Model Jessica Michibata Interview: The Beginning of Beauty, Part 1

Workout? Diet? Finding hints in her lifestyle.

Jessica Michibata: The Beginnings of Beauty, Part 1

Model Jessica Michibata is expanding her reach, starring in magazines, advertisements, and television, and last year, she played one of the leads in the film "Shanti Days: 365 Days of Happy Breathing." How does she maintain her beauty while traveling the world and working energetically in Japan? We explore her lifestyle.

Photographs by JAMANDFIXHair & Make-up by MICHIRU(3rd)Styling by KOHASHI RyokoInterview and Text by FUJITA MayuEdited by OPENERS

Lately, I've changed from someone who tends to overdo it.

Jessica Michibata is known not only for fitness activities like yoga and running but also for her dedication to serious training, including participating in full marathons and triathlons. In early April, when this interview took place, she was focused on training for the London Marathon scheduled for the end of the month.

“I usually start training for a full marathon about three months before the race. So, since the beginning of the year, I’ve been focusing on running. I don’t have a strict routine day-to-day. I’ve committed to one long run of 20-30 kilometers on my day off each week. Other than that, I adjust my workouts based on my body’s condition and my work schedule, fitting in yoga, core training, weight exercises, or running during my free time, whatever my body is asking for. If I want to slim down overall, I’ll run or cycle; for specific areas, core training or Pilates might be better.”

Her crisp way of speaking is refreshing, and her vibrant voice and expressions convey an inner energy. Her cheerful demeanor is surely amplified by the healthy body she has cultivated through sports. However, it seems she has moments of doubt.

“As a model, I do exercise to maintain my figure, so there’s definitely a sense of ‘I have to do this,’ not just ‘I want to.’ But everyone, deep down, feels they ‘should’ do it, which is why they choose to. Of course, there are days I don’t feel like training, and days I just rest. I ask myself if I should push myself to get moving or if I should rest. I’ve recently realized that what’s important is what makes me feel better, and there’s no need to force myself. I tend to overdo things naturally. But I do love the sense of accomplishment after a workout (laughs). If I’m not feeling it, not enjoying it… but I’ve decided to do it, I think it’s important to praise myself for completing the amount I set out to do.”

page1 The struggle to skip workouts
page2 High-protein breakfast, no carbs!

Workout? Diet? Finding hints in her lifestyle.

Jessica Michibata: The Beginnings of Beauty, Part 2

High-protein breakfast, no carbs!

In the film "Shanti Days: 365 Days of Happy Breathing," released last year, her yoga practice, which she had been doing for 10 years, opened a new door to acting. When she started yoga at age 20, she was so hooked that she attended classes five times a week amidst her demanding work schedule.

“When I practice at home, it’s usually in the morning. But I’ve always loved attending classes, and I currently go to two studios. I choose which one to go to based on my work schedule and the classes available. When I first started, I always carried my yoga wear with me and would take two consecutive classes if I finished work early (laughs). I had been going to the gym before, but the sense of well-being I got from yoga was immense. It was a great reset during a busy period of work. It not only clears my body but also my mind, and it improves my sleep quality, so I think it’s beneficial to incorporate yoga, especially when busy. Even if you can’t attend classes, stretching for just 20 minutes at home, using DVDs or apps, or simply focusing on your breath can make the rest of your day flow more smoothly.”

Given her reputation for prioritizing beauty, one might imagine her diet to be extremely strict. However, her approach is surprisingly flexible. "I love to eat, so I don't worry too much about my diet," she replied, offering an unexpected perspective on her eating habits.

“I eat three meals a day, focusing on what my body craves, and I don’t pay much attention to timing. I don’t have a habit of eating late at night anyway. I believe that if you eat what your body needs, you’ll naturally be in a healthy state. The only thing I actively focus on is protein intake. I exercise, and my skin is made of protein. If you want to lose weight or have beautiful skin, protein is the first thing to consider. For breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day, I especially focus on protein from eggs, fish, or meat. Then I get my vegetables through fruits or green smoothies, and I don’t eat carbohydrates. If you consume carbs or sugar in the morning, you’ll crave them throughout the day and into the night due to their addictive nature.”

Michibata emphasizes consuming the right amount of quality protein. She also consistently incorporates honey into her diet and is currently interested in Manuka honey.

“I’ve always liked honey, and recently I’ve started taking Manuka honey too. The potency varies by grade, but I recommend grades 5-15 as they are easy to use. I just lick a little when I want something sweet.”

Now in her thirties and embarking on a new stage of life, her words carry a quiet confidence, born from accumulated experience and the perspective gained from objectively viewing herself. Within her assured pronouncements, we glimpse hints for "beginning" to be beautiful.

Jessica Michibata: How to Begin Being Beautiful (1)

In the next installment, we will delve into the reasons behind her beauty, focusing on her beauty-related practices.

page1 The struggle to skip workouts
page2 High-protein breakfast, no carbs!

MICHIBATA Jessica
Born October 21, 1984. In addition to a diverse career in magazines, advertisements, and television, she actively participates in full marathons and volunteer work. Her books include "JESSICA’S SECRET: I'll Tell You Jessica Michibata's Secrets" (Kodansha) and "Where Happiness Lies" (Shogakukan). Her hobbies include watching movies, yoga, photography, and languages.