Chikako Kaku’s Beauty & Wellness Routine | Skincare, Hair & Diet

With her softly layered short hair, elegant posture, and warm smile, Japanese actress Chikako Kaku has been admired by women across generations for decades.

Born on October 17, 1961, Kaku turned 65 in 2026. She first attracted attention as a model for the Japanese fashion magazine JJ before establishing a long and successful acting career in television dramas, films, and theatre.

Her best-known works include Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari (Seven Men and Women: A Summer Story), Zutto Anata ga Sukidatta (I Always Loved You), and Dare ni mo Ienai (I Can't Tell Anyone). Her leading role in the 1992 drama Zutto Anata ga Sukidatta, portraying a wife struggling with her relationship with an unusual and controlling husband played by Shiro Sano, became particularly memorable.

A closer look at Kaku's beauty and wellness habits reveals a remarkably detailed approach to daily self-care. Her routines have included moisturizing, year-round sun protection, gentle skincare, hair treatments suited to her naturally fine hair, meals featuring avocado and nuts, protein and dietary supplements, walking, and morning and evening breathing exercises.

What makes her approach especially interesting is that caring for her skin and hair is only one part of a much broader philosophy. She also places importance on looking after her emotional well-being, appreciating her body, and enjoying the small pleasures of everyday life.

Early in her career, she entered the modelling world without even owning makeup. Over the years, she learned about beauty and fashion through her work, and she has continued to welcome new experiences as she has grown older.

Her story also includes promises made to her initially reluctant parents, a wedding in New Zealand, a warm but amusing relationship with her nephew, actor Kento Kaku, and an enthusiastic interest in baseball star Shohei Ohtani.

Drawing on interviews, official publications, and reported statements from different stages of her career, this article explores Chikako Kaku's skincare, haircare, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, family life, and personal philosophy of ageing with confidence and curiosity.

1. Chikako Kaku's Career and Beauty Philosophy: From JJ Model to Acclaimed Actress

Starting a Modelling Career Without Fashion or Makeup Experience

To understand Chikako Kaku's approach to beauty, it helps to begin with her early experiences as a fashion model.

After being approached by talent scouts during her student years, Kaku began modelling while attending junior college. She subsequently became a popular model for the women's fashion magazine JJ.

Surprisingly, she did not enter the profession with extensive knowledge of fashion or cosmetics.

In interviews connected to JJ's 50th anniversary in 2026, Kaku recalled that she knew very little about fashion when she started and did not even own makeup.

Considering her polished appearance today, it is an unexpected detail.

Professional modelling requires more than wearing beautiful clothes. Models need to understand how to turn their bodies, position their hands, adjust their posture, and use facial expressions to communicate the character of each outfit.

Kaku initially struggled with posing and sometimes received strict instructions from photographers.

As she gained experience, however, she learned how different outfits called for different movements and expressions. She gradually discovered the enjoyment of fashion and the art of presenting clothing.

In January 1982, she appeared on the cover of JJ, establishing herself as a popular fashion model.

In a 2021 interview with BiST, Kaku reflected on how she had once relied on the same smiles and poses during shoots. Learning to change her expression to suit the clothing became an important lesson.

Looking back again in 2026, she described those early experiences at JJ as an enduring source of confidence.

The skills she developed in front of the camera became a foundation for her later career as an actress, helping her express a wide range of emotions and personalities on screen.

Becoming Widely Known Through Zutto Anata ga Sukidatta

Following her success in modelling, Kaku made her acting debut in 1982.

She gradually built her experience through television dramas, including Shojo ni Nani ga Okotta ka (What Happened to the Girl?) and Danjo Shichinin Natsu Monogatari.

A major turning point came in 1992 with Zutto Anata ga Sukidatta.

Her portrayal of a woman struggling within her marriage, opposite Shiro Sano, left a powerful impression on Japanese television audiences.

Sano's character, widely known as Fuyuhiko-san, became a cultural phenomenon and remains closely associated with the drama.

The following year, Kaku and Sano appeared together again in Dare ni mo Ienai, another drama exploring complicated relationships and emotional tension.

The contrast between Kaku's bright, elegant image as a model and her nuanced performances in emotionally demanding roles demonstrated her versatility as an actress.

She went on to work in films and theatre while also appearing in programmes exploring everyday life, health, and personal experiences.

One example is the NHK E-Tele programme Ashita mo Hare! Jinsei Recipe, which examines how people navigate different stages of life.

Through such work, Kaku has had opportunities to hear from specialists and people with a wide range of experiences. These encounters have also informed her personal interest in wellness and daily living.

In 2025, she received a Good Ager Award, recognising people who continue to lead engaged and fulfilling lives as they grow older.

She also returned to the world of JJ for its 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2026, participating in a fashion shoot photographed by Leslie Kee.

For the anniversary project, Kaku explored fresh fashion and makeup styles. She explained that gratitude toward the magazine, which had played such an important role in her career, was one reason she wanted to participate.

Returning to the publication where her professional journey began created a meaningful connection between her younger self and the woman she had become.

2. Chikako Kaku's Skincare Routine: Moisturizing, Sun Protection and Gentle Cleansing

Making Moisturizing the First Priority After Bathing

One of the most consistent features of Chikako Kaku's skincare routine is her attention to moisturizing.

In a 2020 TOKYO FM interview, she explained that after getting out of the bath, she prioritised applying lotion and serum to her face.

There are many things to do after a bath, from drying off and getting dressed to taking care of one's hair. Kaku had developed a clear order for her routine, placing facial hydration first.

At the time, she also used a lotion containing vitamin C.

When applying lotion, serum, or cream, she paid attention to how her skin felt that day, using her hands to check its condition as she worked.

In another beauty interview from 2020, she discussed adjusting her use of serums and creams according to her skin's condition and relying on touch to understand what felt appropriate.

Skin can feel different depending on the season, environment, and daily circumstances. Kaku's approach involves observing those changes and selecting a routine that suits her at the time.

In 2023, she also introduced a facial serum called Hair Repro EX GF Essence among the beauty items she used.

Despite her decades of experience with professional makeup and skincare, Kaku has continued to show interest in new products while making choices based on her own preferences.

In a 2021 JJ interview, she identified moisturizing, UV care, and cultivating inner beauty as important parts of her personal beauty philosophy.

She also spoke about the importance of choosing trustworthy people, products, and information in a world filled with beauty advice.

Rather than following every trend, her emphasis has been on understanding herself and enjoying beauty practices that feel comfortable and appropriate.

That combination of careful daily skincare and attention to emotional well-being runs throughout her approach to beauty.

Year-Round UV Care and a Gentle Approach to Cleansing

Although Kaku now values sun protection, she once enjoyed having a suntan.

During her younger years, surfer-inspired fashion and tanned skin were popular. She recalled feeling pleased when her skin became darker during photo shoots.

However, after turning 20, she became more conscious of freckles and began reconsidering her relationship with sun exposure.

That experience encouraged her to pay attention to UV care throughout the year.

In a 2023 interview with BiST, she explained that she also considered sun protection while indoors.

Her experience illustrates how personal skincare priorities can change over time as people become more familiar with their skin.

Another important element of her routine is the way she touches her face.

In interviews published in 2023, Kaku explained that she tries to avoid rubbing her skin unnecessarily during skincare, makeup application, and cleansing.

Because cleansing and applying cosmetics are everyday activities, she pays attention to the small movements involved rather than treating skincare as something reserved for special occasions.

Her self-care routine also extends beyond her face.

In 2020, she revealed that her post-bath routine, including body care and dental hygiene, could take almost an hour.

She uses interdental brushes and dental floss and described a particularly thorough approach to brushing, including brushing both with and without toothpaste.

For Kaku, daily beauty care includes looking after her skin, body, and teeth as part of the same wider commitment to personal well-being.

3. Chikako Kaku's Haircare: Soft Short Hair, Shine and Styling Techniques

Working With Her Naturally Fine, Soft Hair

Chikako Kaku's softly voluminous short hairstyle has become one of her most recognisable features.

Its light movement, gentle volume, and elegant silhouette have remained central to her appearance for many years.

However, Kaku has explained that her natural hair is fine and soft, a texture sometimes described in Japanese as neko-ge, or cat-like hair.

In a 2020 interview with Kateigaho, she discussed working with hairstylist Joji Morikawa to make the most of her hair's texture and naturally ash-toned colour.

At the time, she was having her hair permed approximately once every three weeks to create additional volume at the crown.

She also paid attention to her hair's condition when choosing how to style it.

Morikawa's approach involved introducing gentle, varied movement into the ends of the hair while retaining a soft, natural-looking finish.

Small adjustments to the height of the crown, the direction of the hair around the nape, and how it sits behind the ears can make the same short haircut look quite different.

Kaku also values the process of communicating with her hairstylist.

Rather than simply requesting a fashionable haircut, she prefers to discuss what she wants and work with a professional who understands her preferences.

That long-standing trust has helped her develop a hairstyle that suits her hair texture, appearance, and lifestyle.

Using Partial Wigs and Hairdryers as Practical Styling Tools

One especially interesting aspect of Kaku's haircare is her practical use of partial wigs and hairpieces.

In her 2020 Kateigaho interview, she described using them when she wanted to change her look, when she had little time to visit a salon, or when the roots of her hair lost volume during stage performances.

Rather than relying on a single styling method, she has treated hairpieces as useful accessories that can be combined with her natural hair.

Partial wigs can help change the appearance of volume or shape while allowing much of the existing hairstyle to remain visible.

Kaku has incorporated them according to her plans, mood, and professional needs.

In 2023, she also introduced an Aderans hairdryer among the haircare products she used.

She has shown an interest in practicality, the appearance of shine, and the overall experience of styling her hair.

Her approach brings together perms, hairdryers, partial wigs, and professional advice, all chosen with her fine hair texture in mind.

It is a flexible way of enjoying hairstyles while making the most of her individual characteristics.

4. Chikako Kaku's Diet: Avocado, Manuka Honey, Protein and Supplements

A Colourful Diet Featuring Vegetables, Fruit and Nuts

Food is another important part of Chikako Kaku's approach to beauty and wellness.

In a February 2020 appearance on TOKYO FM's Pete's Mysterious Garage, she described exactly what she had eaten for lunch that day.

Her meal included a salad made with avocado, cucumber, walnuts, broccoli sprouts, and tomatoes, accompanied by bread, kabosu citrus juice, and strawberries.

The combination gives a vivid impression of a colourful meal featuring vegetables, fruit, and nuts.

Avocados contain fibre and potassium, while walnuts provide plant-based fats.

Broccoli sprouts, tomatoes, and strawberries also contain a range of nutrients and contribute different colours, flavours, and textures to a meal.

Rather than focusing on a single ingredient, Kaku's example shows her interest in combining different foods and enjoying what she eats.

In a 2023 BiST feature, minestrone was also among the foods she discussed.

This vegetable-based soup offers another example of her enjoyment of familiar dishes that incorporate a variety of ingredients.

Taken together, her descriptions from 2020 and 2023 offer a more detailed picture of the foods she chose at different points in her life.

Manuka Honey, Protein and Sesame Supplements

Honey and dietary supplements have also appeared in Kaku's descriptions of her daily habits.

In a 2023 BiST feature, she introduced Manuka honey among the foods she enjoyed.

Manuka honey is produced from nectar collected by bees from the flowers of the mānuka plant, which grows in New Zealand and some other regions.

It is known as a food with a distinctive flavour and rich character.

There is also an interesting New Zealand connection in Kaku's personal history: she held her wedding there in the 1990s.

Her association with the country through that life event, and her later mention of Manuka honey as a food, are two separate but intriguing details.

In her 2020 radio interview, Kaku described another honey-based habit.

At the time, she enjoyed mixing approximately one teaspoon of honey with roughly one-third as much cinnamon and eating a little of the mixture during the morning.

The combination brought together honey's sweetness and cinnamon's distinctive fragrance, creating a simple food ritual she enjoyed.

In the same interview, she also mentioned consuming protein and sesame-based supplements.

Later, in 2023, she specifically identified Suntory Sesamin EX as a supplement she was taking, describing a routine of three capsules each morning.

Sesamin is a naturally occurring compound found in sesame seeds and is also used as an ingredient in some dietary supplements.

Protein supplements, meanwhile, are products used to add protein to a person's overall dietary intake.

Kaku also said in 2020 that she paid attention to consuming vitamin C during the afternoon.

These details reflect her personal preferences and habits at the times of the interviews. Individual nutritional needs and appropriate supplement use depend on diet, health circumstances, and other personal factors.

Across her food-related interviews, a consistent theme emerges: Kaku enjoys familiar ingredients and explores foods or supplements that interest her while developing routines that suit her lifestyle.

5. Chikako Kaku's Exercise Habits: Walking, Posture and Body Care

Paying Attention to Posture Through Walking and Bodywork

Alongside skincare and nutrition, Kaku has taken an interest in posture and the way her body moves.

In a 2023 interview, she discussed walking and visiting a bodywork practitioner as ways of becoming more aware of her body's habitual movement patterns.

Having spent many years working as both a model and an actress, she has substantial experience using posture and movement as forms of expression.

During fashion shoots, models adjust the position of their bodies to present clothing in different ways. Actors likewise use their posture and movements to communicate a character's personality or emotions.

That professional background gives additional context to Kaku's interest in how she stands, walks, and moves in everyday life.

On the Japanese talk show Tetsuko's Room in 2023, she also discussed using a hanging exercise bar at home.

She described turning to the equipment when her body felt stiff, compressed, or out of alignment, and said she had used it on the morning of her television appearance.

It is an example of a simple piece of equipment becoming part of someone's personal exercise routine.

Her use of small opportunities to look after herself was discussed again during a 2024 appearance on the programme.

Kaku has also spoken about learning wellness ideas through her professional work and trying approaches that interest her.

Physical activities and exercise equipment should always be approached according to individual ability and comfort. Kaku's experience is best understood as a description of her own routine rather than a universal exercise recommendation.

How a Finger Injury Changed Her Appreciation of Her Body

An experience that deepened Kaku's appreciation of everyday health was a finger injury in 2019.

She injured a tendon in the ring finger of her left hand after losing her balance while placing her hand on a chair.

It was only after the injury that she fully appreciated how often that finger was involved in ordinary activities.

Holding objects, supporting the hand, and performing small tasks all require movements that are easy to take for granted.

Kaku recalled that the experience made her think more carefully about the many things her body does for her every day.

Sometimes, an appreciation of health develops through an ordinary personal experience rather than through discovering a new diet or fitness trend.

In 2025, she also expressed interest in trying pickleball.

Pickleball is a racket sport combining features associated with tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

Although she was mindful of the possibility of injury when playing traditional tennis, Kaku was curious about this different sporting activity.

Her comments showed a continuing interest in exploring new ways to stay active while being attentive to her physical condition.

6. Chikako Kaku's Breathing and Relaxation Routine: Caring for Emotional Well-Being

Morning and Evening Breathing With a Moment of Self-Praise

One of the most distinctive elements of Chikako Kaku's wellness routine is her practice of abdominal breathing in the morning and at night.

In a 2023 BiST interview, she explained that she uses these moments to organise her plans and reflect on the day's events.

Her reported morning routine involves breathing in through the nose for four seconds, holding the breath for four seconds, and then breathing out through the mouth for eight seconds.

During this time, she mentally reviews what she needs to do that day.

By thinking through upcoming work and ordinary responsibilities, she gives herself a quiet moment before beginning a busy schedule.

In the evening, she described breathing in for four seconds and out for eight seconds while recalling ten things that happened during the day.

She then makes a point of praising herself for at least one thing.

Daily life naturally contains a mixture of enjoyable moments and experiences that do not go exactly as planned.

By remembering something she did well or an effort she made, Kaku ends the day with a moment of personal appreciation.

Her breathing practice is therefore not just about counting seconds. It is also a structured opportunity to reflect, recognise her efforts, and approach the following day with a positive attitude.

The timings above describe Kaku's personal practice at the time of the interview. Anyone exploring breathing exercises should prioritise comfortable, natural breathing and adapt the approach to their own circumstances.

Enjoying Fragrance, Baseball and Beautiful Scenery

Fragrance is another enjoyable element of Kaku's daily routine.

In a 2023 BiST feature, she discussed using Annick Goutal's Eau d'Hadrien when she wanted to shift into a working mood.

For quieter moments, she mentioned an oil she had discovered in the Kumano region of Japan.

Choosing different scents according to her plans and mood adds a simple sensory pleasure to her day.

Another of Kaku's favourite pastimes is following baseball star Shohei Ohtani.

In a 2023 interview, she said she had been collecting and enjoying videos of Ohtani for several years.

She admires not only his achievements as an athlete but also his thoughtfulness and the way he treats people around him.

Following someone whose work and personality she admires has become one of the pleasures of her everyday life.

Although Kaku herself has had a successful career in entertainment, she also enjoys being an enthusiastic fan.

Her interests extend beyond sports.

During a 2024 appearance on Tetsuko's Room, Kaku spoke about how much she enjoys looking at the sky and beautiful natural scenery.

She shared photographs she had taken of the aurora and Lake Shikaribetsu in Hokkaido.

Watching the sky, appreciating an extraordinary landscape, and taking photographs during her travels all provide opportunities to enjoy moments away from the demands of work.

These personal interests offer another perspective on her approach to wellness: she knows what she finds enjoyable and makes room for those experiences in her life.

7. Chikako Kaku's Marriage, Family and Friendships: Her Connection to New Zealand

Marriage to Shin Takuma and Their Wedding in New Zealand

Chikako Kaku's marriage and family history have also attracted public interest.

In January 1994, she married Japanese actor Shin Takuma.

The two had appeared together in the 1991 television drama Shichinin no Onna Bengoshi (Seven Female Lawyers), and reports indicate that their relationship began in 1992.

Their wedding ceremony took place in New Zealand.

For Kaku, the country became the setting for an important milestone in her personal life.

A large wedding reception was subsequently held in Tokyo, attracting considerable attention in the Japanese entertainment press.

In 2010, Kaku and Takuma received a Platinum Couple Award and appeared together publicly for the occasion.

On February 10, 2012, they announced their divorce after approximately 18 years of marriage. Contemporary reports stated that the couple had no children together.

Kaku continued her acting career and other professional activities following the divorce.

Her New Zealand connection is particularly interesting alongside her later mention of Manuka honey among the foods she enjoyed.

Although the wedding and her food preferences are separate parts of her life, both provide genuine points of connection with New Zealand.

Her Nephew Kento Kaku and Her Care for Her Parents

One of Kaku's best-known family connections is with actor Kento Kaku, who is her nephew.

Kento Kaku has appeared in popular Japanese productions including Kyo Kara Ore Wa!! (From Today, It's My Turn!!) and the Netflix series House of Ninjas.

During a November 2023 appearance on Tetsuko's Room, Chikako Kaku discussed the slightly awkward prospect of acting alongside her nephew.

She joked about the embarrassment of sharing a professional set with a family member, while also revealing that she had offered him advice as a more experienced actor.

When he was younger, she encouraged him to develop his acting ability and gain experience through work such as theatre, rather than concentrating only on becoming popular quickly.

On another occasion, she praised him for a performance in which he supported the actors around him, reassuring him that his contribution was valuable and that he was shining in his own way.

These moments reveal both a family connection and the perspective of someone who understands the patience and commitment involved in acting.

Kaku's relationship with her parents is another important part of her story.

In a 2024 appearance on Tetsuko's Room, she explained that her parents, who were both in their nineties at the time, were living nearby.

She had made a habit of calling her mother every evening and reminding her to take care to avoid falls.

She also helped with shopping, particularly heavier items such as cooking oil, drinks, and vegetables.

This caring relationship has a long history.

When Kaku first entered the entertainment industry, her parents were reluctant to approve of her career choice. She promised them three things: that she would not become overly extravagant, that she would remain true to her personality, and that she would continue attending school.

Those early promises offer a revealing contrast with her later role in helping and looking after her parents.

Kaku has also spoken about receiving advice from cookbook author Harumi Kurihara around the time she turned 60.

Through her work, she has formed connections with many other people, including memories of senior actor Keiju Kobayashi and interactions with the family of the late Japanese rugby star Seiji Hirao.

Her relationships illustrate how much she values the people she has met throughout her life and career.

8. Chikako Kaku at 65: Self-Care, Fashion and Enjoying Life

Looking across Chikako Kaku's beauty and wellness habits, one idea appears again and again: the importance of treating herself with care and respect.

In a 2023 BiST interview, she spoke warmly about the Japanese concept of jiai, which can be understood as caring for and cherishing oneself.

Life brings enjoyable experiences as well as moments of disappointment and uncertainty.

Through decades of professional work and personal relationships, Kaku has encountered many different situations and continued learning from them.

She has spoken about reflecting on her own behaviour, learning from experience, and recognising her strengths alongside the things she hopes to improve.

Appreciating small moments of happiness and feeling gratitude are also important parts of her outlook.

Her habit of acknowledging something she has done well at the end of the day fits naturally into this wider philosophy.

Even on a difficult day, she tries to recognise something positive and move forward.

Her attitude toward fashion reflects a similar balance between knowing herself and remaining open to change.

In a 2021 interview with JJ, she explained that she generally tries to limit an outfit to around three colours.

Using basic colours as a foundation, she chooses combinations that feel balanced and suit her personal style.

At the same time, she continues to enjoy trying new looks, as demonstrated by her participation in JJ's 50th-anniversary fashion project in 2026.

Knowing what suits her has not stopped her from exploring new styles and expressions.

At the 2025 Good Ager Awards, Kaku also expressed interest in exploring new professional opportunities and sports.

She demonstrated her playful side, speaking about her fondness for humour, old-fashioned Japanese jokes, and puns.

Behind her elegant and composed public image is someone who enjoys bringing a smile to the faces of people around her.

Looking back at her career, it is remarkable that a young woman who knew little about fashion or makeup went on to become an admired model, a successful actress, and a familiar presence across generations of Japanese entertainment.

Her approach to beauty has developed alongside those experiences.

Moisturizing, UV care, hair treatments suited to her natural texture, meals featuring vegetables and nuts, protein and dietary supplements, walking, breathing practices, and enjoyable moments with favourite fragrances have all appeared in her descriptions of daily life.

These are individual habits rather than one single secret to beauty. Kaku has explored them at different stages of her life according to her interests and preferences.

Just as importantly, she makes time to care for her family, follow people she admires, appreciate natural scenery, and share a laugh with those around her.

Caring for her body, appreciating herself, enjoying what she loves, and remaining curious about new experiences are central themes in Chikako Kaku's outlook on life.

Her story offers inspiration that goes beyond skincare or exercise, showing how beauty and wellness can form part of a fulfilling everyday life at any age.