is Also Fascinating
KihoLast year, I had a comprehensive medical check-up for the first time. As a result, there were a few areas that needed improvement, and I was prescribed medication. I was surprised at how much better my body felt after taking it.
Until now, when I felt unwell, I would go for massages or acupuncture. But from now on, I've decided to add visiting a hospital as an option.
HiromiI get a health check-up once a year without fail. I don't go to hear the results, though (laughs). The point is, I like being examined by a doctor. In a way, this is a hobby.
KihoIt’s true, you seem to go to the doctor quite often (laughs).
In any case, maintenance is important. I suffer from stubborn headaches. The other day, I was introduced to a chiropractor, but they said I needed an X-ray before the chiropractic adjustment. So, I first went to a neurosurgery department. Since I was there, I decided to get a CT scan as well. They told me my brain was fine, and there were no major misalignments in my bones, so it must be my autonomic nervous system.
They said it was probably due to being too tired, so my nerves weren't resting. They prescribed medication to help me sleep.
Speaking of chiropractic care, I was recently introduced to a really good place.
It's a new style of chiropractic. Instead of cracking and popping, they just place a machine-like device on your face for about 15 minutes. But when I got home, I slept like a log. Usually, I wake up once or twice during the night, but that day, I slept for 12 hours straight. I guess it was the effect of the treatment. I was amazed.
KihoI want to continue to use hospitals and chiropractic care casually and get regular check-ups.
HiromiYes, after exercising and doing our best for ourselves, we rely on professionals for what we lack. That’s the secret to our well-being.
A Little Detour Can Lead to Life's Joys
“I want to have something I’m passionate about, but I can’t find it,” some people might say.
HiromiUltimately, I think people who say they can't find anything to be passionate about aren't actively looking for it. If you only live with your usual perspective, you won't easily find something to be passionate about. It's often found just off the beaten path or in the process of taking a detour, so you really have to make an effort to look for it every day. You have to be conscious of it.
As I've mentioned before, my passion for Takarazuka began because of work. At the time, I had no interest in Takarazuka at all, but I was enthusiastically invited, so I accepted, thinking, 'Let's do it then.'
As a result, that step of saying 'Let's do it then,' and thinking it was okay to take a little detour, has led me to where I am today.
KihoThe original reason I came to love theater was 'Hiromi, who was passionate about Takarazuka.' Seeing her excitedly going to the theater, I wondered why she could be so passionate about it, and I really wanted to know the reason (laughs).
So even now, I don't just go to Takarazuka because I like watching it; I also go because I like seeing Hiromi watching it. It's not uncommon for that to be a factor. In any case, when I'm with her, I feel energized.
“So, having someone who shares your feelings also has a positive effect, doesn't it?”
KihoYes. The degree of passion doubles, and the energy becomes more activated. It polishes me as well.
HiromiYou can quickly connect with people who share the same interests, even if you've just met. I just happened to be into Takarazuka, but I think it's the same for people who love K-pop or trains.
KihoSharing enjoyable times is enjoyable in itself. I look forward to our continued friendship.
HiromiLikewise!
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, engaging in advertising, public relations, and product development. She became a freelancer in 1992.
With a theme of "beauty as a way of life," 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.