Though only six months since its launch, "Waphyto" continues to gain fans with its proven efficacy and sincere approach. We speak with founder Atsuko Morita about its synergy with "THE HIRAMATSU Karuizawa Miyota."

In today's stressful society, phytotherapy (plant-based healing) has gained attention in recent years. Atsuko Morita, who studied plant pharmacology in France over 20 years ago, before phytotherapy took root in Japan, has been dedicated to its popularization. "Waphyto," launched last September as the culmination of her research, is Japan's first plant-based biomethodology brand, merging phytotherapy with science.

The first impression is of packaging in colors rarely seen in cosmetics. While vibrant, they are gentle on the eyes, and no two colors are alike.

"Under the theme 'Let's live vibrantly with Mother Earth,' we've adopted earth tones and traditional Japanese colors. Each has its own name, such as 'Kuwazome,' 'Chanez,' and 'Usugaki.' We also focus on Japanese plants for key ingredients, using those cultivated organically in the Higashi-Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture. We've selected five types—'Kuwa' (mulberry), 'Kiku' (chrysanthemum), 'Gotsukora,' 'Yomogi' (mugwort), and 'Sugina' (horsetail)—known for their high functionality, and formulated them with a proprietary extract obtained through a special method."

It is said that 22 years were spent on the brand's development. This is understandable, as she began with the creation of soil suitable for organic cultivation.

"While I had been involved in developing cosmetic ingredients, when it came to 'Japanese (WA) plants (PHYTO),' I felt a sense of dissonance in simply sourcing ingredients from overseas or gathering them from various parts of Japan. My mother was a geologist, and as I researched the geology and topography that significantly impact the ecosystems of flora and fauna, I traced Japan's longest fault line, the Median Tectonic Line, from Nagano across Higashi-Mikawa to Shikoku."

The Median Tectonic Line is said to be a sacred line born from the Earth's energy, and unique plant components grow only in this land where different geological strata meet.

"My hometown, the Higashi-Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, lies along this Median Tectonic Line. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who hailed from Mikawa and was knowledgeable in herbal medicine, knew that the land of Mikawa was a treasure trove of plants. It is said that he established his shogunate in Edo believing that someone in the future would inherit this legacy. I felt there was no more fitting place than this region to establish Waphyto, a brand focused on Japanese plants."

And whether by chance or destiny, the location where "THE HIRAMATSU Karuizawa Miyota" now stands is also close to the Median Tectonic Line.

"When I first heard the hotel's location, I felt it was a fated encounter. Not only is it in the same Median Tectonic Line area, but it was also almost connected as the San-en-Nanshin region, favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Furthermore, the fact that both Higashi-Mikawa and Miyota, blessed with rich nature, were chosen for extended periods as dwelling places for Jomon people who lived by hunting, made it impossible not to feel a sense of sympathy."

The background to introducing these amenities lies in a shared sentiment between both companies: "Respect for the blessings bestowed by nature." The true charm of "Table Nature," which Hiramatsu proposes in this Miyota region, is validated by Ms. Morita's subsequent words.

"There's an ancient saying, 'Shin-do-fu-ni,' which means that the body (shin) and the environment (do) are one. The body takes in various things from its environment—not just food, but also air, light, wind, and sound. This hotel by Hiramatsu reminds us of that. The so-called 'local produce' eaten here must be consumed along with the air, while listening to the rustling wind in the forest light. 'Relaxation' is too light a word; how should I put it? It's a place where people can feel their innate happiness, and where the body and mind rejoice. In a sense, while taking in natural elements through food and air, it's a hotel that seems capable of reaching a state of renewal, though that might be an overstatement."

"THE HIRAMATSU Karuizawa Miyota" is the first hotel to introduce "Waphyto" amenities. We eagerly anticipate the greater synergy that will emerge from the encounter between the two companies in the Miyota region.

Atsuko Morita
Over 20 years ago, before phytotherapy took root in Japan, she studied plant therapy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris XIII University, and has been a leading figure dedicated to its popularization in Japan. Upon returning to Japan, she became involved in plant bio-research and received numerous awards. While working to spread phytotherapy by establishing the AMPP-certified "Le Bois Phyto-Therapy School" and managing salons, she also explores the potential for total support of women's health through childbirth and caregiving, looking ahead to the era of 100-year lifespans.