This is a series of interviews exploring what makes women shine in a variety of fields. Our seventh installment features Nanako Ishido, chairperson of CANVAS, an NPO promoting creative and expressive activities for children, and president of Digital Ehon Co., Ltd., a company that develops picture book apps. We spoke to Ishido, who exudes a positive aura, about beauty and fashion.

--You're working hard every day for your children, but what kind of fashion do you enjoy?

The dress I'm wearing today was actually handmade by my mother. Since I was a child, I've been wearing clothes made by my grandmother and mother. I was born and raised in Tokyo's downtown area, so I often went to the fabric wholesaler in Nippori. I don't have much of a preference for brands. Instead, I try not to miss out on any items I find that I like when I come across them on business trips overseas or while walking around town.

I tend to wear a lot of dresses that I can wear on their own. Other staple styles include wide-brimmed hats, geta sandals, and zori sandals. I always carry my laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other devices, so a large backpack is essential.

--You're wearing geta and zori sandals, which is quite unique.

I own about 20 to 30 pairs in total, and I wear them not only to work but also to government meetings and international conferences overseas. On the cobblestone streets of Europe, they make a clanging sound every time I walk, so people often turn their heads (laughs). Recently, there have been products that combine geta with a cold weather cover, so I wear them even in winter.

--So, do you have any beauty tips?

I often go without makeup (laughs). Sometimes I even go to the beach without sunscreen... But I always wear a wide-brimmed hat. I once went to a dermatologist with rough skin, and they recommended an additive-free soap. Using it immediately cleared up my skin irritation. I've been using it ever since.

--Your skin is so beautiful, even though it's simple skincare.

Maybe it's because I'm always doing what I love and with people I love (laughs). Also, if I feel tired, I try to sleep whenever and wherever I am. Because I have children, I naturally lead a regular life, such as going to bed early, getting up early, and eating breakfast. On weekends, I walk or run as much as I can with my kids, so before I know it, I feel like I'm exercising.


■For this shoot, Isetan Mirror's Nami Kadowaki was in charge of makeup. The makeup, which I used, had a gentle impression to match Ishido's bright and natural personality.

Considering her sensitive skin, I mainly used organic and natural products. Her skincare was by Jurlique, and her foundation was by THREE. She applied her base with a brush to create a smooth texture like a peeled egg. She used pink eyeshadow and blush for a natural look, while drawing on a strong eyeliner to add definition. "Her features are well-defined, so simply using makeup that highlights those features will create a glamorous impression," says Kadowaki.

The main products she uses are Jurlique Cleansing Lotion Replenishing, THREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation 203, Lunasol Petal Pure Eyes 01, Isetan Mirror Beaute Eyeliner Pencil 01, and Addiction Addiction Blush 12.

[Ishido Nanako Profile]
Born in Tokyo in 1979. After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, she became a visiting researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. In 2002, she founded the NPO CANVAS. To date, she has held 2,000 workshops, with approximately 300,000 children participating. In 2011, she founded Digital Ehon Co., Ltd. She serves as a member of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Information Council and as an associate professor at Keio University. Her books include "Turning on Children's Creativity! The Secret Base for Play and Learning: Practicing CANVAS" and "The Digital Textbook Revolution." She is also working hard as a digital picture book author and mother of one child.

[About Isetan Mirror]
Isetan Mirror is a cosmetics shop based on the concept of "a luxury cosmetics shop where you can buy only what you want, when you want, how you want." The people who work there are Isetan Mirror Girls. Brand cosmetics that were previously only available at department stores can now be selected across a wide range of brands, and customers can try out items on their own to make their selection, or consult with an Isetan Mirror Girl to help them make their selection. There are currently nine stores in Japan.

Return to the first half of this article, "Ishido Nanako/Way of Life: Days of Struggling for the Creativity and Future of Children."