A Role I Chose to Pursue

Miki Mizuno will appear in "Caesar" at the Nissei Theatre, starring Koshiro Matsumoto, which opens on October 3rd (Sunday). We asked her about her approach to stage work.

NagatomiYou performed in a play in June as well. Is stage your favorite kind of work?

MizunoYes, I think it suits my nature. I enjoy the rhythm of rehearsing for a month, managing my health for the performance, going to the theater once it begins, concentrating on stage, and then feeling released afterward. It's a lifestyle that's both enjoyable and comfortable.

NagatomiIt's wonderful that you can say that with such conviction. "Girl power" is on the rise these days, and it's truly admirable to see you so fulfilled, both mentally and physically.

MizunoI believe everyone is living their lives and working hard, but sometimes I feel, "Are people overthinking things?"

NagatomiHow many years have you been an actress, Miki-san?

MizunoI debuted at 13, in my first year of junior high, so this is my 21st year as an actress.

NagatomiWhy do you feel people overthink things?

MizunoI have a friend who loves to travel and takes her family around the world; she's even become a professional writer of travelogues. Another friend who loves to entertain has opened her own restaurant or become a chef. When you're doing something you love, your body probably tells you. I think if you face what you love, it can become your work. I started acting at 13 somewhat on a whim, but the stage is something I truly wanted to do.

NagatomiI understand that you can be serious about something you love, but isn't it sometimes difficult?

MizunoI actually find the difficult parts more enjoyable (laughs). It's up to me how far I push myself during rehearsals, and the more I strive, the greater the sense of accomplishment I feel when the final performance ends.

NagatomiIt all comes back to you.

Actress Miki Mizuno Appears
Miki Mizuno x Chiharu Nagatomi (Part 2)

Miki Mizuno's Method for Becoming a Supple Woman (2)

How to Become a Supple Woman?

NagatomiAfter turning 30, have you noticed any changes in your concentration or energy levels?

MizunoYes, after 30, I do feel I gain a little weight around my stomach, and sometimes I lose it. When a play starts, I find myself craving meat (laughs).

NagatomiDo you like your own body type?

MizunoI have a very strong bone structure. It used to be a complex for me because I felt it was quite sturdy, but now it's actually an advantage for action scenes, and I've finally come to like it.

NagatomiWhat do you pay attention to in your daily diet?

MizunoIt's important to eat rice. Lean meat is less fattening than fish. Eating too many vegetables can lead to water retention and puffiness. I also drink beverages at room temperature, as cold drinks cool the body. And, more specifically, the order in which you eat your food matters.

NagatomiYou also enjoy alcoholic beverages, don't you?

MizunoI do (laughs). Of course, drinking too much isn't good, but I stick to simple rules, like not drinking the day after I've had a drink.

NagatomiWhat do you do to prepare for a stage performance?

MizunoNow, before a performance, I have a routine: when I get to the dressing room, I replenish with amino acids on an empty stomach, eat my meal an hour and a half before curtain, and take glucose right before the show starts.

NagatomiIs that like a Miki Mizuno ritual?

MizunoStage actors are very knowledgeable about supplements and bodily functions.

NagatomiIt's precisely because you're always mindful of your body that you can captivate us with such performances. And I imagine the exchange of supplement information backstage must be quite something! There's a growing desire among women to become more supple. Do you have any advice for us?

MizunoIt's beneficial to consume protein after exercise. I've heard many women avoid it, thinking, "Protein makes you gain weight," but that's not true. Also, stretching is important, and focusing on slow, controlled movements with light resistance effectively engages the core, leading to supple muscles.

NagatomiThere's a rapidly increasing number of women doing core-focused training. Why do you think the results of the same exercise can vary so much from person to person?

MizunoPerhaps those who can clearly visualize their inner muscles tightening as if being cinched from within achieve better results.

Actress Miki Mizuno Appears
Miki Mizuno x Chiharu Nagatomi (Part 2)

Miki Mizuno's Method for Becoming a Supple Woman (3)

Focus and Calm

NagatomiSo, what are your beauty goals for the future, Miki-san?

MizunoMy theme going forward is to balance exercise and diet, focusing on flexibility and engaging the core muscles to sculpt my body.

NagatomiFor those who are busy with work and household chores, what training would you recommend to achieve a body like yours in the shortest amount of time?

MizunoCompression training is effective and doesn't take much time.

NagatomiDo you do any jogging?

MizunoI jog occasionally, but I find it boring (laughs).

NagatomiExactly! I tried it too, but I get bored because it's so dull~ (tears). I actually found that running on a treadmill at a sports club, perhaps because of the consistent rhythm, was more conducive to thinking.

MizunoBut jogging is perfect for memorizing lines; it helps me concentrate. Tai Chi, on the other hand, isn't boring. It's about calming yourself, which is why I like it.

NagatomiAfter hearing your story today, I've been reminded of how crucial it is to program and produce your own muscle development.

NagatomiThe program looks wonderful! It's already a hot topic among my friends. I'll definitely come to see it! Thank you so much for your time today, especially when you're so busy. Good luck with your performance!!