[Model Rena Takeshita] “Quitting my job was not an option.” How I balance modeling and childcare without pushing myself too hard

How do professionals who continue to challenge themselves in various fields such as sports, business, art, and culture approach their bodies and unleash their potential? We ask about the "conditioning" they practice in their lifestyles.

Our guest today is Rena Takeshita, who has been active as a fashion model since her teens and continues to shine at the forefront even after becoming a mother of one.

*Conditioning, as defined by TENTIAL, is the act of optimizing all factors related to one's physical condition to improve life performance.

Continuing Her Path as a Fashion Model in Her 40s

── Ms. Takeshita, you debuted as a model in your teens, and your unique fashion sense and lifestyle continue to attract attention even now. Could you please tell us about your current activities?

My career started as a fashion model. After gaining some experience in various fields such as talent work and gravure modeling, my main activity is still modeling. I am currently 42 years old and have a daughter in the 5th grade. I spend each day enjoying both my work and childcare, while encountering new experiences daily.

── Ms. Takeshita, you have a strong image of consistently pursuing modeling from your teens to your 40s. What is your reason for sticking to modeling?

There was a period when I was involved in talent activities, but talent work requires diverse skills, such as being an interesting conversationalist and quick-witted. I realized I wasn't particularly good at it. Modeling, on the other hand, is about "expression," and perhaps that aspect suits me better. From a practical standpoint, I try not to schedule work on weekends, holidays, or school events. I've adjusted my schedule to start earlier in the morning so that I can finish by weekday evenings, allowing me to balance work with childcare.

── Have you never thought about quitting your job?

No, I haven't. I intend to continue any work I receive in the future. However, I also think about what I will do after I stop modeling. Since I've been doing this job since my teens and it's all I've ever known, I'm aware that I "lack experience" in other fields. Therefore, I'm really looking forward to life after I graduate from modeling. I often fantasize about things like, "Maybe a florist, or a cafe, or even my favorite ramen shop" (laughs). I have so many things I want to do, so I'm always excited.

Also Attracting Attention for Her Interior Design and Lifestyle

── Ms. Takeshita, you used to have an image of not revealing much about your private life, but recently, you've been showcasing your stylish interior design, home-cooked meals, and other aspects of your lifestyle in magazines.

Originally, I didn't like to reveal my private life. Especially after having a child, I became very cautious, wanting to clearly separate work and family. It was only after I turned 40 that I started showing my home interior and such. A big reason for this is that my child has grown up. Now that she can understand things to a certain extent when explained, I've started to show parts of my private life and home, within a reasonable scope, while also incorporating my daughter's opinions.

However, this trend wasn't my idea from the beginning. One day, I had the opportunity to invite a close editor friend to my home for a meal, and at that time, the editor said, "Your interior is stylish, I'd like to put together a feature." Since they said that much, I accepted. Basically, I'm quite passive when it comes to work (laughs). It feels like my staff and trusted editors are leading me and helping to shape the persona of Rena Takeshita.

── Your sister is here today as your manager; does she also feel like a part of creating "Model Rena Takeshita"?

Yes, that's right. It's been about 7-8 years since my sister became my manager, and she's very capable (laughs). I personally love interior design and had been sharing bits of it on my social media for a while. My sister then mentioned it to editors, which led to projects coming to fruition. I rely on her a great deal.

── After experiencing marriage and childbirth, have your approach to work and your daily life changed?

Before I had my child, I was, by my own admission and others', quite a "wild one" (laughs). I simply loved alcohol, and after work, I'd drink every night and really enjoyed spending time with friends. Of course, I did my work properly, but rather than being stoic, I might have been living a somewhat indulgent life. When I had a child, a clear determination to "change my lifestyle" emerged. My approach to work might have changed compared to before I had a child. However, the underlying principle of "doing things while enjoying them" hasn't changed much.

The Secret to Maintaining Her Figure: "Mizutaki and Light Exercise"

── I believe maintaining your figure is essential to continue working as a model. Please tell us if there's anything you do for conditioning.

Now that I'm in my 40s, which is a menopausal period, I've started to gain weight more easily. Furthermore, once I gain weight, it's quite difficult to lose it again (laughs). People often have the image that "she can eat anything and not gain weight," but I'm actually a big eater, and I gain weight for everything I eat! I'm always looking for good diet methods... I guess I'm just like everyone else (laughs).

Therefore, six days a week, I try to eat a light dinner to maintain my figure. My standard dinners are soup or mizutaki (chicken hot pot). Also, on the day before a photoshoot, I try not to drink much alcohol. For mizutaki, I usually put half a head of cabbage or lettuce in the pot, then add tofu and various mushrooms. I make it a rule to finish dinner by 7 PM and not eat anything at all after 9 PM. When my child was small, I used to eat the same meals as her, but I gained weight quickly that way (laughs). From a certain point, I completely separated my meals from my child's. And once a week, I have a cheat day (laughs). I've been following this rule of being allowed to eat and drink whatever I like on that day for many years.

── I've always looked at you, Ms. Takeshita, and thought your figure hasn't changed at all since you were young, so it's surprising to hear that you have a tendency to gain weight easily.

Basically, I love both alcohol and food. I love ramen so much I'd want to eat it every day! (laughs) But if I did that, I'd gain weight quickly, so I limit ramen to once every three months. The turning point for me to become more conscious about maintaining my figure was in my 20s. I experienced losing work because I gained a lot of weight. That was very painful. I personally experienced the harsh reality of this industry: "gaining weight equals losing work." As a model, not being able to fit into clothes means you're disqualified as a professional. Now, I strive to maintain the figure expected of me, neither too thin nor too heavy.

── Do you do any exercise or workouts?

Before the pandemic, I did personal training for 3-4 years. Then, with the onset of the pandemic, I couldn't train, so instead, I started doing gentle yoga and stretching at home. I still continue stretching using massage balls, foam rollers, and resistance bands, without setting a specific daily time, but rather adjusting it to my physical condition and mood at the moment. I exercise enjoyably and without overexertion, taking care of myself to maintain my condition with healthy cooking and gentle stretching.

── Do you ever seek professional help?

I go for pelvic adjustments once a month. The purpose of this is to improve posture and correct body misalignment. While it's partly to maintain good posture as a model, in my case, a misaligned pelvis or poor posture leads to poor health, so I go for maintenance. Additionally, I visit a beauty clinic once a month or once every two months, where I receive photofacial and vitamin infusion treatments.

The Appeal of TENTIAL: Combining Functionality and Fashion

── Let's talk about TENTIAL. You've come to today's interview wearing TENTIAL's "MIGARU" workwear hoodie. What are your thoughts on it?

It's soft and comfortable to wear. The simple design allows it to be paired with various fashion styles. What I also like about this hoodie is the "snug neckline." A snug neckline looks more stylish and also provides warmth, doesn't it? It's very warm because no cold air gets in through the neck, so I think it would be great for outdoor activities too.

Another favorite of mine is the "BAKUNE" gauze pajama. The first time I wore it, I put it on right after a bath, and it was so warm! I also like that it feels warm but doesn't get stuffy, and the gauze material feels smooth against the skin. Personally, I've been interested in "Onkatsu" (activities to warm the body) but was wondering where to start. I'm very happy that TENTIAL feels like it has provided a solution. If it were a gift, it would be great for the older generation too, wouldn't it? Since it's made of cotton, even people with sensitive skin can wear it, and I think it would be well-received by anyone.

── TENTIAL also offers various other recovery wear products. Are there any colors or designs that particularly interest you, Ms. Takeshita?

In terms of colors, black is a recommended classic, isn't it? Also, smoke pink and brown are feminine and cute. Spring is coming, and these colors would brighten one's mood! Another recommendation is the black MIGARU jacket. The material is soft, and the silhouette is beautiful. It gives a polished look, so I think it's perfectly suitable for work as well.

── I heard you also like the bath additive "BAKUNE BATH."

That's right! When I take a bath with this, I feel a gentle warmth spreading through me. While some common carbonated bath additives can feel a bit strong, this one has fine bubbles, allowing for a relaxing time. By bathing, you can feel your body warming up from the inside, not just the outside. I really want tired mothers to try bathing with this additive.

Rena Takeshita, Model

She embarked on a career as a fashion model after being scouted in her teens. While continuing her modeling activities, she has been active in a wide range of fields, including talent work and commercial appearances. She married and gave birth in 2012, becoming a mother of one. Even after childbirth, she has continued her modeling career energetically, sharing her stylish lifestyle, including interior design, on her social media. Many female fans admire her adult casual fashion and bright personality.