Known affectionately as "Ebi-chan", Yuri Ebihara became one of Japan's most recognisable fashion models during the 2000s. Her appearances in the popular fashion magazine CanCam helped inspire a nationwide fashion trend, and she continues to work in fashion and beauty in her forties.
Born on 3 October 1979 in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, Ebihara graduated from university in Fukuoka before moving to Tokyo to pursue modelling. She became an exclusive model for CanCam in 2002 and later appeared in AneCan, Domani and Marisol. Since 2023, she has been a cover model for STORY, a Japanese fashion and lifestyle magazine.
Her career also includes television dramas such as Slow Dance, Busu no Hitomi ni Koishiteru and Oniyome Nikki 2, along with numerous fashion, beauty and food advertising campaigns. At the height of her CanCam popularity, clothes she wore frequently attracted extraordinary attention, giving rise to the expression "Ebi-ure", meaning items that sold particularly well after being featured by Ebi-chan.
In her personal life, Ebihara married musician ILMARI in 2009. The couple welcomed a son in 2015 and a daughter in 2021. Today, she balances her modelling career with raising two children.
Her approach to beauty extends far beyond skincare. Over the years, she has spoken about daily moisturising, sun protection, herbal tea, Japanese home cooking, regular stretching, personal training and the importance of sleep.
She also has a fascinating background in competitive swimming, which she pursued alongside her twin sister during childhood. Her long-standing interest in herbs eventually led her to obtain a herbal therapy qualification and develop her own herbal tea blends.
Drawing on interviews and official information, this article explores Yuri Ebihara's skincare routine, diet, herbal tea preferences, fitness habits, sleep schedule, beauty philosophy in her forties, family life and an unexpected connection to New Zealand.
Yuri Ebihara's Beauty Routine: Skincare, Moisturising, Sun Protection and Hair Care
One of the most consistent themes in Ebihara's approach to beauty is paying attention to her skin and choosing products that feel comfortable to use.
At a beauty event in September 2026, she described skincare as an opportunity to spend time with herself and appreciate how her skin feels on a particular day.
Morning Sheet Masks and Layered Moisturising
At a beauty event held in Osaka on 19 September 2026, Ebihara revealed that using a sheet mask is part of her morning routine.
She enjoys beginning the day with moisturising skincare and taking a moment to care for her skin before applying makeup.
In another interview that month, she shared more details about her approach to seasonal dryness.
When her skin feels dry, she sometimes applies toner two or three times, gently pressing it into her skin with her palms. Depending on the season, she may also add a serum or cream.
As autumn and winter approach, she pays attention to changes in her skin and adjusts her moisturising products accordingly.
Rather than following exactly the same routine throughout the year, she enjoys choosing skincare that suits her skin's current needs.
Keeping Facial Mist in the Kitchen
In a beauty video released in 2023, Ebihara demonstrated a skincare routine that included a carbonated facial mist, milky lotion and toner.
She applied the lotion with her hands and also showed how she sometimes massages around her ears and scalp as part of her routine.
One particularly memorable detail was her habit of keeping facial mist in the kitchen.
Having it nearby allows her to enjoy a quick skincare moment between household tasks.
It is a practical example of how she makes beauty care part of her everyday surroundings.
Beauty Trivia: Skincare Beyond the Bathroom
Ebihara has spoken about keeping facial mist in her kitchen, making it easy to reach for during a busy day. Her approach shows how skincare can become a small, enjoyable part of an everyday routine.
Sun Protection and Special Skincare Before Photoshoots
In a television interview in 2022, Ebihara identified daily sunscreen use as one of her regular beauty habits.
Before photoshoots, she may also incorporate additional skincare, including a facial steamer, massage tools and face masks.
In beauty features, she has explored using serums alongside sheet masks and giving particular attention to areas such as the eyes and neck.
At a September 2026 beauty event, she also described sheet masks as a relaxing treat after a busy day or part of her preparation before a shoot.
Her routine combines everyday moisturising with additional care when she wants to spend more time on herself.
Natural Makeup and Everyday Hair Care
Ebihara enjoys coordinating her makeup with her clothing and the occasion.
In a 2019 interview, she said she often prefers natural makeup in daily life. When wearing a tailored jacket, for example, she might choose brown eyeshadow and a beige-toned lip colour.
In her 2023 beauty video, she demonstrated how she applies foundation to her cheeks with her fingers before blending it with a sponge.
She also uses face powder selectively to maintain the natural finish she prefers.
Her approach to hair care is similarly thoughtful.
In a September 2026 interview, she discussed the importance she places on drying her hair thoroughly before going to bed.
She has also spoken about enjoying botanical beauty oils as part of her hair and body care routines.
From skincare to makeup and hair care, she enjoys creating a look that suits her personal style and the occasion.
Studying Herbs and Developing Botanical Beauty Products
Ebihara's interest in plants and herbs has become an important part of her beauty philosophy.
In 2014, she obtained a herbal therapist qualification. The following year, she published Kirei ni Naru Herb, a book exploring herbal tea, cooking with herbs and ways to incorporate plants into daily life.
Her interest eventually extended to creating original herbal tea blends and participating in product development.
In 2026, she was also involved in supervising the fragrance and packaging design of a botanical skincare project.
Drawing inspiration from plants, nature and memories of travel, she helped develop fragrances intended to make everyday skincare an enjoyable experience.
What began as a personal interest has become a continuing part of her creative work.
Yuri Ebihara's Diet: Japanese Meals, Koji Water, Herbal Tea and Miyazaki Cuisine
Ebihara's approach to food reflects her enjoyment of everyday meals and time spent around the family table.
She has spoken about traditional Japanese breakfasts, homemade miso soup, herbal tea and dishes inspired by different cuisines.
A Traditional Japanese Breakfast and Homemade Miso Soup
At a September 2026 beauty event, Ebihara described herself as someone who prefers rice for breakfast.
Her typical morning meal includes rice, miso soup and a few simple side dishes.
In a 2025 interview, she also described preparing miso soup while getting breakfast ready for her children.
Her appreciation of home cooking goes back to childhood.
When she and her twin sister were training seriously in swimming, their mother paid particular attention to preparing balanced meals for the family.
In a 2022 television interview, Ebihara shared that she often makes miso soup with plenty of vegetables for her own family.
She enjoys including a variety of ingredients so that everyone can experience different flavours and textures.
Her mother's cooking traditions continue to influence the meals she prepares today.
Koji Water and Homemade Salmon Soup
In an April 2022 television interview, Ebihara discussed drinking koji water as part of her daily routine at the time.
She described preparing it by soaking food-grade koji in water for approximately eight hours.
Koji is a traditional ingredient used in Japanese fermented foods such as miso and amazake.
When preparing homemade koji water, using clean utensils and following appropriate food hygiene and storage practices is important.
Ebihara has also shared some of the meals her family enjoys.
One dish she mentioned was a Finnish-style creamy salmon soup that was particularly popular at home.
From traditional Japanese miso soup to Nordic-inspired cooking, she enjoys bringing a variety of flavours to the family table.
Herbal Tea: Rosehip, Ginger, Cinnamon and Original Blends
With her background in herbal studies, Ebihara has a particular interest in herbal tea.
In a 2015 interview, she said she was drinking more than three cups of herbal tea a day.
Among the ingredients she mentioned were ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and rosehip.
Her official career history also includes the development of three original herbal tea blends.
At a beauty event in September 2026, she spoke about enjoying herbal tea as a way to take a pleasant break and refresh her mood.
For Ebihara, herbal tea offers an opportunity to appreciate flavour, fragrance and a quiet moment during a busy day.
Different herbs have different characteristics. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication should check whether particular herbs are appropriate for their circumstances with a qualified healthcare professional.
Herbal Tea Trivia: More Than a Favourite Drink
Ebihara has studied herbs, published a book about them and helped create original herbal tea blends. Her interest in botanical ingredients has developed into a distinctive part of her professional career.
Favourite Foods from Miyazaki: Chicken Nanban, Hiyajiru and Udon
In a 2025 interview with LEE, Ebihara shared some of the foods she looks forward to eating when she returns to her home prefecture of Miyazaki.
Her favourites include chicken nanban, eel and kama-age udon, a dish of freshly cooked udon noodles served with dipping sauce.
During summer, she also enjoys hiyajiru, a traditional Miyazaki dish featuring a chilled, savoury broth typically served with rice.
She has even mentioned keeping packets of regional instant noodles sent by her mother at home.
These small details reveal her affection for the familiar flavours of her hometown.
Yuri Ebihara's Fitness and Wellness Habits: Swimming, Training, Stretching and Sleep
Physical activity has been part of Ebihara's life since childhood.
Her early swimming experience and long-standing commitment to exercise continue to shape her approach to daily wellness.
Growing Up as a Dedicated Swimmer with Her Twin Sister
As a child, Ebihara trained seriously in swimming alongside her twin sister under their father's guidance.
In a 2023 interview, she recalled the physical training and conditioning exercises that formed part of their routine.
Swimming was a significant part of her childhood, and she developed an early familiarity with regular exercise and practice.
It is an interesting side of her life that contrasts with the glamorous fashion imagery for which she later became famous.
Fun Fact: Ebi-chan Was a Serious Young Swimmer
Long before becoming a fashion icon, Ebihara spent her childhood training in swimming alongside her twin sister, with their father guiding their practice.
More Than a Decade of Personal Training
In a September 2026 television feature, Ebihara was shown training at a personal gym she had been attending for more than ten years.
Her continued interest in exercise reflects a long-standing commitment to staying active.
At a beauty event that same month, she revealed that she also stretches for at least five minutes at home each morning.
She enjoys the feeling of moving her body and beginning the day in a positive frame of mind.
In earlier interviews, she discussed keeping stretching poles, rollers and other conditioning tools at home.
Even a few minutes between daily activities can provide an opportunity for gentle movement.
By combining regular gym sessions with short home routines, she makes exercise a familiar part of her lifestyle.
Approximately Eight Hours of Sleep and a Relaxing Bath Routine
Sleep is another part of daily life that Ebihara values.
In a 2025 interview, she explained that she often goes to bed with her children and gets around eight hours of sleep.
In September 2026, she again mentioned that she frequently falls asleep alongside her children at approximately 10 pm.
She has described feeling at her best when she has slept well and enjoyed balanced meals.
Bathing is another important part of her evening routine.
At a September 2026 event, she discussed enjoying a warm bath as part of her preparation for a restful night.
Sleep, meals, movement and relaxing moments all have a place in the way she organises her day.
Yuri Ebihara's Beauty Philosophy in Her Forties: From Ebi-chan to a Modern Style Icon
Ebihara has enjoyed a remarkably long career in Japanese fashion.
From the youthful styling of CanCam to the sophisticated looks featured in magazines for women in their forties, she has continued to explore different ways of expressing her personal style.
The CanCam Years and the Ebi-chan Fashion Phenomenon
In a 2022 interview reflecting on her CanCam years, Ebihara recalled the excitement and intensity of her early modelling career.
Her first appearance was in a hair feature for the October 2002 issue, and she made her first cover appearance in December 2003.
At the height of her popularity, she sometimes worked on as many as 50 photoshoots in a month.
Features built around the "Ebi-chan OL" style became especially popular, and clothes she wore in the magazine sometimes sold out quickly.
She recalled receiving letters from fans and noticing women wearing outfits inspired by her magazine appearances.
Her influence became a memorable chapter in the history of Japanese fashion magazines.
Enjoying Beauty at Every Stage of Life
After leaving CanCam, Ebihara continued modelling for AneCan, Domani and Marisol before becoming a cover model for STORY in 2023.
Her fashion and beauty choices have evolved alongside her career and family life.
At a September 2026 beauty event, she spoke about choosing routines that feel comfortable and enjoyable to maintain.
She adapts her skincare to her skin's condition, makes time for short morning stretches and appreciates the pleasure of herbal tea and a relaxing bath.
Her philosophy centres on curiosity, personal comfort and finding ways to enjoy beauty as life changes.
Yuri Ebihara's Family Life, Twin Sister and Connection to New Zealand
Ebihara married musician ILMARI in 2009, and the couple have two children, a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2021.
Alongside her modelling career, she enjoys family activities and the everyday routines of raising children.
A Typical Day as a Model and Mother of Two
In a 2025 interview with LEE, Ebihara described what an ordinary day looks like for her family.
Her mornings begin with opening the curtains, clearing dishes and starting the laundry.
She prepares miso soup and breakfast for her children before getting ready for work.
After photoshoots, she may collect her children or take them to extracurricular activities before preparing dinner.
The family then enjoys their evening meal and bath time, and Ebihara often goes to bed with her children.
Her schedule combines the demands of a modelling career with the familiar responsibilities and pleasures of family life.
Sharing Family Schedules and Enjoying Active Weekends
In a 2025 interview, Ebihara explained that she and her husband use a shared online calendar to coordinate their schedules.
This helps them organise work commitments, school activities and family plans.
On weekends, the family enjoys going out together and taking part in active activities.
Travel is another interest she shares with her husband, and she values communication and spending time together.
Her everyday fashion also reflects her family lifestyle, with comfortable trousers and trainers often featuring in her wardrobe.
Her Twin Sister, Eri Ebihara, Is a Trusted Confidante
Ebihara has a twin sister, Eri Ebihara, with whom she shares a close relationship.
In a 2025 interview, she said that when she feels down, her sister is often the first person she calls.
Having someone who understands her so well gives her an opportunity to talk openly and share her feelings.
She has also mentioned enjoying cleaning and organising her home when she wants a change of mood.
These everyday habits reveal a warm and approachable side of her personality.
Family Trivia: A Special Bond Between Twins
Yuri Ebihara and her twin sister Eri have shared many experiences since childhood, from swimming practice to family life. Eri remains one of the people Yuri turns to when she wants to talk.
An Unexpected New Zealand Connection: Gold Kiwifruit Commercials
Ebihara also has an interesting connection to New Zealand through her advertising career.
In 2008, she appeared alongside Japanese actor Kenji Sakaguchi in a television commercial promoting New Zealand-grown gold kiwifruit.
She was also involved in promotional activities related to the campaign in 2009.
New Zealand is one of the world's best-known kiwifruit-growing countries, and gold kiwifruit is appreciated for its sweet flavour and distinctive golden flesh.
Her appearance in a campaign featuring New Zealand fruit adds an unexpected international detail to her career.
Looking across Yuri Ebihara's beauty and wellness habits, a consistent theme emerges: she enjoys discovering routines that suit her lifestyle and continuing them over time.
Morning sheet masks, thoughtful moisturising, sun protection, herbal tea, Japanese home cooking, gentle stretching, long-term personal training, approximately eight hours of sleep and time with family all form part of her everyday life.
Her childhood swimming experience, her mother's home cooking and her continuing interest in herbs have also contributed to the way she approaches life today.
With curiosity, creativity and a relaxed approach to personal care, Yuri Ebihara continues to demonstrate how beauty and wellness can remain enjoyable throughout different stages of life.
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