Mana Ashida Beauty & Wellness | Skincare, Diet, Exercise, Sleep

With her naturally radiant appearance, calm manner, and thoughtful personality, Japanese actress Mana Ashida has charmed audiences since childhood. Having appeared in numerous films and television dramas from an early age, she is also someone many viewers feel they have watched grow up over the years.

Born on June 23, 2004, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Mana Ashida first attracted widespread attention in the 2010 television drama Mother. The following year, she became a household name through Marumo no Okite (Marumo's Rules). Her career continued with appearances in the Hollywood film Pacific Rim, the Japanese films BL Metamorphosis and Cells at Work!, and the television drama The Best Teacher: One Year Later, I Was ■ed by a Student, among other notable productions.

In 2019, she published Mana no Hondana (Mana's Bookshelf), a book reflecting her lifelong love of reading. In 2025, she was appointed a National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Japan, expanding her activities to help raise awareness of climate change and environmental issues. As of October 2026, Ashida is 22 years old and continues to broaden her career and interests.

Beyond her accomplished public image, however, Ashida has shared many charming and surprisingly relatable details about everyday life.

She pays careful attention to moisturizing her dry skin, sometimes drinks warm water prepared by her mother, and has even enjoyed laughing while trying unusual dance moves in her living room. She loves going out for curry with friends, while her pet cat, Koharu, sometimes interrupts her reading.

Drawing on her own interviews and official sources, this article explores Mana Ashida's skincare and makeup preferences, diet, exercise, warm-water and bathing habits, sleep, reading, family memories, and approach to everyday wellness. We will also look at how her interests and routines have evolved from her teenage years into her twenties.

1. Mana Ashida's Skincare and Beauty Routine: Moisturizing Dry Skin and Natural Makeup

Caring for Dry Skin: Moisturizing and Cotton-Pad Facial Packs

One of the most notable aspects of Mana Ashida's skincare routine is her emphasis on moisturizing.

In a December 2023 interview with the Japanese beauty magazine VOCE, Ashida described her skin as dry and explained that she makes a conscious effort to keep it well moisturized.

She also revealed that when her skin feels particularly dry, she sometimes uses cotton pads soaked in facial lotion as a simple moisturizing pack.

Rather than following an elaborate routine, Ashida focuses on regular care and adjusts what she does according to how her skin feels. Her comments reflect an attentive, practical approach to understanding her own skin.

Having worked on film and television sets since childhood, Ashida has experienced many different makeup looks. In everyday life, however, moisturizing remains an important part of her skincare, while beauty-magazine shoots give her opportunities to explore fresh styles and expressions.

In 2023, she appeared on the cover of VOCE. She admitted feeling nervous when imagining her face displayed prominently in bookstores.

Even someone with years of experience in front of the camera can feel nervous when taking on something new. Once the shoot began, Ashida embraced the experience and enjoyed seeing how different makeup and clothing could reveal new sides of her personality.

For Ashida, beauty seems to combine two enjoyable experiences: looking after her skin in everyday life and discovering new ways to express herself through makeup.

From Soft Lip Colors to Red Lipstick: Exploring Makeup and Fashion

Ashida has said that she usually prefers a natural makeup look with softly colored lip products.

In a 2023 interview, she explained that she wanted to become better at applying eyeliner and was also searching for a shade of red lipstick that suited her.

She was interested in the glamour of red lipstick while hoping to find a way to wear it naturally, in harmony with her own features and personal style.

Ashida gathers beauty ideas from magazines and social media. She also pays close attention to professional makeup artists working on film and television sets, treating the time spent having her makeup done as an opportunity to learn something new.

One particularly memorable experience was her VOCE photo shoot with renowned makeup artist Akemi Nakano.

The look incorporated a subtle pink shimmer beneath her eyes, a gentle gloss on her lips, and white nail polish. These details gave Ashida an appearance that felt fresh and slightly different from her usual style.

She was surprised that relatively small changes in makeup could create such a different impression and recalled enjoying the experience.

Her interest in fashion also grew after she entered university.

Having worn a school uniform throughout junior high and high school, Ashida found it exciting to choose her own clothes each day. She began thinking about which lip colors would complement her outfits and experimented with heeled shoes, gradually expanding her personal style.

Although she often chooses casual clothing in everyday life, she has also expressed an interest in trying an elegant, frilly dress reminiscent of something worn at a European ball.

Her approach balances the comfort of familiar styles with the excitement of experimenting with new colors and designs. It is a sense of curiosity that has continued to develop as she has grown older.

2. Warm Water, Staying Warm and Bathing: A Morning Habit Inspired by Her Mother

Morning Warm Water: A Comforting Routine Shared with Her Mother

One habit Ashida has incorporated while paying attention to beauty and wellness is drinking warm water, often called sayu in Japanese.

In her 2023 VOCE interview, she mentioned an interest in onkatsu, a Japanese term for lifestyle practices centered on staying comfortably warm. She spoke about personally noticing welcome changes in how she felt regarding coldness and her skin after beginning to drink warm water.

That interest in warm water also has a family connection.

In a 2024 interview, Ashida explained that her mother had introduced her to the habit of drinking warm water in the morning.

She admitted that keeping up a morning routine could sometimes be challenging. Her mother would occasionally prepare the water for her, encouraging Ashida to keep trying.

Having balanced her acting career with her education since childhood, Ashida has often appreciated the support of those close to her. Her warm-water routine is another example of how advice and care from her family have found a place in everyday life.

There is something especially endearing about a simple morning drink becoming part of a shared family routine.

Time to Think in the Bath: An Evening Routine She Enjoys Even in Summer

For Ashida, taking a bath is more than an opportunity to warm up. It is also a valuable moment of quiet reflection.

At a promotional event in April 2024, she named three habits that mattered to her in daily life: soaking in the bathtub every day, writing in a diary, and making an effort to greet people.

She explained that time alone in the bath allows her to organize her thoughts and reflect on the events of the day.

Her fondness for bathing appeared again in an official interview for the Japanese healthcare recruitment platform JobMedley, released in August 2026.

Ashida said she enjoys soaking in the bathtub at night even during hot summer weather. After a day of sweating, she appreciates washing off the day's perspiration, warming up, and taking time to relax.

Although the seasons change, the comfort of a bath remains something she values.

There is an amusing contrast in her hobbies, however. Despite being an enthusiastic reader, Ashida is rather particular about taking books into the bathroom.

During a conversation with author Hiroyuki Itsuki, she explained that she dislikes the thought of humidity damaging a book's paper and therefore prefers to keep her reading away from the bath.

She treasures the physical condition of her books, just as she values her quiet time in the bathtub. Each favorite activity has its own special place in her day.

3. Mana Ashida's Exercise and Strength Training: Stretching, Zumba, Dancing and Walking

Stretching and Zumba Before Bathing: Enjoying Dance Since Her Teens

Ashida's enjoyment of physical activity can be traced back to interviews from her teenage years.

In a 2020 interview connected to a commercial for Suntory's Iyemon green tea, she explained that stretching and Zumba before taking a bath had become part of her routine.

Zumba is a dance-based fitness activity that combines music with a variety of movements. Ashida said she enjoyed working up a sweat and found the experience refreshing.

At the time, she jokingly described the routine as feeling so familiar that it was almost difficult to go to sleep without doing it first.

In a 2023 VOCE interview, she shared another memorable story when asked about keeping active. She said she had found amusing dance movements on YouTube and enjoyed imitating them while laughing in her living room.

Even unusual movements that made her laugh became an enjoyable reason to get moving.

It is easy to imagine a rather different side of the composed actress seen in films and dramas: someone laughing at an entertaining dance video while trying the moves at home.

Light Strength Training and Walking: Her Approach to Exercise in 2026

In August 2026, Ashida described more recent activities she had been making an effort to include in her routine: aerobics-style dancing, light strength training, and walking.

She explained that moving her body is meaningful to her not only as part of a health-conscious lifestyle, but also because she personally finds it uplifting and something that can bring a smile to her face.

From Zumba before bathing in 2020 to dancing at home in 2023 and incorporating light strength exercises and walks in 2026, her preferred activities have evolved. What remains consistent is her enjoyment of movement.

During her school years, she also enjoyed playing volleyball with friends. Rather than describing formal competition, she recalled the fun of standing in a circle and keeping the ball moving with a series of passes.

Whether dancing to music, going for a walk, or playing with friends, Ashida has found approachable ways to enjoy physical activity alongside her work and studies.

4. Mana Ashida's Diet and Favorite Foods: Family Cooking, Spice Curry, Yakitori and Sweet Potatoes

Rice Balls with Her Mother and Okonomiyaki with Her Father: Family Food Memories

Looking at Mana Ashida's favorite foods reveals more than her taste in cooking. It also offers a glimpse of time spent with her family.

In a 2014 interview, Ashida remembered making simple salted rice balls with her mother and enjoying conversations while helping wash the dishes.

Her father also occasionally made okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, and she would help him prepare it.

Standing together in the kitchen, preparing food, and chatting were among the everyday experiences she enjoyed as a child. These memories offer a particularly relatable picture of family life alongside her busy early acting career.

As she grew older, her interest in cooking for herself expanded.

In 2023, she revealed that visiting curry restaurants with friends had become a favorite pastime, especially when it involved trying different kinds of Japanese spice curry.

The following year, she joked that she loved curry so much she felt she could happily eat generous portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ashida had already tried making a familiar home-style Japanese curry herself. She also expressed an interest in preparing more elaborate versions from individual spices, as well as curry made with a flavorful dashi broth.

Discovering new flavors at restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen are both part of the appeal. From childhood family cooking to exploring spice curry as a young adult, food has remained an enjoyable part of her everyday life.

She Loves Chicken Skin Yakitori! Sweet Potatoes, Daigaku Imo and Cilantro

Curry is far from the only food Ashida enjoys. Some of her other favorites may come as a surprise.

In a 2022 interview with fellow actress Yumi Adachi, she said she liked yakitori, Japanese grilled chicken skewers, particularly the crispy chicken skin.

She recalled mentioning this preference on a film set. The staff remembered her comment and later prepared a lunch box that included chicken skin.

Ashida was delighted that someone had remembered such a casual remark. The story is as much about the kindness of people around her as it is about her favorite food.

Sweet potatoes are another favorite.

In 2024, Ashida said she especially enjoyed daigaku imo, a Japanese sweet potato dish coated in a sweet glaze. She was interested in making the entire dish herself, from beginning to end.

Her enjoyment seems to extend from tasting the finished dish to discovering how it is prepared.

She has also shared an unexpected discovery about cilantro, known as coriander leaves in some countries. After trying it, she realized that she might actually like its distinctive flavor more than she had expected.

Trying something new and discovering an unexpected preference is another small adventure she seems to appreciate.

In 2025, Ashida traveled to Barcelona, Spain, for an overseas location shoot of the television program Sandwichman & Mana Ashida's Hakase-chan. The program showed her exploring the city with entertainer Naomi Watanabe and enjoying local food.

From home-cooked family dishes and curry outings with friends to experimenting with new ingredients and food experiences overseas, Ashida's relationship with food reflects her enjoyment of both flavors and the people and cultures connected to them.

5. Sleep, Reading and Relaxation: Journaling and Life with Her Beloved Cat

When She Feels Down: Sleeping, Enjoying Food and Writing in Her Diary

Although Mana Ashida often appears calm and confident in public, she has described herself as someone who tends to worry.

In a 2023 VOCE interview, she spoke about what she likes to do when she feels down: sleep well, enjoy something delicious, and write her feelings in a diary.

She uses her journal to put thoughts and worries into words, creating an opportunity to reflect on what she is feeling.

At a public event in 2024, she again named diary writing as one of her valued daily habits. Recording both positive feelings and concerns helps her organize her thoughts and approach her work with a renewed sense of purpose.

Her cautious personality also emerges in a memorable story about school examinations.

Even after finishing her revision and getting into bed, she sometimes worried that a topic she had overlooked might appear on the test. She would get up and return to studying.

She has also admitted feeling very nervous when giving presentations at university, sometimes to the point that her hands shook while holding her notes.

It is a wonderfully human contrast: someone who has performed before cameras and audiences since childhood can still experience the same nerves as other students.

Spending time talking with friends is another source of comfort for her.

Ashida has said she appreciates friendships in which people treat her simply as herself, rather than primarily as a well-known actress. Those ordinary conversations offer a welcome sense of ease.

Another important presence in her life is her cat, Koharu.

Ashida loves spending time with Koharu and has humorously spoken about cuddling her cat and enjoying that familiar feline scent, something devoted cat lovers may understand.

In an earlier interview, she described how Koharu sometimes nibbled at the edges of the books she was reading or swatted at a string bookmark with a playful paw.

It is easy to picture the scene: Ashida absorbed in a story while Koharu finds a way to join the activity.

In 2021, she was asked what she would say if she could talk with her cat. Ashida answered that she would like to ask what food Koharu enjoyed, what she wanted her family to do for her, and whether she felt comfortable in her home.

It is a gentle, affectionate answer that reveals how much she cares about her pet's happiness.

Sleep, journaling, conversations with friends, and time with Koharu all have a place in Ashida's approach to everyday relaxation. Each gives her a different opportunity to unwind and reconnect with her feelings.

From Childhood Picture Books to Mana's Bookshelf: A Love of Reading Nurtured by Her Family

One of the most distinctive parts of Mana Ashida's personality is her lifelong enthusiasm for books.

In a 2010 interview with Kumon's children's reading service mi:te, conducted when she was six years old, Ashida revealed that she was reading around 60 picture books a month.

Among her favorites were Yasai no Oshaberi, Oshiire no Boken (The Closet Adventure), Guri and Gura, and Konnichiwa Otegami Desu. She spoke enthusiastically about the stories and characters.

She found parts of Oshiire no Boken a little frightening, so she often preferred reading it during the day rather than at night.

After reading Konnichiwa Otegami Desu, she even enjoyed exchanging letters with friends at kindergarten.

Books were already inspiring her imagination, games, and friendships.

Her parents played an important part in developing that love of reading.

Both her mother and father read picture books to her, although she recalled that her father often did the reading.

He sometimes turned the words into a song or deliberately held a picture book upside down to make her laugh.

Those reading sessions sound almost like little theatrical performances. It is easy to see how stories became such a joyful and familiar part of Ashida's childhood.

Her enthusiasm continued as she grew older. In 2019, she published Mana no Hondana (Mana's Bookshelf), introducing 84 books that had been meaningful to her.

In an interview that year, she estimated that she had read roughly 1,000 books by that point in her life.

Her interests extend across a wide variety of genres, including Haruki Murakami's Killing Commendatore and Kafka on the Shore, as well as Mori Ogai's classic work The Dancing Girl.

She has also talked about rereading Oshiire no Boken, a favorite from childhood, and discovering that she could experience the same story differently as she grew older.

For Ashida, returning to a familiar book can reveal new details as her own experiences and perspective change.

In a 2020 interview, she drew an interesting connection between reading and acting. Books allow her to experience unfamiliar worlds and imagine the lives of people in different circumstances, something she finds similar to the imaginative side of performing.

She has even tried creating a story of her own. Finding it difficult to come up with a major turning point in the plot gave her a fresh appreciation for the creativity and skill involved in writing fiction.

In 2023, she took part in a conversation with celebrated Japanese author Hiroyuki Itsuki.

During that discussion, Ashida revealed that she loves not only stories but written words themselves. She sometimes finds herself reading the ingredients listed on a bottle of seasoning simply because the words catch her attention.

She also enjoys the tactile experience of turning paper pages and the particular feeling of opening a new hardcover book for the first time. Her affection extends beyond the stories to books as physical objects.

Her intellectual curiosity has grown beyond literature into history and art.

During high school, she became fascinated by world history, which eventually led to an interest in Western paintings. She enjoys learning about the historical background of artworks and the meanings behind the objects and symbols depicted in them.

She has even spoken about becoming close friends with a classmate through their shared enthusiasm for world history.

The young girl who once enjoyed her father's imaginative bedtime reading has grown into someone interested in literature, history, and art.

Reading remains a treasured opportunity for Ashida to relax, while also enriching her imagination, her work as an actress, and her curiosity about the wider world.

6. Mana Ashida's Beauty Philosophy and Outlook on Life: Growing Older and Staying Curious

Finding Beauty at Every Age: Appreciating Her Own Natural Style

One of the most memorable aspects of Ashida's beauty philosophy is her attitude toward growing older.

In a 2023 interview with VOCE, when she was 19, she reflected on the many different forms beauty can take. She believed that each stage of life, whether in one's twenties, thirties, forties, or beyond, can bring its own distinctive appeal.

As people gain new experiences, the clothes, styles, and expressions that suit them may change. Ashida spoke about enjoying what feels right for her current age while gradually discovering new possibilities.

She also reflected on how the person she had imagined becoming at 19 differed from the person she actually was. At the same time, she wanted to appreciate ordinary moments, such as laughing with friends and chatting energetically with family.

Sometimes she becomes so excited while telling her mother about something funny that happened during the day that she is told she is speaking too loudly.

It is a lively family moment that contrasts delightfully with the calm image viewers often see on screen.

Ashida's thoughtful personality is also reflected in how she approaches work, education, and important choices.

She has explained that when making a significant decision, she prefers to think carefully until she feels satisfied with her choice.

Her view is that a decision reached after genuine consideration is something she can accept as her own, whatever the outcome may be.

Alongside that cautious and reflective nature, she enjoys discovering unfamiliar experiences.

She explores new makeup and fashion styles, discovers unknown worlds through books, and tries foods she has never tasted before.

That everyday curiosity seems to contribute to the richness of both her acting and her personality.

Travel, History and Art: Broadening Her Horizons as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador

Mana Ashida's curiosity extends beyond Japan to the cultures and histories of other countries.

In 2024, she said she wanted to try traveling alone after turning 20, hoping that the experience would help her become more independent.

Places she was interested in included Venice and Rome in Italy, along with ancient sites in Greece. She was drawn to destinations rich in history and culture and hoped to experience local festivals and ways of life around the world.

She has also described the United Kingdom as one of the countries that left an impression on her during her travels. Looking toward Hawaii, she dreamed of enjoying the natural scenery and perhaps learning the ukulele so she could play while watching the sunset by the sea.

In 2025, she visited Barcelona, Spain, for a location shoot of Sandwichman & Mana Ashida's Hakase-chan.

Alongside Naomi Watanabe, she explored the Sagrada Familia and enjoyed the city's streets and food, as shown in the television program.

For someone fascinated by history, architecture, and art, experiencing such an extraordinary place in person must have offered plenty to discover.

She has also expressed an interest in photography and beautiful landscapes. In 2024, she mentioned receiving a camera and said she would like to photograph autumn leaves in places such as Nikko or Kyoto.

The idea of seeing a remarkable landscape with her own eyes and capturing it in a photograph clearly appealed to her.

In March 2025, Ashida was appointed Japan's first National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Through this role, she has participated in efforts to encourage understanding of climate change and environmental challenges, adding a new dimension to her work beyond film and television.

The child actress who once captivated Japanese audiences has continued to grow through acting, education, reading, and international experiences, gradually expanding the areas in which she contributes.

Her willingness to treasure familiar everyday moments while remaining curious about the wider world also seems reflected in her approach to beauty and wellness.

Conclusion: What Mana Ashida's Beauty and Wellness Habits Reveal About Natural Beauty

Looking at Mana Ashida's beauty and wellness habits reveals someone who values small daily routines while continuing to enjoy new discoveries.

She pays attention to moisturizing her dry skin, appreciates the morning warm-water habit introduced by her mother, and enjoys quiet moments of reflection in the bath. She has also found enjoyable ways to stay active through dancing, stretching, light strength training, and walking.

When it comes to food, she treasures memories of cooking with her family while enjoying curry outings with friends and discovering new flavors.

Her lifelong love of reading has helped expand her interests in acting, history, and art. Writing in her diary, chatting with friends, and spending time with Koharu are also meaningful parts of everyday life.

Above all, Ashida has spoken about appreciating the unique beauty that can come with each stage of life.

Having accumulated so many experiences since childhood, she began another chapter in 2025 with her appointment as a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador. There will undoubtedly be more sides of her personality and talents to discover as her experiences continue to grow.

By paying attention to her skin, body, and feelings while enjoying the things she loves and remaining curious about the world, Mana Ashida offers an appealing picture of beauty rooted in an authentic, thoughtful everyday life.

References

1. VOCE — “Mana Ashida: The Real Personality Behind the Beloved Actress” (December 23, 2023; Japanese)
2. Suntory Beverage & Food — “Mana Ashida and Koji Kato Appear in Two New Iyemon Green Tea TV Commercials” (August 13, 2020; Japanese)
3. ORICON NEWS — “Mana Ashida Reveals Three Habits That Help Her Stay Positive Despite Her Worries” (April 2, 2024; Japanese)
4. Medley, Inc. — “Mana Ashida Appointed as the New Commercial Ambassador for JobMedley” (August 31, 2026; Japanese)
5. Kumon mi:te — “Special Interview with Child Actress Mana Ashida” (2010; Japanese)
6. Enfant — “Mana Ashida: Happy Days Helping My Mother and Father” (2014; Japanese)
7. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — “Mana Ashida Appointed as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador in Japan” (March 6, 2025; Japanese)

Note: This article is based on publicly available information and interviews with Mana Ashida. Some habits and personal preferences described here reflect the time when the original interviews took place.