0:00:01.451,0:00:05.284 (Japanese instrumental music) 0:00:20.980,0:00:23.530 - [Female Narrator] Women[br]across Asia are big fans 0:00:23.530,0:00:25.383 of Japanese cosmetics. 0:00:27.560,0:00:30.243 Skincare products are especially popular. 0:00:32.770,0:00:35.950 In fact, Japanese women are[br]the world's most passionate 0:00:35.950,0:00:39.173 about skincare, or at[br]least a close second. 0:00:40.230,0:00:42.940 For centuries, elite and commoners alike 0:00:42.940,0:00:45.663 have embraced the quest for perfect skin, 0:00:47.200,0:00:49.490 and Japan's climate and beauty ideals 0:00:49.490,0:00:52.823 gave rise to a characteristic[br]style of skincare. 0:00:54.830,0:00:58.940 This time on Japanology Plus,[br]we'll unveil Japan's image 0:00:58.940,0:01:02.526 of perfect skin and [br]how to achieve it. 0:01:02.526,0:01:06.359 (Japanese instrumental music) 0:01:14.680,0:01:16.735 - Hello, and welcome [br]to Japanology Plus. 0:01:16.735,0:01:17.635 I'm Peter Barakan. 0:01:18.600,0:01:21.590 For a long time, Japan has[br]had one of the world's biggest, 0:01:21.590,0:01:24.493 if not, the biggest market[br]for skincare products. 0:01:25.610,0:01:27.810 A lot of Japanese women[br]go to great lengths 0:01:27.810,0:01:30.130 to maintain perfect skin. 0:01:30.130,0:01:32.650 There's a saying that[br]beauty comes from within, 0:01:32.650,0:01:34.280 but I think for many[br]Japanese women, 0:01:34.280,0:01:36.060 those words would ring hollow 0:01:36.060,0:01:38.300 without the application [br]of a large number 0:01:38.300,0:01:41.143 of skincare products on[br]the exterior as well. 0:01:45.690,0:01:48.557 - [Narrator] Most Japanese[br]women are really into makeup. 0:01:50.600,0:01:53.603 But they are even more[br]passionate about skincare. 0:01:55.100,0:01:59.760 Their interest in skincare typically[br]begins in their late teens. 0:01:59.760,0:02:02.713 Then it turns into a theme for life. 0:02:05.600,0:02:08.620 With sales of over 1[br]trillion yen per year, 0:02:08.620,0:02:09.880 skincare products 0:02:09.880,0:02:13.513 heavily outsell makeup goods[br]in Japan's cosmetics market. 0:02:15.610,0:02:18.270 In recent years, many[br]women in their twenties 0:02:18.270,0:02:20.490 who still have youthful skin 0:02:20.490,0:02:22.853 have adopted anti-aging regimes. 0:02:24.840,0:02:26.663 - I don't want to have any regrets, 0:02:27.640,0:02:30.163 not when I'm in my forties or fifties. 0:02:32.130,0:02:34.330 - When I put on my[br]makeup in the morning, 0:02:34.330,0:02:36.373 I feel better if my skin looks good. 0:02:38.140,0:02:41.020 From time to time, I'll[br]spend as much as 10,000 yen 0:02:41.020,0:02:43.263 per bottle for a good face lotion. 0:02:45.920,0:02:48.140 - [Narrator] The number of[br]companies making cosmetics 0:02:48.140,0:02:49.793 grows year by year. 0:02:51.180,0:02:53.620 And foreign cosmetics[br]companies are investing 0:02:53.620,0:02:56.453 in product development[br]for the Japanese market. 0:02:58.360,0:03:00.670 A constant stream of new products 0:03:00.670,0:03:03.503 tempts women who want[br]the best for their skin. 0:03:06.870,0:03:08.880 They check reviews by experts 0:03:08.880,0:03:12.320 and other consumers in[br]magazines and on the internet. 0:03:12.320,0:03:16.103 The quest for perfect skin[br]demands a daily commitment. 0:03:18.070,0:03:21.450 - [Female Announcer] This year's [br]Beautiful Skin Prefecture Grand Prix 0:03:21.450,0:03:24.650 winner is: Shimane. 0:03:24.650,0:03:25.960 - [Narrator] For several years, 0:03:25.960,0:03:29.390 one major cosmetics company[br]has been creating a buzz 0:03:29.390,0:03:32.020 by announcing which[br]of Japan's prefectures 0:03:32.020,0:03:34.683 has the most women with perfect skin. 0:03:36.300,0:03:39.260 The basis of the rankings[br]is data from skin checks 0:03:39.260,0:03:41.620 offered in stores around Japan. 0:03:41.620,0:03:45.929 Each check measures things like[br]texture and moisture level. 0:03:45.929,0:03:48.512 (upbeat music) 0:03:51.270,0:03:55.780 Data from about 700,000 skin[br]checks is gathered each year 0:03:55.780,0:03:58.080 and broken down by prefecture. 0:03:58.080,0:04:01.273 Then prefectures are[br]ranked by skin perfection. 0:04:02.960,0:04:04.800 For four years in a row, 0:04:04.800,0:04:07.880 Shimane Prefecture has[br]been ranked number one. 0:04:07.880,0:04:09.193 What's the secret? 0:04:10.729,0:04:14.160 Shimane in Western Japan[br]has a cloudy, rainy climate 0:04:14.160,0:04:17.350 with few sunny days [br]and high humidity. 0:04:17.350,0:04:20.620 That limits exposure[br]to UV solar radiation, 0:04:20.620,0:04:22.533 the enemy of good skin. 0:04:24.130,0:04:26.790 And the local diet is rich in shellfish 0:04:26.790,0:04:30.083 which contain compounds that[br]promote skin metabolism. 0:04:32.410,0:04:35.793 There are also lots of mineral[br]hot springs in Shimane. 0:04:36.670,0:04:40.200 This particular one was first[br]noted for its skin benefits 0:04:40.200,0:04:43.253 as far back as 1,300 years ago. 0:04:45.070,0:04:47.310 An ancient document records that 0:04:47.310,0:04:51.103 a soak in its waters will[br]beautify the face and skin. 0:04:52.090,0:04:53.950 It draws not only local women 0:04:53.950,0:04:57.793 but visitors from around[br]Japan seeking ideal skin. 0:05:00.960,0:05:04.730 - My guest today is Kaori[br]Ishida, who's engaged in research 0:05:04.730,0:05:08.840 on the philosophical[br]underpinnings of beauty culture. 0:05:08.840,0:05:11.450 Thank you very much for[br]being with us today. 0:05:11.450,0:05:12.550 - I'm glad to be here. 0:05:14.240,0:05:15.960 - [Narrator] Kaori Ishida is a professor 0:05:15.960,0:05:17.810 at a university in Tokyo, 0:05:17.810,0:05:21.113 where she teaches about the[br]cultural history of cosmetics. 0:05:22.270,0:05:24.120 She is also a visiting researcher 0:05:24.120,0:05:26.760 at a major cosmetics [br]maker and the author 0:05:26.760,0:05:30.550 of books that probe the cultural[br]and philosophical aspects 0:05:30.550,0:05:33.613 of cosmetics and [br]the aesthetics of skin. 0:05:35.210,0:05:39.210 - Do you think that Japanese[br]women are more concerned 0:05:39.210,0:05:41.493 with maintaining nice skin 0:05:41.493,0:05:43.570 than women from other cultures? 0:05:43.570,0:05:46.560 And if so, why do you think that is? 0:05:46.560,0:05:49.430 - Well, first of all,[br]in Japan, it's common 0:05:49.430,0:05:53.460 for people to spend a lot of[br]time and effort on skincare. 0:05:53.460,0:05:55.480 When you compare skincare[br]product spending 0:05:55.480,0:05:59.690 in different countries,[br]Japan is always at the top. 0:05:59.690,0:06:02.880 But more importantly, from[br]ancient times in Japan, 0:06:02.880,0:06:05.440 at least 1,300 years ago, 0:06:05.440,0:06:08.923 perfect skin has been the[br]definition of beauty itself. 0:06:10.390,0:06:13.550 But this 1,300 years [br]ago only refers 0:06:13.550,0:06:16.343 to when the cultural practice[br]was first documented. 0:06:17.460,0:06:19.250 It's likely that the identification 0:06:19.250,0:06:22.463 of perfect skin with beauty[br]existed long before that. 0:06:23.370,0:06:25.670 If that belief was already entrenched 0:06:25.670,0:06:27.120 by the Nara period, 0:06:27.120,0:06:29.470 then female beauty and perfect skin 0:06:29.470,0:06:31.200 may, in fact, have been synonymous 0:06:31.200,0:06:34.170 from the dawn of history in Japan. 0:06:34.170,0:06:35.630 - And what kind of skin 0:06:35.630,0:06:37.933 in Japan is considered[br]to be beautiful skin? 0:06:38.780,0:06:43.563 - In Japanese, it's described[br]as light complexion skin, 0:06:43.563,0:06:46.223 but that does not simply[br]mean light skin tone. 0:06:47.510,0:06:51.100 It means moist, smooth[br]skin without blemishes 0:06:51.100,0:06:53.610 freckles, pimples, or moles. 0:06:53.610,0:06:55.340 Flawless skin, 0:06:55.340,0:06:58.090 that's what light complexion refers to, 0:06:58.090,0:06:59.923 a perfect skin condition. 0:07:00.767,0:07:05.717 - Hmm. I know when you[br]look at the Ukiyo-e prints, 0:07:05.717,0:07:07.070 if a woman is depicted, 0:07:07.070,0:07:10.030 almost always, she looks [br]completely white. 0:07:10.830,0:07:13.400 - Since a light complexion[br]was considered essential 0:07:13.400,0:07:15.810 to true beauty, in woodblock prints, 0:07:15.810,0:07:18.420 beauties were shown [br]with pure white skin. 0:07:18.420,0:07:20.360 But even with light skin tone 0:07:20.360,0:07:23.500 the presence of any skin[br]artifact was considered a flaw, 0:07:23.500,0:07:24.943 and it still is. 0:07:25.640,0:07:28.330 People think that beautiful[br]skin should have absolutely 0:07:28.330,0:07:32.310 no flaws, be in perfect[br]condition and translucent. 0:07:32.310,0:07:35.943 That's why Japanese women are[br]so assiduous about skincare. 0:07:38.050,0:07:39.500 It was during the Edo period 0:07:39.500,0:07:41.653 that cosmetics spread to the masses. 0:07:42.540,0:07:45.910 A full 260 years of[br]peace began at the start 0:07:45.910,0:07:47.850 of the 17th century. 0:07:47.850,0:07:50.280 During this period, trade flourished 0:07:50.280,0:07:52.690 and life became more prosperous. 0:07:52.690,0:07:55.743 Cosmetics were widely[br]affordable for the first time. 0:07:57.240,0:08:01.880 During those 260 years, there[br]were two cultural peaks: 0:08:01.880,0:08:03.653 Genroku and Kasei. 0:08:04.602,0:08:07.690 The Genroku culture was[br]centered in Western Japan 0:08:07.690,0:08:10.143 on the cities of Kyoto and Osaka. 0:08:11.770,0:08:15.033 The model for female beauty[br]there was the aristocracy. 0:08:16.360,0:08:18.490 Noble women applied white face powder 0:08:18.490,0:08:20.460 and wore lavish kimonos. 0:08:20.460,0:08:23.110 The ideal was demure beauty: 0:08:23.110,0:08:25.930 gorgeous, but refined and elegant. 0:08:25.930,0:08:29.210 In contrast, the Kasei culture[br]arose in the city of Edo, 0:08:29.210,0:08:32.733 today's Tokyo, and spread[br]across Japan from there. 0:08:34.000,0:08:36.040 People in Edo had a fierce resistance 0:08:36.040,0:08:39.023 to the established Kyoto[br]ideal of demure beauty. 0:08:40.470,0:08:43.965 Women in Edo wanted to[br]be chic, not demure. 0:08:43.965,0:08:45.750 Chic meant wearing less makeup, 0:08:45.750,0:08:48.383 and displaying the beauty[br]of the skin itself. 0:08:49.300,0:08:52.460 A plain and simple look [br]using less makeup, 0:08:52.460,0:08:55.253 that put the emphasis[br]on good natural skin. 0:08:57.430,0:08:59.550 There's a textbook on[br]makeup that brought it 0:08:59.550,0:09:01.983 to a wider audience [br]during the Edo period. 0:09:04.150,0:09:06.880 It was first published in 1810 0:09:06.880,0:09:11.063 and remained in print for[br]an astonishing 110 years. 0:09:13.920,0:09:16.690 This book told women where[br]to go to buy all kinds 0:09:16.690,0:09:19.190 of ingredients for mixing[br]their own cosmetics 0:09:19.190,0:09:20.623 and skin treatments. 0:09:22.300,0:09:24.470 One example that is[br]still relevant today 0:09:24.470,0:09:27.630 is collagen packs made [br]from pigs' trotters 0:09:27.630,0:09:30.283 which actually are also[br]used in ramen broth. 0:09:31.810,0:09:35.540 It says to buy the trotters[br]of one pig and boil them. 0:09:35.540,0:09:38.343 You're supposed to boil them[br]until they turn viscous. 0:09:39.460,0:09:40.720 You take the viscous stuff 0:09:40.720,0:09:43.250 and apply it to your face at bedtime. 0:09:43.250,0:09:44.913 Then you just go to sleep. 0:09:45.940,0:09:49.650 It also recommends whole [br]body skincare in the bath, 0:09:49.650,0:09:51.743 using bags of rice bran. 0:09:53.010,0:09:54.640 After buying brown rice, 0:09:54.640,0:09:58.180 people would polish the rice[br]at home and obtain the bran. 0:09:58.180,0:10:00.330 Instead of wastefully throwing it away, 0:10:00.330,0:10:02.970 they would use the bran for pickling, 0:10:02.970,0:10:04.960 but someone noticed that[br]exposure to bran 0:10:04.960,0:10:07.380 made people's hands look nice. 0:10:07.380,0:10:10.083 And rice bran ended up[br]being used for skincare. 0:10:11.230,0:10:14.210 After washing her body,[br]a woman would take a bag 0:10:14.210,0:10:16.723 of bran and soak it in bath water, 0:10:17.660,0:10:20.090 then she'd spend about an hour scrubbing 0:10:20.090,0:10:22.993 from her face down to[br]the soles of her feet. 0:10:24.569,0:10:25.960 - Have you tried it? 0:10:25.960,0:10:27.860 - Yes, I have. 0:10:27.860,0:10:30.103 It gives me moist, glowing skin. 0:10:31.190,0:10:32.023 - Wow. 0:10:32.840,0:10:34.103 - [Narrator] For centuries, 0:10:34.103,0:10:37.020 Japanese women have[br]used rice for skin care. 0:10:37.020,0:10:38.260 And to this day, 0:10:38.260,0:10:41.893 many skin care products contain[br]compounds derived from rice. 0:10:43.800,0:10:47.530 Kagawa Prefecture, home[br]of a historic sake brewery 0:10:47.530,0:10:50.533 that uses rice to make[br]skincare products. 0:10:53.340,0:10:54.970 In the 1970s, 0:10:54.970,0:10:56.830 the company began exploring uses 0:10:56.830,0:11:00.223 for rice other than the[br]brewing of alcoholic drinks. 0:11:01.789,0:11:02.992 (upbeat music) 0:11:02.992,0:11:04.600 And in the 1990s, 0:11:04.600,0:11:07.390 it developed extracts[br]with improved capacity 0:11:07.390,0:11:09.873 to promote moisture [br]retention in the skin. 0:11:11.830,0:11:14.210 These extracts have been[br]confirmed to work 0:11:14.210,0:11:17.930 on the entire epidermis to[br]increase the moisture retention 0:11:17.930,0:11:19.640 of the skin itself. 0:11:19.640,0:11:22.080 Restoring moisture [br]would be expected to 0:11:22.080,0:11:25.203 make the skin smoother[br]and more translucent. 0:11:27.360,0:11:31.460 These extracts, like sake,[br]are fermentation products 0:11:31.460,0:11:35.780 created by mixing rice with[br]kōji mold and other microbes. 0:11:35.780,0:11:38.800 After fermentation, [br]the liquid is aged. 0:11:38.800,0:11:41.483 The whole process [br]takes about 90 days. 0:11:43.100,0:11:46.090 This is Japanese-style biotechnology 0:11:46.090,0:11:48.433 harnessing the power of nature. 0:11:51.600,0:11:55.640 Eventually, even major manufacturers[br]started selling products 0:11:55.640,0:11:57.883 incorporating rice extract. 0:12:00.940,0:12:04.520 Now, most of the Kagawa[br]brewery's 3 billion yen 0:12:04.520,0:12:08.253 in annual sales comes from[br]skincare related products. 0:12:10.160,0:12:12.690 It's one of many recent[br]examples of companies 0:12:12.690,0:12:16.183 adapting existing technologies[br]for skincare products. 0:12:17.170,0:12:20.603 The developer of these cosmetics[br]makes photographic film. 0:12:23.170,0:12:24.740 The connection between film 0:12:24.740,0:12:26.910 and cosmetics may not be obvious 0:12:26.910,0:12:30.523 but skin and film actually[br]do have something in common. 0:12:32.000,0:12:35.840 Collagen is the main raw[br]material for photographic film. 0:12:35.840,0:12:39.103 Human skin is about 70% collagen. 0:12:40.100,0:12:42.490 Film has photosensitive emulsion layers 0:12:42.490,0:12:44.380 a fraction of a millimeter thick, 0:12:44.380,0:12:46.403 similar to the corneum of the skin. 0:12:47.552,0:12:48.870 (upbeat music) 0:12:48.870,0:12:50.830 This company applied the technology 0:12:50.830,0:12:53.910 and expertise it acquired[br]in the production of film 0:12:53.910,0:12:56.163 to the making of skincare products. 0:12:58.570,0:13:01.620 The products incorporate[br]natural astaxanthin, 0:13:01.620,0:13:04.930 a compound with a strong[br]antioxidant effect. 0:13:04.930,0:13:07.100 It had already been studied for many years 0:13:07.100,0:13:10.623 for its contribution to making[br]long lasting photo prints. 0:13:12.000,0:13:15.483 Color photographs fade[br]over time due to oxidation. 0:13:17.810,0:13:21.070 The company tested 4,000 antioxidants 0:13:21.070,0:13:22.943 including astaxanthin. 0:13:25.048,0:13:28.290 Astaxanthin, though, is[br]barely soluble in water, 0:13:29.810,0:13:31.940 so nanotechnology was used 0:13:31.940,0:13:34.563 to create tiny soluble particles. 0:13:36.470,0:13:38.570 This technology was originally developed 0:13:38.570,0:13:41.823 by the company to add[br]compounds to thin films. 0:13:44.430,0:13:47.070 After four years,[br]skincare products derived 0:13:47.070,0:13:50.470 from film technology were[br]generating over 10 billion yen 0:13:50.470,0:13:51.893 in yearly sales. 0:13:55.150,0:13:57.300 Let's take a look at[br]some common techniques 0:13:57.300,0:14:00.713 for using Japan's vast[br]assortment of skincare products. 0:14:02.480,0:14:06.950 - What are the characteristics[br]of current Japanese skincare? 0:14:06.950,0:14:10.320 - It starts with taking your[br]makeup off using cleansing oil 0:14:10.320,0:14:12.450 or makeup remover. 0:14:12.450,0:14:14.580 Then, rinse your face. 0:14:14.580,0:14:18.020 Next, you lather up your face[br]with facial cleansing foam. 0:14:18.020,0:14:21.280 Some people use [br]soap, and again, rinse, 0:14:21.280,0:14:23.173 it's a double-clean regime. 0:14:24.190,0:14:27.690 One, remove the makeup,[br]two, wash your face, 0:14:27.690,0:14:30.420 then you add moisture using face lotion 0:14:30.420,0:14:35.250 followed by the application[br]of serum and then emulsion. 0:14:35.250,0:14:36.873 You massage it in. 0:14:37.540,0:14:40.793 If you want to use a face pack,[br]this is when you apply it. 0:14:41.690,0:14:45.990 But for Japanese women, face[br]washing is very important. 0:14:45.990,0:14:48.700 Japanese people have an[br]ancient belief in water 0:14:48.700,0:14:52.600 as the most cleansing and[br]purifying substance for the body. 0:14:52.600,0:14:54.640 When visiting a shrine, for example, 0:14:54.640,0:14:56.670 you wash your hands [br]and rinse your mouth 0:14:56.670,0:14:58.483 with clean, fresh water. 0:14:59.910,0:15:01.970 In the same way, [br]the desire to be clean 0:15:01.970,0:15:04.110 with makeup or without means 0:15:04.110,0:15:07.233 that face washing is the[br]be-all and end-all of beauty. 0:15:09.110,0:15:10.730 - [Narrator] Let's see a typical way 0:15:10.730,0:15:13.163 for a Japanese woman to wash her face. 0:15:14.420,0:15:17.000 You need a good lather of facial soap, 0:15:17.000,0:15:19.400 spread the lather over your face. 0:15:19.400,0:15:22.380 Imagine you are rolling the[br]suds over your whole face 0:15:22.380,0:15:24.093 as you gently rub them in. 0:15:26.540,0:15:29.610 The forehand and nostrils[br]have a lot of sebum 0:15:29.610,0:15:33.083 which is removed with circular[br]motions of the fingertips. 0:15:36.420,0:15:40.430 Rinse with cold or lukewarm[br]water for about one minute 0:15:40.430,0:15:42.653 and be sure to remove all the soap. 0:15:46.400,0:15:48.980 Don't rub dry with a towel. 0:15:48.980,0:15:50.803 Pat your skin gently. 0:15:52.140,0:15:56.470 Japanese-style face washing[br]thoroughly cleanses the face. 0:15:56.470,0:15:59.500 The key point is how[br]you work up the lather. 0:15:59.500,0:16:01.203 An expert explains. 0:16:03.430,0:16:06.873 - Squeeze out about a centimeter[br]of facial cleansing foam. 0:16:08.170,0:16:11.673 Use all your fingers to spread[br]it across your whole hand. 0:16:13.860,0:16:15.713 Try spreading it right out. 0:16:19.001,0:16:21.220 - [Peter] Your hand is [br]whiter than my hand is. 0:16:21.220,0:16:23.180 - It's totally covered in white, 0:16:23.180,0:16:25.123 but this isn't a lather yet. 0:16:26.560,0:16:29.680 The point here is to add[br]water about a teaspoon 0:16:29.680,0:16:33.350 at a time two or three times[br]as you work up the lather. 0:16:33.350,0:16:34.510 So here we go. 0:16:34.510,0:16:37.623 This is the first time,[br]about this much water. 0:16:39.210,0:16:40.503 Don't let it spill, 0:16:42.630,0:16:43.933 cup your hand a little. 0:16:45.750,0:16:47.380 You want to aerate the lather 0:16:47.380,0:16:49.313 and build it up bit by bit. 0:16:50.391,0:16:53.060 - [Peter] I can already[br]see that you're a pro. 0:16:53.060,0:16:55.070 - Once the leather is worked up 0:16:55.070,0:16:58.160 add more water and [br]work it up even more. 0:16:58.160,0:17:00.290 - [Peter] I spilt[br]some of that. 0:17:00.290,0:17:02.420 (laughing) 0:17:02.420,0:17:04.460 A little [unclear]. [br](chuckling) 0:17:04.460,0:17:06.183 - You're spilling loads. 0:17:06.183,0:17:09.450 (both laughing) 0:17:09.450,0:17:12.030 - The point is to really aerate it. 0:17:12.030,0:17:16.640 - It's like beating eggs.[br](both laughing) 0:17:16.640,0:17:21.640 - Doing this makes it puff[br]right up like whipped cream. 0:17:22.630,0:17:23.780 - [Peter] Yes, really. 0:17:23.780,0:17:25.083 - We have a good lather. 0:17:26.010,0:17:29.308 And look, the lather[br]is nice and springy. 0:17:29.308,0:17:31.203 - Oh, that's very beautiful, yeah. 0:17:32.240,0:17:35.210 - You can turn it upside[br]down and it won't fall. 0:17:35.210,0:17:38.110 The lather is as smooth[br]and stiff as cream. 0:17:38.110,0:17:41.900 This will get every bit of sweat[br]and grime off of your face. 0:17:41.900,0:17:44.000 - Can I just touch that[br]and see how it is? 0:17:45.580,0:17:47.913 Ooh. It's like marshmallow almost. 0:17:49.586,0:17:51.626 (both laughing) 0:17:51.626,0:17:54.209 (upbeat music) 0:17:57.570,0:17:59.120 - Hi, I'm Matt Alt. 0:17:59.120,0:18:01.990 Have you ever heard [br]the term "beauty witch"? 0:18:01.990,0:18:04.490 in Japan, it doesn't refer to an old hag 0:18:04.490,0:18:05.840 riding a broomstick. 0:18:05.840,0:18:08.280 It means someone who[br]is an ageless beauty, 0:18:08.280,0:18:10.150 who manages to[br]stay young-looking 0:18:10.150,0:18:12.400 by almost magical powers. 0:18:12.400,0:18:15.730 Today, we're going to[br]meet just such a person. 0:18:15.730,0:18:17.247 Let's check it out. 0:18:22.362,0:18:23.195 - Hello. 0:18:23.195,0:18:24.028 - Hello. 0:18:24.028,0:18:24.970 Nice to meet you. 0:18:24.970,0:18:25.910 - Nice to meet you. 0:18:25.910,0:18:27.800 I'm Kako Iizuka. 0:18:27.800,0:18:29.260 - [Narrator] Meet a beauty witch, 0:18:29.260,0:18:32.363 she's 56 and a housewife[br]with two children. 0:18:34.190,0:18:36.210 At age 50, she was featured 0:18:36.210,0:18:39.773 in a woman's magazine as a[br][unclear] with perfect skin. 0:18:41.980,0:18:45.100 Since then, she has published[br]her own book of beauty tips 0:18:45.100,0:18:47.993 and helped to produce a[br]line of skincare products. 0:18:49.690,0:18:52.970 Here's how Iizuka looks [br]with no makeup on. 0:18:52.970,0:18:55.030 She doesn't get salon treatments; 0:18:55.030,0:18:57.273 her perfect skin is self-made. 0:19:00.530,0:19:01.800 - So, Ms. Iizuka, 0:19:01.800,0:19:04.703 what types of treatments[br]do you do on a daily basis? 0:19:05.720,0:19:08.710 - I wear a face pack[br]while I wash the dishes. 0:19:08.710,0:19:12.193 I do facial muscle exercises[br]while I vacuum the house. 0:19:13.030,0:19:16.803 I do as much skincare as I[br]can while doing other things. 0:19:18.980,0:19:20.700 - [Narrator] Here are[br]the skincare products 0:19:20.700,0:19:23.233 that Iizuka uses on a daily basis. 0:19:26.440,0:19:27.910 - Tell me about this. 0:19:27.910,0:19:29.090 What is this thing? 0:19:29.090,0:19:32.063 It looks like some kind of[br]knife or medical device. 0:19:33.280,0:19:35.300 - This is a facial beauty device 0:19:35.300,0:19:37.710 that cleanses ultrasonically. 0:19:37.710,0:19:39.360 - Can I try it? 0:19:39.360,0:19:41.190 (speaking foreign language) 0:19:41.190,0:19:42.333 - Be my guest. 0:19:43.320,0:19:46.140 - [Narrator] Matt's never[br]even seen one of these devices 0:19:46.140,0:19:48.960 which can clean out[br]your keratin in pores. 0:19:48.960,0:19:51.828 Iizuka uses it every[br]day while watching TV. 0:19:51.828,0:19:54.298 - (laughing) That really tickles. 0:19:54.298,0:19:57.220 (speaking in foreign language) 0:19:57.220,0:19:59.870 - [Iizuka] This will make[br]your skin really beautiful. 0:20:01.670,0:20:04.369 - Oh, nice and smooth. 0:20:04.369,0:20:06.700 (speaking in a foreign language) 0:20:06.700,0:20:08.808 - Really smooth, like a[br]hard boiled egg. 0:20:08.808,0:20:11.308 (Matt laughs) 0:20:12.170,0:20:14.293 - Now, what the heck is this? 0:20:16.260,0:20:18.363 It's like an alien shed its skin. 0:20:19.380,0:20:21.043 Well, it sure looks wet. 0:20:21.590,0:20:23.860 It's cold, oh, my God, it's cold. 0:20:23.860,0:20:25.700 - [Narrator] This is actually a big help 0:20:25.700,0:20:27.810 when you're using a face pack. 0:20:27.810,0:20:30.470 - The pack will come off[br]unless you secure it. 0:20:30.470,0:20:32.533 So, we put this over the top. 0:20:33.770,0:20:34.603 - Okay. 0:20:35.620,0:20:37.000 It fits very nicely, 0:20:37.000,0:20:39.370 and I noticed that [br]as I move my head, 0:20:39.370,0:20:42.813 the mask doesn't come off. 0:20:43.690,0:20:44.710 - That's right. 0:20:44.710,0:20:46.923 Without this, the pack would slip off. 0:20:48.490,0:20:51.270 This lets me work on [br]keeping perfect skin 0:20:51.270,0:20:54.010 even while I'm at the [br]computer and so on. 0:20:54.010,0:20:55.260 Handy, isn't it? 0:20:55.260,0:20:56.860 - [Matt] Yes. 0:20:56.860,0:20:59.770 - [Narrator] Now, here is[br]something with a medical function. 0:20:59.770,0:21:03.023 It helps people who have[br]paralysis around the mouth, 0:21:04.330,0:21:07.501 but Iizuka uses it for[br]maintaining her skin. 0:21:07.501,0:21:08.696 - Oh! 0:21:08.696,0:21:10.065 Oh! 0:21:10.065,0:21:10.898 Ooh! 0:21:13.550,0:21:16.067 - Try and make sure it doesn't pop out. 0:21:21.140,0:21:24.210 It really exercises the[br]muscles around your mouth, 0:21:24.210,0:21:26.630 perks up any drooping [br]and boosts blood flow 0:21:26.630,0:21:28.303 to keep skin supple. 0:21:30.690,0:21:33.640 - Next up, I hear Ms. Iizuka[br]has some special techniques 0:21:33.640,0:21:36.560 for keeping one's skin[br]beautiful outdoors. 0:21:36.560,0:21:38.413 Show me what you got. 0:21:41.761,0:21:43.800 - (chuckling) Wow, Ms. Iizuka, 0:21:43.800,0:21:45.920 you're not just a beauty witch, 0:21:45.920,0:21:47.950 you're a ninja, too! 0:21:47.950,0:21:49.910 - My UV protection gear. 0:21:49.910,0:21:51.340 - So, tell me about this getup. 0:21:51.340,0:21:52.810 What are you wearing? 0:21:53.310,0:21:56.317 - A hat that blocks 100% of UV, 0:21:57.780,0:22:00.523 sunglasses that keep out[br]light from the side, too. 0:22:01.960,0:22:04.970 And a mask to protect[br]my face, neck, and so on 0:22:04.970,0:22:06.533 from the sun. 0:22:06.550,0:22:07.703 Then gloves. 0:22:09.550,0:22:11.833 I also take a parasol when I go out. 0:22:13.110,0:22:14.420 - [Matt] Wow. 0:22:14.420,0:22:15.440 - Care to try these on? 0:22:15.440,0:22:16.273 - Sure. 0:22:16.273,0:22:17.106 - Okay. 0:22:17.950,0:22:19.160 Go right ahead. 0:22:19.160,0:22:20.767 Hang it from your ears. 0:22:20.767,0:22:21.840 Yes. 0:22:21.840,0:22:23.230 - Okay. 0:22:23.230,0:22:25.440 - Very nice, it actually suits you. 0:22:25.440,0:22:28.570 - So, do you ever get reactions[br]when you're walking around 0:22:28.570,0:22:31.090 in a big crowd dressed like this? 0:22:31.090,0:22:33.370 - I find that even on crowded streets 0:22:33.370,0:22:34.953 a path will open up for me. 0:22:35.980,0:22:37.490 - Well, now you've got me into this. 0:22:37.490,0:22:38.970 I really want to try it. 0:22:38.970,0:22:40.150 Is that okay? 0:22:40.150,0:22:41.150 - Please do. 0:22:41.150,0:22:42.750 - I'll start with the sunglasses 0:22:44.041,0:22:47.003 and then the hat. 0:22:48.350,0:22:49.570 Look at us! 0:22:49.570,0:22:51.196 - Just perfect. 0:22:51.196,0:22:54.420 (upbeat music) 0:22:54.420,0:22:55.530 - Tips and techniques 0:22:55.530,0:22:58.250 for keeping your skin[br]looking young and beautiful, 0:22:58.250,0:23:00.390 no matter your age. 0:23:00.390,0:23:01.503 See you next time. 0:23:07.100,0:23:09.810 - [Narrator] Japanese[br]women seeking perfect skin 0:23:09.810,0:23:12.760 are also very careful [br]about their makeup. 0:23:12.760,0:23:15.453 These days, a natural[br]look is in vogue. 0:23:16.400,0:23:19.050 It's a makeup technique[br]that uses foundation 0:23:19.050,0:23:22.200 and other products [br]to conceal skin flaws, 0:23:22.200,0:23:25.963 and create the look of the[br]ideal skin you wish you had. 0:23:28.190,0:23:31.970 In recent years, so-called[br]"no makeup look" makeup 0:23:31.970,0:23:34.260 has become the technique of choice. 0:23:34.260,0:23:36.110 The idea is to use makeup 0:23:36.110,0:23:38.743 to achieve an optimally natural look. 0:23:40.360,0:23:42.180 - These days it's outdated 0:23:42.180,0:23:44.403 to look like you have [br]heavy makeup on. 0:23:46.260,0:23:47.970 - I go lighter on the foundation, 0:23:49.270,0:23:51.483 and I mix it with moisturizing cream. 0:23:53.760,0:23:57.570 - If you're going to spend[br]a lot of time and effort 0:23:57.570,0:23:59.570 getting your skin really looking nice, 0:23:59.570,0:24:01.610 and then keeping it looking nice, 0:24:01.610,0:24:05.063 why put a lot of makeup[br]on it and cover it all up? 0:24:06.038,0:24:07.400 - (chuckles) Good question. 0:24:07.400,0:24:11.083 Natural-look makeup is an[br]artificial version of natural. 0:24:12.270,0:24:15.240 You're creating your own image of natural. 0:24:15.240,0:24:17.430 - They do like that in Japan, don't they? 0:24:17.430,0:24:19.280 In a lot of other fields as well. 0:24:19.280,0:24:22.220 - Yes. A bonsai is a classic example. 0:24:22.220,0:24:24.660 The plants wouldn't grow[br]like that naturally. 0:24:24.660,0:24:28.013 They're painstakingly shaped for years, 0:24:28.340,0:24:31.973 and yet, people perceive[br]them as looking natural. 0:24:33.300,0:24:34.133 - Good point. 0:24:34.133,0:24:35.050 - Same with makeup. 0:24:35.050,0:24:36.243 - Okay. Okay. 0:24:37.740,0:24:39.300 - [Narrator] Let's take a closer look 0:24:39.300,0:24:41.293 at natural look makeup. 0:24:42.510,0:24:45.193 Many Japanese women[br]want a baby's skin look. 0:24:47.990,0:24:52.490 - For that baby skin look,[br]the skin needs to be smooth. 0:24:52.490,0:24:55.340 There should be no visible pores. 0:24:55.340,0:24:57.670 So I'm going to use a foundation cream 0:24:57.670,0:25:01.440 that is really good at covering pores. 0:25:01.440,0:25:04.690 - [Miyako] Hiding the[br]pores is really important. 0:25:04.690,0:25:06.013 - That's right. 0:25:07.570,0:25:09.920 - You start with a really[br]thorough application 0:25:09.920,0:25:11.650 of foundation cream. 0:25:11.650,0:25:13.543 That step is very important. 0:25:15.900,0:25:18.430 This is going to change[br]the way she looks. 0:25:18.430,0:25:20.870 It will make her skin [br]look less bumpy. 0:25:20.870,0:25:23.067 It will seem much smoother. 0:25:23.067,0:25:25.400 (upbeat music) 0:25:25.400,0:25:27.870 - [Narrator] Next comes the foundation. 0:25:27.870,0:25:30.903 This step is critical to[br]getting the baby skin look. 0:25:32.010,0:25:34.580 - Her skin has a naturally rosy tone, 0:25:34.580,0:25:36.423 but the rosiness is not even, 0:25:37.520,0:25:40.510 so we conceal that with foundation. 0:25:40.510,0:25:41.940 And then we're going 0:25:41.940,0:25:45.160 to add the natural rosy blush back in, 0:25:45.160,0:25:47.393 that's where the magic happens. 0:25:47.950,0:25:49.823 - Artificial natural. 0:25:50.560,0:25:52.733 - It takes a lot of work to achieve. 0:25:53.880,0:25:56.600 Now, over here we [br]have some red spots. 0:25:56.600,0:25:59.190 On those we're going to[br]use a stick-type concealer 0:25:59.190,0:26:01.143 that covers up even better. 0:26:02.430,0:26:06.020 I use a brush tip to make sure[br]the concealer is applied only 0:26:06.020,0:26:07.913 in the places where it's needed. 0:26:09.817,0:26:13.250 And that gives us this look. 0:26:13.250,0:26:14.632 - [Peter] Wow. Magic. 0:26:14.632,0:26:17.215 (all laughing) 0:26:18.730,0:26:20.740 - [Narrator] Face powder is also applied 0:26:20.740,0:26:21.823 only when needed. 0:26:23.130,0:26:25.410 Not making it uniform all over 0:26:25.410,0:26:28.009 makes the skin glow [br]seem more natural. 0:26:28.009,0:26:30.759 (cheerful music) 0:26:32.100,0:26:35.630 - A few minutes ago, we[br]covered up the rosiness, 0:26:35.630,0:26:38.163 and now we're going to[br]bring it back with rouge. 0:26:39.500,0:26:41.960 Her cheeks were naturally rosy. 0:26:41.960,0:26:44.003 That rosiness was around here. 0:26:46.290,0:26:49.300 The key to applying rouge[br]is to keep the brush 0:26:49.300,0:26:50.930 at a flat angle, 0:26:50.930,0:26:53.930 then the skin will look more natural. 0:26:53.930,0:26:56.401 - It really does look natural, doesn't it. 0:26:56.401,0:26:57.533 (laughing) 0:26:58.750,0:27:02.480 - [Narrator] Before, her[br]uneven skin tone stood out, 0:27:02.480,0:27:04.300 after, her color is rosy, 0:27:04.300,0:27:07.223 and her skin looks smooth[br]and soft as a baby's. 0:27:10.500,0:27:14.630 - What I was most[br]impressed by, I suppose, 0:27:14.630,0:27:19.240 was when you talked about[br]how the Japanese play 0:27:19.240,0:27:21.960 with nature and reinvent nature, 0:27:21.960,0:27:24.480 and to see the way makeup is done 0:27:24.480,0:27:26.430 as an extension of that[br]was actually something 0:27:26.430,0:27:28.260 I'd never even thought about. 0:27:28.260,0:27:30.080 So, that was another[br]good piece of education- 0:27:30.080,0:27:32.797 this has been a very educative[br]show for me (both laughing) 0:27:32.797,0:27:34.243 I must tell you. 0:27:34.243,0:27:35.560 - That's good to hear. 0:27:35.560,0:27:36.555 - Thank you very much. 0:27:36.555,0:27:37.535 - Thank you very much. 0:27:38.539,0:27:41.122 (upbeat music) 0:27:45.140,0:27:47.170 - [Narrator] Next time, bladed tools 0:27:47.170,0:27:49.600 Japanese blades take countless forms, 0:27:49.600,0:27:52.290 from knives for fish[br]to scissors for sweets. 0:27:52.290,0:27:53.750 We explore the cutting edge 0:27:53.750,0:27:55.963 of a sophisticated craft culture.