Fumi Nikaido's Beauty Routine | Skincare, Makeup, Diet & Tea

From the films Himizu, My Man, and Fly Me to the Saitama to the NHK morning drama Yell, the television series VIVANT and Eye Love You, and the international production Shōgun, Japanese actress Fumi Nikaido has captivated audiences with her remarkable versatility.

Born on September 21, 1994, in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, Nikaido began working in entertainment around the age of 12. She made her film debut in the 2009 movie Toad's Oil (Gama no Abura). For her performance in Himizu, she and co-star Shota Sometani received the Marcello Mastroianni Award for emerging actors at the 68th Venice International Film Festival.

Known for moving effortlessly between intense dramas and bold comedies, Nikaido is also active as a photographer. In 2024, she photographed actor Gordon Maeda for his photobook. In August 2025, she announced her marriage to Kazlaser, a Japanese comedian and member of the comedy duo Maple Chogokin.

Beyond her memorable screen performances, Nikaido has an approachable and sometimes wonderfully unconventional side. Her beauty and wellness habits reflect her curiosity, personal preferences, and enjoyment of everyday life.

Her routine includes simple skincare tailored to her skin's condition, regular sunscreen application, red lipstick chosen according to her mood, long walks with her dogs, and prioritizing sleep. She also enjoys starting her morning with warm water boiled in an iron kettle and exploring herbal teas, including rosehip and hibiscus blends, along with Taiwanese and Chinese teas.

Her favorite foods include rice and miso soup, rice balls, steamed vegetables, noodles, and doughnuts. She has even revealed the surprising habit of occasionally eating udon noodles while taking a bath.

Living with animals has influenced her attitudes toward food and fashion. Her upbringing, the values she learned from her parents, a memorable trip to Paris with her mother and grandmother, and her continuing dedication to acting also offer insights into the person behind her public image.

Drawing on interviews and publicly available information, this article explores Fumi Nikaido's skincare routine, makeup preferences, eating habits, favorite teas, physical activity, sleep, emotional well-being, family life, marriage, and work as an actress and photographer.

Let's explore the everyday pleasures and personal experiences that shape her distinctive approach to beauty and wellness.

1. Fumi Nikaido's Beauty Philosophy: Embracing Change from Her 20s to Her 30s

A Surprising Moment on Set Sparked Her Interest in Beauty

Fumi Nikaido's growing interest in beauty began with an unexpected moment while filming a television drama.

In a 2023 interview with the Japanese beauty magazine Biteki, she recalled noticing that her face appeared puffier than usual when she saw herself on a monitor during filming.

She remembered having enjoyed a delicious serving of sake-steamed clams beforehand, including all the broth, and humorously wondered whether her meal might have played a part.

The experience encouraged her to pay closer attention to her facial appearance and try different skincare and massage techniques.

Then, one day, she discovered an angle that made her facial contours look particularly defined. The discovery sparked her curiosity about different ways of presenting herself and made beauty routines more enjoyable.

As an actress, Nikaido portrays characters with very different personalities, expressions, and appearances. She places importance on creating a look that fits each role and the atmosphere of a production.

Her interest in skincare and beauty grew out of this curiosity about expression and her desire to understand her own appearance more deeply.

Why She Began Looking Forward to Her 30s

Having worked in entertainment since approximately the age of 12, Nikaido spent her 20s gaining professional experience while also learning more about herself.

Speaking to Biteki in 2023, as she approached her 29th birthday, she acknowledged that she had sometimes struggled with feelings of immaturity despite the experience she had gained through work.

As the years passed, however, she gradually became more comfortable with herself.

She enjoys learning from older colleagues while remaining equally open to ideas from younger people. Encountering different values and perspectives is something she genuinely appreciates.

These discoveries offer opportunities to grow, both as a performer and as an individual.

For Nikaido, getting older means discovering new experiences, ideas, and sources of enjoyment.

She also shared a personal story about her appearance in a 2023 interview with VOGUE JAPAN.

She once admired sharply defined noses and felt self-conscious about the rounded shape of her own nose. Over time, she began to see that rounded shape as one of her distinctive features.

Learning to appreciate her natural characteristics, along with the changes that come with age, has become an important part of her personal beauty philosophy.

Lessons About Beauty and Curiosity from Her Parents

Nikaido's individual sense of beauty is closely connected to the films she watched as a child and the influence of her family.

In a 2014 interview with ELLE, she recalled that her mother introduced her to films featuring Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn.

Watching actresses and fashion icons from different eras and cultures helped her appreciate the many forms beauty can take.

From her mother, she learned to recognize the natural qualities that make a person attractive.

From her father, she learned the importance of exploring the things she genuinely loves and pursuing her interests with curiosity and dedication.

Growing up surrounded by films and fashion, Nikaido developed an enthusiasm for Vivienne Westwood, vintage clothing, and the punk fashion of the 1970s.

Her favorite styles often led her to discover new films, music, fashion, and people. That same curiosity continues to influence both her work and her daily life.

2. Fumi Nikaido's Skincare Routine: Gentle Care and Sun Protection

Simple Skincare Tailored to Her Skin's Condition

One of the defining features of Fumi Nikaido's skincare approach is adjusting her routine according to how her skin feels.

In a 2023 interview with VOGUE JAPAN, she explained that she had become more aware of visible signs of tiredness on her skin compared with her teenage years.

Her everyday approach focuses on simple skincare, and she pays particular attention to minimizing friction when touching her face.

In a 2024 interview with VOCE, she also described how her interest in beauty had grown over the preceding years and how she had continued focusing on basic skincare and care from within.

An actress's schedule can change dramatically from day to day, with long filming hours, different makeup looks, and varying amounts of time spent outdoors.

Within that changing environment, Nikaido prefers to observe her skin's condition and choose the care that feels appropriate.

In Biteki in 2023, she also mentioned visiting a cosmetic dermatologist when she developed pimples.

Professional advice is therefore another option within her personal approach, alongside her everyday skincare routine.

Why Applying Sunscreen Regularly Matters to Her Acting Career

Sun protection is one of the beauty habits Nikaido takes particularly seriously.

In a 2024 interview with VOCE, she explained that, having grown up in Okinawa, she feels her skin tans relatively easily.

Although she appreciates the appearance of sun-kissed skin, maintaining a consistent skin tone is also important for her acting work.

Film and television scenes are not always shot in the same order in which they appear on screen. Scenes depicting events on the same day may actually be filmed days or weeks apart.

A noticeable change in skin tone between filming days can affect visual continuity, so she makes a point of applying sunscreen regularly.

For Nikaido, sunscreen is both a familiar part of her beauty routine and a practical consideration in creating a finished production.

In a makeup look featured in Biteki in 2023, she used sunscreen as a base and applied a small amount of foundation only where she wanted additional coverage, such as areas of redness or visible pores.

This approach allows her to keep her skin's natural appearance while carefully refining selected areas.

3. Fumi Nikaido's Makeup and Fashion: Red Lipstick and Individual Style

Her Love of Red Lipstick and Defined Eye Makeup

Red lipstick is one of the most recognizable elements of Fumi Nikaido's makeup preferences.

In a 2023 interview with VOGUE JAPAN, she explained that she enjoys wearing makeup in her private life and has a particular fondness for red lipstick.

Red comes in many shades, from vibrant tones to deeper, more muted colors. Nikaido enjoys choosing a shade that matches her mood.

She particularly likes matte textures, making lipstick a way to express her personality and how she feels on a given day.

For her eyes, she enjoys defined eyeliner along both the upper and lower lash lines.

When emphasizing her eyes, she often balances the look with a natural-looking base.

Although professional hair and makeup artists help transform her appearance for different roles, her personal makeup choices are guided by what she enjoys wearing.

Fashion Choices That Reflect Comfort and Personal Values

Nikaido also has an individual approach to fashion.

In VOGUE JAPAN in 2023, she spoke about her preference for gender-free and unisex styles.

In a 2020 interview with bis, she mentioned favorite clothing items including a shirt made from bamboo-derived fabric and a soft linen suit.

Because she tends to feel cold easily, she also pays attention to the materials and comfort of clothing worn close to her skin.

In November 2024, Nikaido became a Chanel ambassador, attracting further attention for her ability to wear everything from classic fashion to more adventurous designs.

Meanwhile, living with animals has deepened her interest in how clothing is made, the materials used, and environmental considerations.

Alongside appearance and comfort, the background of a garment has become another important aspect of how she thinks about fashion.

4. Fumi Nikaido's Diet and Favorite Teas: Warm Water, Herbal Tea, Vegetables and Comfort Foods

Starting the Morning with Warm Water from an Iron Kettle

A particularly revealing look at Fumi Nikaido's eating habits came through her appearance in Harper's BAZAAR's FOOD DIARIES feature, published in March 2024.

In the feature, she discussed the foods, drinks, and dishes she enjoys in everyday life.

At the time, her morning routine included boiling water in an iron kettle and drinking it warm.

She lets the freshly boiled water cool slightly and enjoys what she describes as its mellow taste.

On days when filming starts early, she sometimes pours the warm water into an insulated bottle and takes it to the set.

For breakfast, she often chooses fruit. On filming days, she may eat rice balls filled with familiar Japanese ingredients such as pickled plum or kombu seaweed.

She also mentioned occasionally drinking amazake, a traditional Japanese drink often made from fermented rice, while selecting food and drinks according to her schedule and how she feels.

Her enjoyment of familiar foods adds an approachable quality to her daily routine.

Rosehip and Hibiscus Herbal Tea, Taiwanese Tea and Chinese Tea

Nikaido is also fond of tea.

In her 2024 FOOD DIARIES appearance, she spoke about her interest in herbal tea, Taiwanese tea, and Chinese tea.

She sometimes buys tea while traveling and has collected different varieties at home.

Choosing a tea to suit her mood is one of her everyday pleasures.

The feature also introduced a fruity red blend made with rosehip and hibiscus.

Rosehip and hibiscus herbal tea is known for its vivid red color and pleasantly tart, refreshing flavor. The blend can be enjoyed hot or chilled.

For Nikaido, the pleasure of tea extends beyond taste to its aroma, appearance, and the experience of choosing what to drink.

She also enjoys coffee and prefers taking the time to drink it from a cup.

Warm water in the morning, herbal tea chosen according to her mood, and coffee enjoyed at a relaxed pace all have their own place in her daily life.

Steamed Vegetables, Seasonal Ingredients and Freshly Cooked Rice

Nikaido enjoys vegetables prepared in simple ways that allow their natural flavors to stand out.

In her 2024 food feature, she discussed dishes such as steamed vegetables and hot pots.

She enjoys pairing vegetables with simple seasonings, including salt and sesame oil.

Seasonal ingredients also appeal to her, particularly spring vegetables such as cabbage and traditional flavors associated with yomogi, or Japanese mugwort.

Rice is another longstanding favorite.

In VOGUE JAPAN in 2023, she mentioned rice and miso soup among her preferred everyday foods. She has also expressed her affection for warm, freshly cooked rice prepared in a traditional clay pot and generously sized rice balls.

Classic Japanese fillings, including pickled plum, are among her favorites.

Her meals reflect an appreciation for familiar ingredients and the flavors that come with each season.

Doughnuts, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Korean Food and Other Favorites

Nikaido also loves noodles, including soba, udon, and ramen.

For snacks, she enjoys doughnuts and churros, and sometimes brings doughnuts to film sets for the cast and crew.

She has humorously admitted that part of the reason for bringing them is that she wants to eat them herself.

Another longtime favorite is hoshimo, Japanese dried sweet potato.

She has recalled receiving delicious dried sweet potatoes following a conversation with writer Mariko Hayashi, an experience that left a lasting impression.

Among Korean dishes, she enjoys sundubu jjigae, a spicy soft tofu stew.

While working on the 2024 drama Eye Love You, she appeared alongside Korean actor Chae Jong-hyeop.

Through their interactions, she discovered kim bugak, a crispy Korean seaweed snack, which she enjoyed enough to mention in her Harper's BAZAAR feature.

Working with people from different cultures has introduced Nikaido to new tastes and dishes, making film sets an enjoyable place for culinary discoveries as well.

Her approach to food has also evolved through her experiences with animals.

During a television appearance in 2018, she explained that her preferences had shifted from meat-centered meals toward foods such as fish, yuba (tofu skin), and nama-fu (fresh wheat gluten).

In 2020, she discussed her growing interest in vegan lifestyles, animal welfare, and environmental issues.

Enjoying delicious food while thinking about where ingredients come from has become part of her broader outlook on everyday choices.

5. Fumi Nikaido's Exercise Habits: Walking Her Dogs and Staying Active Naturally

Dog Walks That Sometimes Add Up to Over 10,000 Steps

One of Fumi Nikaido's most distinctive physical activity habits is walking her dogs.

In a 2020 interview with bis, she explained that walking her dogs could add up to around two hours a day, sometimes exceeding 10,000 steps.

She also described regular morning and evening walks in Biteki in 2023.

The duration of her walks varies with the season, and she sometimes enjoys spending longer outdoors when the weather is cooler.

Because her two dogs walk at different speeds, she occasionally takes them out separately.

Adjusting to each dog's pace gives them individual attention while making walking a natural part of her daily physical activity.

Stretching, Pilates and Facial Exercises

Alongside walking, Nikaido enjoys staying active at her own pace.

In bis in 2020, she mentioned doing stretches at home whenever she felt like it.

In a 2023 interview with Biteki, she named Pilates as an activity she was interested in trying.

Although walking was already an enjoyable part of her routine, she was curious about exploring other forms of movement.

She has also expressed an interest in facial exercises and told VOGUE JAPAN in 2023 that she sometimes practiced them between work commitments.

Her approach reflects a preference for choosing activities that fit naturally into her schedule and personal interests.

6. Fumi Nikaido's Sleep and Relaxation Habits: Rest, Bathing and Unexpected Routines

Prioritizing Sleep During Busy Filming Schedules

Sleep is one of the wellness habits Fumi Nikaido particularly values.

In a 2020 interview with bis, she said she tried to secure enough sleep even during demanding periods at work.

In VOGUE JAPAN in 2023, she explained that insufficient sleep could make her feel that her voice was more difficult to use comfortably.

Acting involves speaking dialogue and sometimes performing narration, so taking care of her voice is an important part of preparing for work.

For Nikaido, sleep is therefore a valuable opportunity to rest and prepare for the following day's commitments.

At home, she also enjoys relaxing with her dogs and cats and sometimes falls asleep on the sofa while spending time with them.

Being surrounded by animals offers a comfortable contrast to the intensity of a busy filming schedule.

Her Unusual Habit of Eating Udon While Taking a Bath

Nikaido has also revealed a rather surprising personal habit.

During the January 2, 2024 broadcast of the TBS program Shuccho! Sand Yatai, she mentioned that she sometimes eats udon noodles while taking a bath.

As someone who loves udon, she shared an unexpected story about where she occasionally enjoys the dish at home.

The hosts, Japanese comedy duo Sandwichman, reacted with surprise.

The anecdote revealed a playful and unconventional side of Nikaido, quite different from the composed expressions audiences often see in her films and dramas.

Enzyme Baths and Time Surrounded by Favorite Scents

In bis in 2020, Nikaido mentioned occasionally visiting an enzyme bath.

An enzyme bath is a bathing style that uses heat generated through the fermentation of materials such as rice bran or sawdust.

She enjoyed the refreshed feeling she experienced after sweating during a session.

She also has her own preferences when it comes to fragrances.

In VOGUE JAPAN in 2023, she discussed her interest in incense and calming scents.

She has also spoken about the appeal of spending relaxing days surrounded by nature with her dogs.

Favorite scents, time with animals, bathing, and quiet moments outdoors all add pleasure and variety to her everyday life.

7. Fumi Nikaido's Mental Well-Being and Life with Animals

Accepting Her Emotions and Seeking Professional Support

Fumi Nikaido has spoken openly about emotional well-being.

In a 2023 interview with VOGUE JAPAN, she discussed the importance of accepting herself, including moments when her feelings are unsettled.

After years of portraying characters with very different emotional experiences, she has become increasingly attentive to her own feelings.

She has also shared that she uses counseling and hopes professional support will become a more accessible, familiar option for people.

Her ability to separate work from personal life has evolved with experience.

When she was younger, she sometimes felt that the emotions of a character overlapped with her own.

Over time, she developed a more natural way of returning to her everyday life after immersing herself in a role.

Her outlook reflects the importance she places on both creative expression and enjoying her own personal time.

How Living with Animals Changed Her Lifestyle and Values

Animals have played an important role in shaping Nikaido's daily life and personal outlook.

In a 2024 interview with ciiron TOKYO, she spoke about her early experiences of living with animals and how she came to welcome her dogs into the family.

Living with a ferret when she was younger helped her appreciate the emotional richness of animals and the ways they communicate with people.

She later welcomed two dogs: Jiji, a Shiba Inu, and Zoe, a Jack Russell Terrier.

She met Jiji at a pet shop, while Zoe joined her family as a rescue dog.

Living with them prompted her to think more deeply about animal welfare, the lives of animals, and the environments in which they are raised.

These experiences also influenced how she thinks about food, clothing, and everyday purchases.

In ELLE in 2020, she explained that people she had met during her university years also encouraged her to think about animal welfare and environmental concerns.

She has additionally shown an interest in charitable activities and donations, including taking part in a collaborative initiative with a fashion brand.

Thinking about what she can contribute through her work and daily choices is another important aspect of her values.

Reading and Spending Time with Animals in 2025

In a 2025 interview with Mezamashi Media, Nikaido offered another glimpse into how she enjoys her time away from work.

Her acting career brings frequent encounters with different people and new experiences, while at home she appreciates a more relaxed pace.

She sometimes spends so much time caring for her animals that the day seems to pass before she knows it.

After tending to them, she enjoys reading and relaxing together.

When she has free time, she also likes going to the cinema or watching stage performances.

Having grown up surrounded by films, experiencing other people's creative work remains both a personal pleasure and a source of artistic inspiration.

8. Fumi Nikaido's Career, Family and Marriage: From Okinawa to International Productions

Growing Up in Okinawa and Building an Acting Career

Fumi Nikaido was born in Okinawa Prefecture on September 21, 1994.

Her father is from Tokyo and her mother is from Okinawa. In a 2022 conversation published by ELLE, she also spoke about her maternal grandparents' ties to the islands of Okinawa.

Her love of films began early, and she started working in entertainment around the age of 12. She made her film debut in Toad's Oil in 2009.

She went on to appear in films including Himizu, My Man, River's Edge, and the Fly Me to the Saitama series.

On television, she played Oto Sekinai in NHK's morning drama Yell and appeared in productions such as VIVANT and Eye Love You.

She also portrayed Ochiba no Kata in the international production Shōgun, bringing her performances to a wider global audience.

Throughout her career, she has learned from the actors, directors, and production teams she has worked with, continually expanding her approach to acting.

Those experiences, beginning in her teenage years, have helped shape her artistic identity as she has entered her 30s.

Photography and the Importance of Connecting with Her Subjects

Alongside acting, Nikaido has developed her work as a photographer.

In 2024, she photographed actor Gordon Maeda for his photobook A Beautiful Blink.

The two had previously appeared together in the 2021 television drama Promise Cinderella, and their professional connection later developed into the photobook project.

In a 2025 interview with Mezamashi Media, Nikaido discussed the importance of respecting and communicating with the people she photographs.

Each person is different, and the atmosphere during a photoshoot may change depending on the subject. Sometimes a session unfolds quietly; on other occasions, conversation helps guide the creative process.

Her approach centers on respecting the individual and creating something together.

Whether she is portraying a character in front of a camera or photographing someone else, her work involves paying close attention to human expression and emotion.

Photography has become another way for her to explore the many qualities that make people distinctive.

A Special Trip to Paris with Her Mother and Grandmother

Nikaido has also shared warm memories of spending time with her family.

In a 2025 interview with Mezamashi Media, she recalled visiting Paris with her mother and grandmother approximately ten years earlier.

The three rented an apartment for about a week and spent their time walking through the city and enjoying meals together.

She had previously promised her grandmother that they would travel abroad together, making the trip particularly meaningful.

Seeing her grandmother enjoy the experience remains one of her fondest memories.

Paris also holds a special place in Nikaido's imagination because of her childhood exposure to French cinema through her mother.

The journey brought together her love of films, her connection to France, and precious time with her family.

Marriage to Kazlaser and Their Hopes for a Happy Home

On August 10, 2025, Fumi Nikaido announced her marriage to Kazlaser, a Japanese comedian from the duo Maple Chogokin.

In their joint announcement, the couple acknowledged their distinctive personalities and individual preferences while expressing their hope to build a cheerful home where they could share everyday experiences and ultimately move forward with a smile.

Nikaido had publicly expressed admiration for Kazlaser before their marriage, and the announcement attracted considerable attention.

She also made it clear that she intended to continue her acting career after getting married.

The couple's emphasis on respecting each other's individuality closely reflects the values Nikaido has discussed in her earlier interviews about living authentically.

From her childhood in Okinawa and an acting career that began in her teens to international productions, photography, life with animals, and marriage, Nikaido has experienced many different worlds.

She continues to learn from the people and cultures she encounters, incorporating those experiences into her own creative outlook.

That openness to new ideas will likely remain an important part of both her future work and her personal journey.