Introduction: What is "The Core of Charming People"?

When I was preparing to speak with Michiko Fujiwara after a long time, I initially considered the title "The Secret of Beauty." However, I felt the word "beauty" was too superficial.

I've always believed that truly wonderful people are brimming with charm, and that's what makes them seem "beautiful." Moreover, I've often experienced how people become more charming and thus more beautiful as they age. I also feel that people's charm has some kind of "core" to it, so this time, from the perspective of a beauty scientist, I decided to explore "The Core of Charming People" through interviews.

The "Core of Inspiration"

The Radiance of Michiko Fujiwara, a Charming Person

Watching Michiko Fujiwara continue to shine in makeup and beauty features in magazines and on television, as well as in commercials for whitening products, I've been struck by how her allure has grown year by year.
I kept wondering what was enhancing her charm. Then, this project came to fruition, allowing me to meet and interview her in person after a long time.
It had been over a decade, but the moment we met, time seemed to vanish. The interview began with a warm "Welcome," as if we saw each other often. So, I decided to probe what ignites her "core of charm."

Inspiration Manifests as Visuals

Ms. Fujiwara is always challenging herself with new things, but she says she doesn't actively pursue them herself.
She explained that if one has inspiration and intuition, they can discern the right opportunities from what surrounds them or what comes their way. In such cases, inspiration appears as a visual, and by bringing that vision to reality, everything tends to work out.


"I don't consciously think about challenging myself; it arises as inspiration, and when I have the intuition that it's the right path, I start. And when I do, it's amazing," Ms. Fujiwara told me.

Visuals in Full Color

She mentioned that "inspiration on a makeup set" often strikes while looking at the models, the clothing, or the cosmetics.
"Sometimes inspiration comes from a specific lipstick among many. However, when it doesn't strike, it can be challenging..." This seems to be Ms. Fujiwara's method: once inspired, her work proceeds swiftly.

"I try to quickly bring the fleeting visual inspiration into form. In my case, it's like painting." The visuals, she says, appear in full color. (Incidentally, I was delighted to discover that I too often receive inspiration and ideas as full-color visuals, following a similar process.)

Even Text is Input as Visuals

Inspiration can be triggered by stimuli perceived through the five senses, but for Ms. Fujiwara, it originates from visual input – what she sees and perceives with her eyes, which then manifests as an image.
"For example, when shooting a commercial, even if the lines are short, it's not enough to just hear 'Please say it like this.' I need to have the script written out large, so I can input it through my eyes. That's why my inspiration is visual."

Her Inner Self Appears as a Visual

When applying makeup to a model, even if they arrive with makeup on, she sees only their bare face. Instead, the person's inner self appears as a visual, like a double image superimposed.
This style of thinking about how to realize that initial visual image and then acting upon it was something she developed through her work.

It's likely that for Ms. Fujiwara, the experience of realizing countless inspirations through her work as a makeup artist—transforming visual sparks into makeup—has become nourishment, deeply rooted in her mind and body.
When I see Ms. Fujiwara on television or in magazines, she always seems to be sparkling. Perhaps we are actually perceiving her expressions and gestures as she captures inspiration. Indeed, I felt that inspiration is the core of charm.