Never show fatigue, no matter how tired you are, and always aim for a smile.

Kiho Watanabe explains, "For this special project, we're offering a 'Youth Support Project' menu to give our new staff opportunities to shine. Assistant stylists, who are working hard to become full stylists, can get a head start by performing head spas for clients. However, not just anyone can do this; the head spa leader trains them thoroughly before their debut, and I conduct the final check. My own stiff shoulders are famous in the industry (laughs), so if I give the OK, you can be sure it's at a very high level. Therefore, I'd like to introduce the three who have cleared that hurdle. Not only are their skills excellent, but they are also very attentive, receiving rave reviews from clients. I recommend them with full confidence." She gives her wholehearted endorsement to uka's fresh staff!

—What inspired you to choose this profession?

MutoI've been interested in fashion and makeup since I was a child, so I went to beauty school without hesitation. I studied both makeup and kimono dressing, but I gradually found hairstyling more interesting, and that's what I ultimately chose.

WashimiI enjoy using my hands and talking to people. So, I thought about jobs that involve both using my hands and interacting with people, and hairdressing came to mind.

NakataI love talking to people, and I also enjoy hair arrangement and creating things, so before I knew it, I had chosen this profession.

—What are your specialty or favorite styles?

AllBob styles! While bobs can vary in length, weight, and texture, they suit almost any face shape and are easy to style. In fact, we get a lot of requests for them.

Do you have a motto or any particular things you focus on in your work?

MutoNever show fatigue, no matter how tired you are, and always aim for a smile.

WashimiConsideration. This applies to styling as well as customer service; I want to accurately grasp what clients are looking for and respond effectively.

NakataAlways greet people with a smile and keep the workplace tidy.

Three Distinctive Days at uka

—What is the most rewarding episode you've experienced so far?

MutoPerhaps winning an award at a kimono dressing contest during beauty school. I had tried many times before without success, and finally received one at the very last opportunity. After countless hours of practice, the joy was immense.

WashimiWhen I informed a client who had requested me for shampoo that I had debuted in head spa, they booked the very first available slot.

NakataI'll never forget the joy of receiving my first shampoo request from a client. I was also thrilled to win first place in the salon style category at an in-house competition.

—Could you tell us about any favorite cosmetics, beauty devices, or tools you use?

MutoFor cosmetics, I use 'LUNASOL,' and for skincare, 'Alexandre' (a salon-exclusive cosmetic brand). LUNASOL cosmetics have great color payoff, and their foundation blends beautifully. For Alexandre, I use the whitening line.

WashimiI'm fond of the mineral cosmetics brand 'Jane Iredale.' My skin is extremely sensitive, and even products for sensitive skin would cause breakouts. But since discovering this brand, I haven't had any issues.

NakataThe glitter eyeshadow from 'RMK' is exquisite. 'AHAVA's' body cream is incredibly moisturizing. Even my stubborn dry hands and rough skin stay hydrated for about half a day without needing reapplication. I can't live without it.

—What has moved you recently (or what books or movies have touched you)?

MutoI went to Guam at the end of last year, and I was astonished by how beautiful the ocean was. I'm always moved by stunning natural landscapes.

WashimiI've been enjoying horseback riding as a hobby for about three years, but I haven't had much time for it lately. That's why, during my recent ride after a long break, I was once again soothed by the gentleness of the horses.

NakataThe movie 'THIS IS IT.' It was truly wonderful. It cleared up my misconceptions about Michael Jackson, who I had only associated with negative images like plastic surgery and child abuse.

Never stop, always challenge everything, both in work and in private life.

—What is the appeal of uka?

NakataAt a single location, you can receive hair, nail, head spa, esthetic, and eyelash extension services (esthetic is only available at the Aoyama store), and each of these services is exceptional.

MutoThey provide us with opportunities for growth, such as holding training sessions twice a month and allowing us to perform head spas for clients.

WashimiThe customer service goes beyond just the immediate interaction. It's not a case of 'it's not my client, so it's not my problem'; there's a collective attitude of looking after each and every client.

—Finally, could you tell us your goals for this year?

MutoTo further refine my head spa techniques and attract more clients.

NakataTo challenge myself with everything, both in my work and personal life, without standing still.

WashimiTo have a year filled with smiles.

uka Aoyama Store

3-2-2 MR BLD. 2,3F, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5771-7791
www.uka.co.jp

uka Tokyo Midtown Store
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown Galleria 2F
Tel. 03-5413-7236
www.uka.co.jp