An Era of Enjoying Stoicism

──What is the theme of the new "Epicurean" series?

In the first installment, "Your Sanctuary," released in 2009, we used silk keratin to improve texture.──This is what is known as "animal protein." At that time, organic products were not as widespread, so we focused on a smooth finish to ensure that even "organic beginners" could use it without hesitation. However, with the "Epicurean" series, we have eliminated all animal proteins and aimed for perfect organic purity, creating it entirely with plant-derived ingredients. The theme is precisely "back to basics." I believe we are now in an era where we enjoy being stoic. I wanted to see how far we could express elements of enjoyment and beauty through a stoic approach.

The theme is precisely "back to basics." I believe we are now in an era where we enjoy being stoic. I wanted to see how far we could express elements of enjoyment and beauty through a stoic approach.

──Why is using animal protein not considered stoic?

The idea is to incorporate chemicals that are convenient, effective, and harmless to the body, which is why they are used in many cosmetics and foods. When using products with many synthetic ingredients, one should be aware of the preservatives and synthetic fragrances. In essence, creating something from nothing goes against the laws of nature, which means humans are not living naturally.

What is Necessary for the Luxury of "Satisfaction"?

──What is the origin of the series name?

The word "Epicurean" is often misunderstood to mean "hedonist" or "epicurean." However, the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, from whom the word originates, pursued pleasure in life, and his ultimate conclusion was the luxury of "satisfaction." What he needed for that luxury was a small garden, a few fig trees, some cheese, and three or four friends. With these, he lived a life of great luxury.──These are the words of the German philosopher Nietzsche. We have incorporated the message of these words directly into the name "Epicurean."

How much can we positively enjoy being stoic?──It's not about becoming rigid and withdrawn. It's about whether we can use stoic elements to achieve beauty and positivity. After all, what's the point of being stoic if it doesn't lead to beauty or pleasure? (Laughs) I wanted to see how far I could express that.

──For what purpose?

In fact, the quality of "Your Sanctuary" is the same as that of foreign brands popular for their organic haircare. Everyone thinks those "pseudo-organic" products are organic, right? So, by creating something that can be definitively called organic, I wanted to prove that it's possible to achieve beautiful results without relying on chemicals.

Let's stop living in a superficial world of "sort of" and "almost." After experiencing March 11th, shouldn't we be asking ourselves, "What is truth?" I believe we should seek, incorporate, and enjoy truth in our daily lives.

Going Against Nature's Laws Means Not Living Naturally

──What are the negative aspects of animal protein, to begin with?

Of course, as humans, we are animals, and animal proteins are close to our bodies. However, they cannot be absorbed directly, so they are converted into compounds and added to products. In other words, they are chemicals. You have silk keratin derived from sheep's wool and fish collagen from fish, right? They sound natural when you hear them, as they come from living creatures. But that's a big mistake!

It's just that the "chemical amount" is within the limits that are safe for the body and have no impact when released into rivers or seas. Chemicals are chemicals. They cannot be called organic. Such ingredients are used in many cosmetics and foods. The idea is to incorporate chemicals that are convenient, effective, and harmless to the body.

I'm Going to Live on Earth, So I'm Becoming Stoic

──Should it be organic?

When we eat vegetables grown with pesticides, which are uniform in color and shape, our bodies become sterile. On the other hand, when we eat pesticide-free vegetables, we consume the bacteria in the soil along with them, which builds immunity in our bodies. Now, who do you think is more likely to get an upset stomach when traveling in Africa: someone who has been eating pesticide-treated vegetables or someone who has been eating pesticide-free vegetables? That's why organic is better.

If we were to move to space, I would understand. But if we are to continue living on Earth, we have no choice but to follow the laws of the Earth. It is only natural to feel a sense of crisis when acting against them.

I don't want to be misunderstood; moving to space is perfectly fine. I think there are two main ways of thinking. But if we don't discuss it without ignoring the space-faring perspective, we'll end up with something half-baked, won't we? I intend to live on Earth, so I am becoming stoic. It's as simple as that.

The "YUMEDREAMING Hair Tonic," a product born from overwhelming popularity at the spa

──The number of items has increased significantly compared to last time!

This time, we collaborated with Nature's Way, the company behind the organic cosmetics brand "Naturaglace," to develop the products. They are an "incredibly stoic" organic cosmetics manufacturer, to the point where you'd say, "How stoic can they get!?" (laughs), kneading agar-agar by hand to make gels.

The series includes shampoo, conditioner, hair mist, mousse, and gel, for a total of 10 items. However, the "YUMEDREAMING Hair Tonic" is a hybrid, developed in collaboration with a cosmetics manufacturer called Hifuken, not Nature's Way. It incorporates compounds made with a structure that reliably breaks down into water, called "liquid crystal." This tonic is not a new creation; it was previously used exclusively in the salon's spa and became so popular that we decided to release it alongside the series.

──Why Hifuken?

It's a truly difficult situation. That's precisely why I'm doing this! I said. Then, Dr. Suzuki's heart began to soften. He said, "It's true that we have been putting female hormones into our products."

Products Made with Medicinal Herbs and Botanicals by Someone Who Truly Understands the Dangers of Chemicals

What this means is that the triangular area from the crown of the head to the temples is where hair grows due to the action of female hormones. Body hair grows due to male hormones, but you sometimes see men with thick body hair but thinning on top, right? That's because their male hormones are too strong, causing the top of their head, where female hormones act, to thin. So, for thinning hair on the crown, you simply supplement with female hormones – a straightforward addition.

Try finding a shampoo with half rose water – you won't find one!

──What are the features of the shampoo and conditioner?

First, I want to say that in the previous series, we used Bulgarian rose water, and I believe I declared at the launch that "we will use domestic rose water someday." Well, we've switched to domestic! We are now using rose water from Damask roses, which we started cultivating three years ago at a rose garden in Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture.

Typically, shampoo bases are 90% purified water, with small amounts of other ingredients added. So, it's mostly water. However, in this new product, we've increased the rose water content to 50%. Try finding a shampoo like that; you won't find one (laughs). Instead of using animal proteins, we've challenged ourselves to achieve a smooth texture by generously using rose water, which has cosmetic effects. And of course, please look forward to the fragrance!

For such hair types, a "moisturizing type" is usually recommended. However, "moisturizing" can make the roots look flat and greasy, causing excess sebum to be secreted because the lipid barrier isn't properly formed. This shampoo was created for people with fine hair who experience oiliness from the roots. This is common for those with strong male hormones. Women also experience a decline in female hormone secretion with age, leading to less vitality in the hair on their crowns. However, a lack of vitality here can make one look older. While I don't necessarily want to look young, I do want to look healthy, don't I? For such individuals, I recommend using this shampoo in combination with the "Hair Tonic."

It's Also Okay to Use on Your Skin!

──And the conditioner?

──Can I use this series' shampoo to wash my body, and can the styling products be used on the skin too?

The "Hair Mist" contains pea protein as its protein source. We were inspired by the organic facial mist made by Nature's Way. When I used that organic facial mist, my skin felt incredibly soft and supple. Organic products are usually light and refreshing, right? That's the standard, like 1+1=2. But that facial mist felt like 1+1=5! The secret to that sticky, moist feeling is the pea protein. It's a sugar, so like sugar water, when sprayed, it becomes sticky and sets, which made me think it could be used to style hair.

Therefore, since it was originally a facial mist, it's perfectly fine to use on the skin. You know how some people spray water on their skin when they feel dry? That's a misconception; water evaporates and actually makes your skin drier. It also generates static electricity. However, by adding sugar, it becomes less prone to evaporation and acts as a moisturizing agent. So, you can spray it on like a light facial mist, and it will also style your hair (laughs).

This "Gloss Gel" is the same. In fact, it's also a nail gel. When you apply nail gel or oil, it inevitably gets on your fingertips. If you then touch something, it transfers, and many people dislike the sticky feeling and wipe it off. Isn't it great that this can also be used as a hair glossing gel? It seems to be the best-selling item at Isetan right now!

Because I have loved ones and people I want to protect, I can't stop thinking about the future!

──Compared to the launch of the first installment in 2009, societal views have likely changed significantly.

It is clear that the "correct way of thinking" discussed in society has shifted from prioritizing economic development to protecting the Earth. I don't think there's anyone left who doesn't feel a sense of crisis about the global environment. If there is someone, perhaps they think, "My life will end with me, so the future has nothing to do with me."

However, I believe that value system changes completely once you have a child. Especially for a mother. It's the same when you fall in love with someone. More than whether you are happy, it's about whether the people you care about are happy. I think that's what everyone is seeking in the world right now.

──What prompted the change in your thinking?

But when I gave birth to my daughter in my 40s, I knew I had to live to protect her. I want to be the one to style her hair for her coming-of-age ceremony. That simple love is everything, and if you base your thinking on that, you'll naturally understand. It sounds complicated when put into words, but it's not difficult at all. I'm actually quite out of touch with information and often don't even know common knowledge (laughs)! Yet, I can say such bold things.

I can say bold things not only to my clients and readers but also to the scientists who worked with me on product development, even though I have no knowledge. Because I have loved ones and people I want to protect. I can't stop thinking about the future my son and daughter will live in! That's why I continue to say bold things and feel I must continue to create products.

Being beautiful in 30 years is better than being beautiful in 3 days, isn't it wonderful?

──What was the trigger for making a significant change in your lifestyle?

Twenty-two years ago, I encountered Neal's Yard in London and learned about herbal living. Then my son was born, but he had atopic dermatitis. Because I had filled my body with chemicals through a lifestyle of drinking, smoking, and partying until morning, the toxins weren't fully detoxified before I gave birth to my son, so they were passed on to him. Everyone is like this; a parent's toxins are always detoxified by the child. You see, especially since I came from a body full of toxins... (laughs).

──What is the new beauty that you propose, suited for the current era?

It's not that "persistence is power," but I think I'm more beautiful now, climbing the stairs towards my 50s, than I was in my 20s or 30s! I say so myself (laughs). Back in my 20s, I wore thick, full foundation, but now I wear nothing. Just sunscreen, and I look this good (laughs). It's not just my skin; my mental state is the same. I think I'm healthier and more beautiful than before. Persistence is power. Isn't it wonderful to be beautiful in 30 years rather than just 3 days from now? The products I create are like that. They guarantee beauty in 30 years! (laughs)!

You might think, "It's probably fine to use shampoo with plenty of preservatives and synthetic fragrances." But the moment you think, "It's probably fine," your children and the Earth's environment are undeniably becoming unhappy.