What is a Rich Lifestyle?

"A life where one can fully enjoy both work and leisure – that is what I consider a rich lifestyle," says Michiko Fujiwara. While leading a busy life as a hair and makeup artist, she escapes to her villa in Shimoda, Izu, on weekends.



"On workdays, I wake up at 5:30 AM, write, leave home at 9:30 AM, and head to shoots almost every day from 10 AM. I return to the office around 3 PM for administrative tasks. I get home around 7 PM, cook dinner with my husband, and go to bed by 9:30 or 10 PM. On the other hand, in Shimoda, I'm either eating, drinking, walking, or sleeping... (laughs). I especially cherish my afternoon naps," she says, truly enjoying her work-life balance.

"At the villa, we bring our dog (a Polish Lowland Sheepdog), of course, but we also load almost everything from the refrigerator into the car. That's why a station wagon like the Avensis is so appealing."

Gardening at the villa always involves a lot of luggage.

Touching the body, she remarks, "The styling in this area is also beautiful."

Balanced Beauty

Upon entering the Avensis, she commented, "It feels spacious, which is nice. What I look for in a car isn't anything technical, but rather that it's not tiring to drive. I don't think the journey to the villa would be arduous." Sitting in the driver's seat, she was impressed by the luxurious interior, including the Optitron meter with its orange needles that are easy on the eyes and large, clear displays. She also noted the practicality of the luggage space, finding it convenient for loading and unloading gardening tools, a hobby she started about a year ago.

And what about the design?

The long rear overhang of 1,100mm suggests a spacious cargo area.

"Overall, it has a well-composed and balanced beauty. Also, though it might be a bit hard to explain, I felt an impression similar to the architecture of prestigious British universities – historic and dignified, yet somehow inviting. It has a sense of gravitas but also a lightness. In other words, it could be said that masculinity and femininity are fused. I appreciate that it lacks any cheapness."

The beautiful lines from the front mask to the A-pillar and roof, along with the character lines on the body sides, are key design points of this Avensis. Fujiwara, who is sensitive to beautiful designs, seemed convinced.

I Want to Go on a Picnic

Where does Fujiwara want to go in the Avensis? She says it's into nature. Places that heal, not just externally but internally. "About 40 minutes into the mountains from our villa, there's a river where we often go for picnics. We bring everything – table, chairs, cutlery, even placemats – and cook dishes like paella. We place half the chair legs in the river and dip our feet in. It's truly healing, cooling off in the evening with plenty of negative ions," she shared.

She also fondly recalls a picnic by a stream flowing from a waterfall near Aoike, one of the Twelve Lakes of Aomori.

Commenting on the seats, she says, "It seems easy to drive, but perhaps it's more comfortable to sleep in the passenger seat because the seats are so good."

Fujiwara notes that the steering wheel is neither too thick nor too thin, making it "easy to grip."

Another place she'd like to visit in the Avensis is Kyoto. "Enjoying 'nagashi somen' (flowing noodles) by the river in Kibune, Kyoto, listening to the water, would be wonderful. It would be very healing. Also, I think the design of the Avensis would match beautifully with Kyoto's traditional townhouses. Perhaps because of its European design?"

Fully embracing both work and leisure. This seems to be the secret to Fujiwara's beauty. The Avensis appears to be a perfect match for her lifestyle.

"Photo by KAMBE Kentaro"

Michiko Fujiwara

Founder of La Donna. She is active in a wide range of fields, including hair and makeup for magazine covers, beauty pages, and commercial shoots, as well as writing, advising on cosmetics, and appearing on television.
She has authored numerous books, including "Michiko Fujiwara's Makeup Magic for a Happy Woman and Secrets of a Beautiful Face," which reveals her unique approach to makeup and life advice, and "Otona Ran" (Adult Orchid).