Second Collaboration Between Popular Magazine 'Harumeku' for Women 50+ and BS Asahi Launches: Lifestyle Content for Mature Women, Featuring Fashion Tips and Aging Gracefully – Comments from Naho Toda

(From left in photo) Left: Chigaya Miki, Center: Naho Toda, Right: Asako Yamaoka

Introducing a Lifestyle That Inspires Women 50+ – The 'Harumeku' Generation

BS Asahi's ongoing senior-focused project 'Gin no Marche' has joined forces once again with 'Harumeku,' a magazine whose mission is to support women aged 50 and above in living better lives by delivering joyful, everyday content. This collaboration brings a lifestyle program tailored for women who wish to remain active and live authentically as they age. The second installment is now airing.

Featuring actress Naho Toda, total beauty designer Chigaya Miki, and Harumeku's editor-in-chief Asako Yamaoka, the show presents candid conversations among three women of the Harumeku generation on fashion and lifestyle.

Toda, who looked forward to the recording, shared that since turning 50, she has become more open to trying new things—such as wearing bold accessories she wouldn’t have chosen in her youth. Miki resonated with this, emphasizing that there are unique styles only adults at this stage of life can truly embrace.

In a discussion on summer fashion, Miki shared practical styling tips for sophisticated casual wear, suggesting the use of jackets and scarves to elevate one’s look while also serving as protection against air conditioning. Toda, who regularly incorporates shawls into her outfits, showcased her favorite piece on set.

Naho Toda Shares the Joys of a Thoughtful Lifestyle – Must-See Insights!

Toda, who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, introduced her favorite kitchen tools. The trio also discussed recipes for summer vegetables—a seasonal feature regularly covered in 'Harumeku.' Toda frequently makes marinated summer vegetables, while Miki prefers roasted ones. Toda also shared her passion for 'ume work' (pickling plums) each season, speaking movingly about the appeal of mindful living. The conversation on their personal lifestyles was lively and heartfelt.

Additionally, in conjunction with the July issue of 'Harumeku,' which features 'Eye Care,' ophthalmologist Reiko Arata offered advice for mature women facing various eye concerns.

The panel tried Arata’s simple 'blink exercise,' designed to be done at home, and learned key tips for protecting eyes from summer UV exposure.

Naho Toda’s Comments

Q: How did you feel after the recording?

"I was deeply moved by Harumeku’s warm worldview of 'no one should feel lonely.' The idea that everyone—from age 50 to over 100—is part of one community is truly beautiful. Attending Harumeku-hosted workshops could help people find new friends. It’s a wonderful platform for sharing joy, even from home. I hope I can also share how fulfilling life at home can be."

Q: Did you discover anything new today?

"I felt encouraged when Miki-san approved of styling a cardigan as a scarf or wearing silver and gold jewelry together—things I’d usually hesitate to try. Her approval gave me the confidence to say, 'I can do this!' I also plan to incorporate the eye exercises into my daily routine."

Q: You introduced some items you use in daily life on set.

"I’m the type who wants to live a truly thoughtful life. I love the atmosphere of traditional Japanese kitchens—the warmth they offer, unlike modern ones. I enjoy making umeboshi and plum juice, embracing a slower pace of life, which is why I naturally collect vintage items. Although parenting keeps me busy, I don’t want to rush through life. I want to savor each day, even if it means going against the current pace of society. I find myself drawn to the way people lived in the past. Homemade plum juice tastes amazing and feels powerful. Right now, I’m even experimenting with growing garlic—let’s see how it turns out (laughs). Even if I fail, the act of trying is joyful."

Q: What sparked your interest in mindful living?

"I’ve always had a taste for traditional aesthetics (laughs). In high school, I loved Kyoto and was drawn to classical literature. I’ve realized my tastes haven’t changed much as I’ve grown older. I believe that if you cherish quality items, even when they crack or age, they gain character. So I don’t need substitutes anymore. I feel I’ve reached an age where I truly understand that. I’d also like to try kintsugi (gold mending) in the future. After all, rice tastes better when eaten from a cherished bowl. Instead of discarding a chipped one, I’d like my children to learn the value of repairing and preserving it. Leather sofas, too, develop a beautiful patina over time. In my 20s, I didn’t care much—'as long as it’s stylish, it’s fine'—but now I want to age alongside the things I use and become a person with depth. I think I’ve reached an age where I deeply appreciate the beauty of timeless, well-crafted things and want to preserve them."

Q: Can you share any recent experiences that excited or inspired you?

"I enjoy being at home, but I’m also quite active. Eight years after my last class, I returned to an 'adult ballet class' and was thrilled to see many familiar faces. I’ve also been inspired by a modern Japanese translation of Yoshida Kenkō’s 'Tsurezuregusa'—it’s so engaging I’ve stayed up late reading it. I’d love to study more. Everyone should give it a try! Yesterday, I went to the library with my child and read scripts alongside students preparing for exams—it felt surprisingly joyful. Meeting Miki-san and Yamaoka-san today was also exciting. There’s so much that makes my heart race. Even on the first day of a new project, I get so excited I can’t sleep. No matter how many years pass, I never want to become complacent in my work—I want to keep that fresh, enthusiastic spirit."

Q: What do you value most in living a rich, free, and joyful life? Are there any non-negotiable principles for you?

"What I value most is being kind. No matter how free or rich one’s life is, without kindness, it lacks charm. That’s something I never want to forget. Even if someone’s lifestyle or fashion isn’t trendy, a person with integrity is truly admirable—that’s what matters most. Happiness means different things to different people, and I admire those who strive to grow beyond appearances. I love being around people who are pleasant and in good spirits. I hope I can live that way too."

Q: Finally, a message to Harumeku readers and viewers of this program.

"I deeply resonate with Harumeku’s world—a place where you can connect with diverse people and satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Let’s continue exploring ways to live authentically, joyfully, and mindfully together. I hope this becomes a starting point for discovering a new version of yourself."