Hayato Sano Beauty & Wellness | Skincare, Fitness & New Zealand

With his clear, healthy-looking complexion, warm smile, commanding presence as an actor, and charisma as a performer, Hayato Sano has attracted fans across generations through television dramas, films, and music.

Born on March 23, 1998, in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Sano made his acting debut in the 2015 film Have a Song on Your Lips (Kuchibiru ni Uta wo). He is also a member of the Japanese dance and vocal group M!LK. His acting credits include Chihayafuru: Musubi, Little Love Song, TOKYO MER, Trillion Game, and the NHK morning drama Omusubi. He continued expanding his acting career with ESCAPE in 2025 and Okome no Onna in 2026.

Beyond his entertainment career, Sano has developed his own approach to skincare, fitness, and daily well-being. In an August 2026 interview with VOCE, he discussed his morning and evening cleansing routines, lotions, serums, eye creams, sunscreen, hydration, fragrances, and haircare.

After recognizing the physical demands of performing onstage with M!LK, he devoted more attention to dance practice. For acting roles, he has also worked with trainers and adjusted his eating habits. His enthusiasm for creating his ideal home environment has even led him to install a pull-up bar and a personal sauna tent.

In recent years, he has also placed greater importance on sleep and recovery. His daily habits include drinking warm water or throat tea in the morning and enjoying fragrance, music, and time with family and friends. These small pleasures have become part of the lifestyle he continues to shape around his busy career.

Another particularly meaningful part of Hayato Sano's story is his long-standing connection to New Zealand. As a teenager, he spent approximately three weeks studying there and living with a host family. He later returned for the Japanese television programme Another Sky and photographed his book Here, Now! amid the spectacular scenery of Queenstown.

In 2024, he joined Japanese actress Juri Ueno as a campaign ambassador for Tourism New Zealand. It was an opportunity to share the appeal of a country that had played an important part in his own adolescence.

Drawing on Sano's interviews and official announcements, this article explores his beauty and wellness habits in detail. From skincare products, fitness, sauna bathing, diet, hydration, sleep, and fragrance to family memories and his experiences in New Zealand, we take a closer look at the everyday interests and personal stories behind his appeal.

1. Hayato Sano's Skincare and Beauty Routine: Lotions, Eye Creams and Sunscreen

How His Skincare Journey Began: Avène and Dr.Ci:Labo

Hayato Sano's interest in skincare began during his high school years. In an August 2026 interview with VOCE, he recalled borrowing his mother's skincare products when he was younger. After moving to Tokyo to pursue his entertainment career, changes in his living environment also brought changes in how his skin felt, encouraging him to explore products that suited him.

One of the brands he encountered during that period was Dr.Ci:Labo. In an official brand interview published in 2026, he explained that he had been introduced to its VC100 lotion and Hot Peel Cleansing product at work when he was in his teens.

He felt comfortable using the products and became familiar with the brand over time. In 2026, he was appointed a Dr.Ci:Labo brand ambassador and appeared in a commercial for VC100 Essence Lotion EX. Working with a brand he had known for years felt like a meaningful connection.

In 2024, Sano also served as an ambassador for the French skincare brand Avène. In a May 2024 smart Web interview, he described taking care to remove his makeup with an oil cleanser while using facial steam, even after a tiring day at work.

At the time, he sometimes relied on an all-in-one cream to keep his routine simple. Through his involvement with Avène, he also began incorporating Avène Thermal Spring Water after washing his face, followed by the brand's Milky Gel.

Texture is an important consideration when Sano chooses skincare products. He prefers light, comfortable formulas that leave little sticky sensation. By 2024, he was also interested in caring for the delicate eye area and had started using eye cream.

In a 2025 beauty interview, he continued expressing a preference for uncomplicated skincare. His routine evolved through his experiences with Avène in 2024, simpler approaches in 2025, and Dr.Ci:Labo in 2026, reflecting his changing preferences and circumstances.

The products mentioned here are those Sano discussed using at particular points in his life. His experiences with the products and his professional advertising or ambassador partnerships are presented as separate aspects of his relationship with each brand.

His 2026 Morning and Evening Routine: Cleansing, Serums and Eye Care

In August 2026, VOCE published a detailed account of Sano's morning and evening skincare habits.

His morning routine is straightforward. After waking up, he rinses his face with water, applies Dr.Ci:Labo lotion, and finishes with sunscreen. Because makeup artists also prepare his skin before shoots, he prefers to keep his routine at home focused on the essentials.

In the evening, he pays particular attention to removing makeup. He first uses an oil cleanser in the bathroom, then washes his hair and body before using a cleansing gel to carefully clean the remaining areas.

He particularly likes Dr.Ci:Labo's cleansing gel and sometimes alternates it with other products, making the one he enjoys last longer. After cleansing and washing his face, he applies lotion, serum, cream, and eye cream in that order. Moisturising his face and caring for the eye area are both part of his evening routine.

Sano pays attention to how skincare products feel on his skin. He enjoys trying products recommended to him and learning through experience which items he likes best.

Although he previously used sheet masks, he said that he was taking a break from them as of August 2026, based on how his skin responded. Rather than treating any one routine as permanent, he prefers to select products according to his skin's needs at the time.

These cleansing and skincare steps describe his personal routine in 2026. Individual skincare choices should take account of skin type and each product's directions for use.

2. Hayato Sano's Fitness Routine: M!LK Dance Performances and Physical Preparation for Acting

Training for Aonatsu and Teppachi, and Building Stamina for M!LK

Hayato Sano has approached physical fitness from two directions: preparing for acting roles and developing the stamina needed for live performances with M!LK.

In interviews connected to the 2018 film Aonatsu: Kimi ni Koi Shita 30 Nichi, he described visiting the gym under a trainer's guidance, working on strength training, and keeping records of what he ate. His food choices were adjusted to suit the physical preparation required for the production.

In the 2022 drama Teppachi!, he portrayed a member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. The cast discussed workouts and protein while preparing physically for their respective roles.

His work with M!LK brought a different kind of challenge. In a 2024 smart Web interview, Sano reflected on the group's 2023 concert at Yokohama Arena. Performing at full intensity made him aware that he wanted to improve his stamina. His determination to deliver an even stronger performance led him to devote more effort to dance practice.

In a 2023 smart Web interview, he also revealed that he had installed a pull-up bar at home and was practising pull-ups. At that time, he mentioned taking vitamins and supplements, although he did not identify specific ingredients or brands.

In 2025, he spoke about including strength training and weight checks in his after-work schedule. In a January 2026 interview, however, he described his ordinary routine more casually, saying that he did a little strength training.

His approach therefore varies with his work. Preparing intensively for a role, performing with M!LK, and exercising in everyday life all place different demands on his time and energy.

His Home Sauna, Shakti Mat and Evening Stretching Habits

Sano is also enthusiastic about finding enjoyable ways to relax at home.

In 2023, his interest in sauna bathing became so strong that he installed a one-person sauna tent at home. He liked the freedom of being able to enjoy a sauna whenever it suited him, making it part of his leisure time.

In a 2025 beauty conversation with fellow M!LK members, he also discussed visiting saunas on his days off and inviting other members to join him. It is an interest he has enjoyed both privately and socially.

In August 2026, he introduced another favourite relaxation item in VOCE: a Shakti Mat. He had become curious about the mat, which features raised pressure points, after seeing an online advertisement and decided to purchase one.

At the time, he said he used it every day and enjoyed lying on it to unwind. He sometimes became so comfortable that he fell asleep, so he set an alarm for 18 minutes.

Before bed, he also makes time for a little stretching, paying particular attention to the area around his neck. He mentioned sleeping without a pillow and having his own preferences regarding mattresses.

These activities reflect his personal choices at the time of the interviews. Sauna bathing, cold-water bathing, pressure-point mats, and neck stretches are best approached according to individual comfort, physical condition, and relevant product guidance.

From pull-ups and dance practice to sauna sessions and quiet stretching, Sano has explored ways to make both movement and downtime enjoyable.

3. Hayato Sano's Diet and Hydration: Warm Water, Throat Tea and Favourite Foods

Warm Water and Throat Tea in the Morning, Hydration Throughout the Day

One particularly interesting aspect of Hayato Sano's wellness habits in 2026 is his choice of drinks.

In a January 2026 interview, he said that he had started drinking warm water and throat tea after waking up. Because singing is an important part of his work with M!LK, he pays attention to how his throat feels and has developed an interest in warm drinks.

In a 2026 smart Web interview, he also explained that he used to prefer cold drinks but had recently begun choosing warm beverages in the morning.

He has not publicly identified the particular brand or ingredients of the throat tea he drinks. Here, it is included as one of his personal habits related to preparing for a job that frequently involves singing.

In August 2026, VOCE also explored how he stays hydrated throughout the day.

While visiting New York, he had a conversation with someone about drinking water. That encounter encouraged him to pay more attention to regular hydration.

He bought a transparent water bottle with a straw in New York and enjoyed being able to see how much water he had consumed.

As of August 2026, his personal goal was to drink approximately two to three litres of water per day. Combining a warm morning drink with water from a favourite bottle throughout the day helped him make hydration part of his daily routine.

That amount reflects Sano's own practice at the time. Individual fluid needs vary according to factors such as body size, activity levels, food intake, and temperature.

Burgers, Basashi and Ice Cream: His Favourite Foods and Approach to Eating

Hayato Sano speaks about his favourite foods with an easygoing sense of humour.

In VOCE in 2026, he listed French fries, pasta, and hayashi rice, a Japanese dish of beef and vegetables in a rich sauce, among his favourites. He particularly enjoys the fries served at fast-food restaurants.

In a January 2026 interview, he mentioned ice cream, hamburgers, and sweet potatoes as foods he had loved for years. He also revealed a more recent favourite: basashi, the Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw horse meat.

Yet in another 2026 smart Web interview, he said that he was generally quite relaxed about food and sometimes struggled to remember what he had eaten recently. Although he has plenty of favourite dishes, he does not always approach everyday meals with a strong interest in their details.

His habits can change when he is preparing for a role. For the 2018 film Aonatsu, he worked with a trainer, recorded his meals, and selected foods such as natto sushi rolls, salads, and soup.

While filming Teppachi! in 2022, he also exchanged ideas about protein and training with fellow cast members. His approach to food and exercise has often reflected the requirements of his work.

Some of his most memorable food experiences are connected to New Zealand.

During his high school homestay, he shared meals with his host family and experienced everyday life in another country. Fish and chips eaten near the end of his stay became a particularly cherished memory.

When he returned for Another Sky in 2023, he enjoyed lamb in Christchurch and tried it with mint sauce, a familiar accompaniment in New Zealand. He also visited Riverside Market, where local food and other goods are sold.

In June 2024, he joined Juri Ueno at a New Zealand-related event and enjoyed sushi made with New Zealand seafood.

From familiar Japanese comfort foods to memorable flavours discovered overseas, food has provided another way for Sano to connect his work, travels, and personal experiences.

4. Hayato Sano's Sleep, Bathing and Mental Well-Being: Making Time for Rest

His Whiteboard Schedule and Changing Attitude Towards Sleep

One of Hayato Sano's most distinctive everyday habits is the way he has organised his evenings.

At an event in November 2025, he revealed that he used a small whiteboard at home to write down the tasks he wanted to complete after returning from work.

His routine could include running the bath, changing clothes, reviewing scripts, eating dinner, bathing, strength training, checking his weight, caring for his hair, stretching, and burning fragrant wood. Completing everything could take two to three hours, reflecting how carefully he organised his professional preparation and personal time.

Over time, however, he also began rethinking the importance of rest. In November 2025, he shared a story about unexpectedly falling asleep on the sofa before finishing his usual routine. The following morning, he was surprised by how refreshed he felt.

In a 2026 smart Web interview, he explained that he had previously tended to continue preparing for work even after memorising his lines. More recently, he had begun deliberately setting aside additional time to rest.

Short naps were already part of his life. In a 2023 smart Web interview, he mentioned setting aside approximately 15 minutes for a daytime nap.

Alongside bathing, exercise, and preparation for work, Sano has come to appreciate sleep as another important part of his personal routine.

Managing Stress Through Family Time, Friends and Favourite Hobbies

Sano also pays attention to the way he approaches everyday thoughts and concerns.

When asked about maintaining his well-being in a 2026 smart Web interview, he said that, mentally, he tried to avoid overthinking things. As an actor taking on different characters and a member of M!LK performing onstage, he values opportunities to switch his attention to something enjoyable.

At an event in June 2026, he described filming personal YouTube videos while spending time with friends as a way to refresh himself. He has also installed a full karaoke system at home, something he had wanted for a long time. Reading is another interest, giving him several ways to enjoy his free time.

Family relationships are another important part of his life. Sano is the eldest of three brothers, with two younger siblings. In 2025, his brothers appeared in a video on his YouTube channel, helping him tidy a room while singing and dancing to M!LK songs.

In spring 2025, he also shared photographs from a family outing to see cherry blossoms illuminated at night.

In January 2026, he posted a video of a family trip to Gifu Prefecture with a group of 11 relatives, including his parents, brothers, grandparents, and cousins. They visited Shirakawa-go, enjoyed a barbecue and bingo at their accommodation, and celebrated his grandparents' longevity.

Filming videos with friends, singing at home, reading, and travelling with relatives all provide Sano with opportunities to enjoy life beyond his demanding entertainment schedule.

5. Hayato Sano's Fragrance Preferences, Haircare and Personal Beauty Philosophy

Woody, Citrus and Musk Fragrances, Incense and Palo Santo

Fragrance is another important part of Hayato Sano's personal lifestyle.

In his August 2026 VOCE interview, he revealed that he had long been fascinated by scents and owned a sizeable collection of perfumes. He described enjoying woody citrus fragrances as well as leather-inspired scents with musky notes, combining freshness with a more subdued, sophisticated atmosphere.

Besides perfume, he enjoys incense and fragrant wood. At home, he sometimes burns palo santo, a type of wood used for its distinctive scent.

He has also recalled being told, after a smell-related examination at an ear, nose, and throat clinic, that his sense of smell was more sensitive than average. This is his account of what he was told at the time, rather than an independent assessment. His interest in fragrance, however, appears repeatedly in his interviews and daily habits.

Haircare is another area that receives his attention. In VOCE in 2026, he mentioned using a relatively expensive shampoo recommended by a hairstylist. He also incorporates conditioner or treatment products and applies haircare products before blow-drying.

With his work frequently involving different hairstyles, washing and drying his hair carefully has become a familiar part of his evening routine.

Keeping Beauty Simple While Balancing Acting and M!LK

When asked about his interest in beauty in VOCE in 2026, Sano suggested that he did not consider his routine particularly unusual. Yet his interviews reveal a curiosity about skincare products, attention to texture, and a willingness to try new things.

That open-minded approach can also be seen in his professional life. As an actor, he studies different characters and adjusts his physical preparation when required. With M!LK, he works alongside the other members to deliver music and dance performances while continuing to improve onstage.

In a 2026 smart Web interview, he also expressed gratitude towards the fans who had supported him and spoke about his hopes of experiencing new achievements with M!LK. Relationships with the people around him remain important as he looks towards the future.

His approach combines dedication to his career with enthusiasm for his personal interests. Skincare is one part of that wider lifestyle, something he enjoys exploring while continuing to discover what works for him.

6. Hayato Sano and New Zealand: His Homestay, Return Visits and Tourism Campaign with Juri Ueno

From His High School Homestay to Another Sky and the Photobook Here, Now!

For Hayato Sano, New Zealand holds a special place in his personal history.

At approximately 15 years old, during his first year of high school, he travelled to the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island for a short study programme lasting around three weeks. He attended Lincoln High School near Christchurch and lived with a local host family.

Living away from his family in a different language and culture was a significant challenge. In a 2024 interview, he recalled crying during the first two days because he struggled to express himself in English.

As he continued attending school and spending time with his host family, he gradually developed the confidence to take on unfamiliar experiences and make decisions for himself.

Something especially meaningful also happened during that stay: he spoke about his ambition to become an actor with someone outside his family for the first time.

While watching television with his host mother, he told her that he wanted to become a famous actor in Japan. Putting that dream into words while living overseas became one of the experiences he would later remember when reflecting on his career.

In June 2023, Sano returned to New Zealand for the Japanese television programme Another Sky. Roughly ten years after his homestay, he revisited Lincoln High School and places connected to his host family.

In Christchurch, he explored New Regent Street, known for its colourful buildings, and Riverside Market. At a gift shop in the market, he also chose souvenirs for people involved with the programme.

He tried kayaking on the Avon River in a single-person kayak, enjoying a different perspective on the city where he had once lived.

Another memorable stop was the supermarket New World, where he had shopped with his host mother. Revisiting it brought back memories of the colourful cookies he had enjoyed during his stay.

On July 30, 2024, he released Here, Now!, a photobook photographed in New Zealand.

The shoot took place over five days in Queenstown, a South Island destination known for its lake and mountain scenery.

According to the official announcement from his management agency, the book includes photographs of Sano exploring the town, enjoying food, and spending time outdoors. It also contains handwritten diary entries he made during each day of his stay. The trip therefore preserved his experiences both in photographs and in his own words.

At an event in 2024, he recalled being deeply impressed by the view of the lake from his hotel in Queenstown. Simply sitting and admiring the scenery felt so pleasant that he found himself imagining what it would be like to live there.

During the photobook trip, he also tried skydiving. Although he was uneasy about heights, he decided to embrace the opportunity to experience something new amid New Zealand's dramatic landscapes.

From a teenage homestay to a television return visit and a photobook shoot, New Zealand has remained a place where Sano encounters new experiences and reflects on how much his life has changed.

Joining Juri Ueno as a Tourism New Zealand Campaign Ambassador

Hayato Sano's relationship with New Zealand eventually developed beyond personal travel and study experiences.

In April 2024, he became an ambassador for Tourism New Zealand's Japanese travel campaign, Tabi-pa Batsugun Land, New Zealand. He shared the role with actress Juri Ueno.

Ueno also has a personal connection to New Zealand. As a student, she lived with a host family and attended school in Tauranga on the North Island.

On April 10, 2024, Sano and Ueno appeared together at a campaign launch held at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Both spoke about their experiences studying in New Zealand and the attractions they had discovered while travelling there.

Sano described the country as a place where he had first experienced living away from his parents during high school. He also recalled adventures in its natural landscapes and shared his enthusiasm for encouraging others to visit.

On June 18, 2024, the two actors attended another New Zealand-related event in Japan. There, they met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his wife during their visit to Tokyo. They also enjoyed sushi prepared with New Zealand seafood.

Sano discussed memories of his student homestay and his work as an actor and performer. The occasion reflected a remarkable personal journey: he had once talked about his dream of acting while staying with a New Zealand family, and years later, he was representing the same country as a tourism campaign ambassador.

Ueno has continued her own relationship with New Zealand. In June 2026, ELLE published a travel feature about her visit to the South Island.

Her itinerary included Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch, highlighting the country's landscapes and local culture. That journey was reported as Ueno's own visit, rather than a joint trip with Sano.

Their shared ambassador activities in 2024 and their individual experiences illustrate how both performers have maintained meaningful connections with New Zealand.

For Sano, the country represents the place where he encountered a different culture, built relationships with a host family, and spoke aloud about his ambitions. His later trips brought further experiences through nature, food, travel, and his entertainment career.

For Brilliant Life Products NZ, a business based in New Zealand, Sano's story offers a particularly meaningful connection between a Japanese entertainer and the country. His homestay, return visits, photobook, and tourism ambassadorship together form a personal history that continues to make New Zealand special to him.

Conclusion: Hayato Sano's Beauty, Wellness and Lasting Connection to New Zealand

Hayato Sano's approach to beauty and wellness reveals someone who continues to find enjoyable ways to care for his everyday life while pursuing a demanding career as an actor and performer.

An interest in skincare that began during his teenage years has developed into a routine involving different products in the morning and evening. Experiences with M!LK have inspired him to improve his dance stamina, while acting roles have sometimes led him to adjust his fitness training and eating habits.

His enthusiasm for creating a home sauna, arranging fragrances around the house, and watching videos of pandas eating bamboo adds a playful, relatable side to his thoughtful approach to work.

New Zealand, meanwhile, remains the country where he stepped into an unfamiliar environment at 15 and found the courage to speak about his ambitions. His connection has continued through return visits, his photobook, and his Tourism New Zealand campaign activities with Juri Ueno.

By exploring skincare, fitness, rest, relationships, and new experiences in his own way, Hayato Sano has developed a lifestyle that reflects both dedication and curiosity. His evolving beauty and wellness habits, along with his special relationship with New Zealand, remain fascinating parts of his story.

References

• VOCE — Hayato Sano on his morning and evening skincare, hydration, fragrance, haircare and daily habits (August 2026)
• smart Web — Hayato Sano on Avène skincare, M!LK performances and his first driving experience in New Zealand (2024)
• smart Web — Hayato Sano on warm drinks, rest, mental well-being and personal interests (2026)
• Dr.Ci:Labo Official Interview — Hayato Sano's introduction to the brand, his skincare experiences and his ambassador activities (2026)
• Another Sky Official Website — Hayato Sano's New Zealand homestay, return visit and experiences in Christchurch (2023)
• Stardust Promotion Official Website — Hayato Sano's photobook Here, Now! and its New Zealand shoot (2024)
• Tourism New Zealand — Announcement of Hayato Sano and Juri Ueno as campaign ambassadors (2024)