What is it that connects our mind and body and brings us peace of mind? Delicious food, a healthy lifestyle, spending time with loved ones... Everyone has their own way of achieving that balance.

We will share how various women think about "dealing with their mind and body" through their lives and careers.

The first episode features two women who empower girls with positive vibes.

Tomoko Ueno's Instagram can be found here

Risa Fujita's Instagram can be found here

- You both work in the public eye as radio DJs and models, so could you first tell us what kind of work you do?

Tomoko: I mainly work as a radio personality and MC for sports and fashion events, and I do speaking work. I founded a company two years ago that handles branding and casting. Six years ago, I started a female-led sports community called "FITVIBES" with Risa, who is being interviewed with me today, and another girl. We started it because we wanted to empower girls while allowing them to enjoy sports in a fun, safe and secure way.

Risa: When I started Fit Vibes with Tomoko, I also participated in the activities as a personal trainer. I still work as a personal trainer, but as the next generation of girls are growing up, I often take on a support role. I also work as a model, and recently started a YouTube channel, which I also use to share my experiences.

- Girls' empowerment and sports are the hallmarks of Fit Vibes, but what kind of activities do you do?

Tomoko: There are about 200 members in the Fit Vibes open chat community. We independently plan sports-related events and share events that anyone can join and invite participants. Lately, I've been running a lot because I can do it using only my body. I recently ran the 10km course of the Shonan International Marathon.

Risa: Four of us ran 10km, and one of us completed a full marathon! I hope that if stylish girls take up sports, it will make sports more accessible to everyone.

- When your job involves moving your body, you sometimes have to face physical challenges, like menstruation. How do you maintain a balance between your mind and body at times like that?

Tomoko: I seriously don't feel like running anymore (laughs). I've tried running in absorbent exercise shorts before, but it's still difficult to exercise as comfortably as I normally would. "My stomach hurts and I'm bleeding, why do I have to move?" (laughs). Now, I don't force myself to exercise even at work. That said, it's hard not to move, so I do light exercises like yoga and stretching, which are easier to do during my period.

Risa: For me, the day before and the first day of my period are especially tough. My whole body hurts, from my head to my stomach! I do strength training because it's a habit, but I always worry about leaking when I run, so I take a break even if I have an event. With periods, anything can happen. One time, a girl at an event suddenly got her period and got her period blood on the chair. It was a girls-only event so it was fine, but I think everyone has experienced these kinds of problems.

Tomoko: That's right, that's why having a women-only event makes it easier for people to participate with peace of mind.

- Menstrual problems are common. Tomoko, you are also the mother of a girl. How do you plan to explain menstruation to your daughter?

Tomoko: That's right...! It's still a long way off, but it's in the back of my mind. There are a lot more options available now than when I was a teenager, such as menstrual cups and absorbent shorts, so I'm very happy about that. There are also Angelite overpants that can be worn over sanitary shorts, and I would like to try out various options myself so that I can suggest a method that is comfortable for women.

- You can't really make a recommendation without trying it. What do you two use during your period now?

Risa: I used to only use regular pads, but a year ago I switched to all organic pads. I sometimes use tampons depending on the situation, so I think they're convenient, but I'm still a little scared (laughs). I haven't tried absorbent panties yet. I'm worried about what I'll do if I leak and don't have any spare panties...!

Tomoko: That's why I carry a spare pair of absorbent underwear in a Ziploc bag! I also use sanitary napkins, but I also use organic ones because they're gentler on the skin. Speaking of which, we don't talk about periods in the community as much as we used to, so maybe we should try that next time?

- Tomoko, you actually used Angelite . What was the experience like?

Tomoko: It's so comfortable! It's been so cold lately that I've been layering up, but waterproof overpants make me think they might get stuffy. But they're not stuffy at all, they're super comfortable! They don't even bother me, even when I wear a slim-fitting skirt. I recommended them to my mother, and she bought them straight away (laughs).

- You both work naturally, but what do you think is important when dealing with the mind and body?

Tomoko: For me, moving my body helps me to calm my mind. A senior colleague told me, "If you're worried, move your body!" That's when I started exercising. To be honest, before I started my current job, I had no interest in sports. When I felt irritated or anxious, I would go shopping or drink alcohol (laughs). But after a casual comment from a senior colleague, I started moving my body, and I was surprised at how refreshed I felt. I truly believe that moving your body is connected to your mind. For example, recently I'd been worrying about my work style, time with my kids, and my future, but once I started exercising in the morning, my mental health improved. Exercising boosts your self-esteem, making you feel like you're doing your best, and I think it's also a way to build self-confidence. This is also why I started "Fit Vibes."

Risa: For me...I'm stable so I don't think I'm doing anything in particular!

Tomoko: No, other than romance, that is (laughs).

Risa: Ah (laughs). That's right, I'm generally stable, but when things don't go well in love, I get really depressed. But at times like that, I'm the opposite of Tomoko-san: I sleep, eat, and go out drinking! Because of my job as a personal trainer, I'm always moving my body, so if I don't want to move in my personal life, I don't. Sometimes I sleep for an entire day, which is unbelievable (laughs).

- You two are complete opposites! Are there any points you pay attention to on a daily basis to maintain a balance between your mind and body?

Tomoko: I keep a diary every morning. I basically write down positive things, like what made me happy yesterday and what I'm looking forward to today. I started doing it when I was pregnant and hormones were making my mental health very unstable. Also, since having a child, I've become a morning person, so I try not to force myself to do things I couldn't do at night and instead do them in the morning. If I can't do something, I feel self-loathing, so I try to find ways to make sure I don't "become unable to do it." And I make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep!

Risa: I feel bad about not being careful... (laughs). Ah, but if I get too conscious of "I'll definitely do this!", I get stressed when I can't do it, so I try not to be too determined and "not to push myself too hard." I also cherish the time I spend on my hobbies, like reading my favorite book in the morning or watching idol videos.

- That was a relaxed answer that was typical of you two. Lastly, please tell us what challenges you would like to take on in the future.

Tomoko: What we're planning for Fit Vibes is to create a gym and community space. We want to create a place for the next generation where girls can feel safe. We aim to create an environment where sports are naturally integrated into lifestyles, with places to run and workspaces.

Risa: I think we need to keep speaking out our goals! We started to come up with concrete plans this year, so next year we'll be fundraising and planning at the same time, and hopefully we'll be able to make it a reality by the year after.

Tomoko: Personally, I'd like to work as a sports-related talent. For example, something like a sportscaster! I hope I can be a bridge between sports and gals, and make the boundary between them even. Also, time with my kids is important, so I want to improve my skills at work that I can do at home. I'm actually studying web development right now.

Risa: I'll continue working as a personal trainer and model, but I also love Korea so much that I go there several times a year, so I'd like to do work related to Korea. I want to be a source of energy for girls by working hard both in Japan and overseas!

Item Introduction

Items to use during menstruation or when your body changes

Tomoko's Item - Sensual Roll-On

"This roll-on aroma is perfect for when you're feeling irritable during your period. It's based on ylang-ylang and has a soothing, pleasant scent. I massage it into my temples and use it as nail oil. I often wear styles that show my legs, so I always keep a scarf on hand as both a fashion accessory and a way to keep warm."

Risa's item - Swelling Pack Hot Water Bottle

"I'm worried about swelling, so I drink this every day. It really helps to reduce swelling, so I recommend it! I also use the hot water bottle by placing it between my pants when I have a stomachache. It makes a huge difference!"

Your favorite everyday clothes, fashion you'd enjoy without worrying about leaking during your period

Tomoko's fashion

"My fashion tastes have changed recently. I have a gyaru vibe, but I prefer about 60% conservative looks. I'm often with my kids, so I don't want to be looked down upon as a mother (laughs). I pair a striped knit jacket with jeans to look neat but still have a casual feel. During my period, I wear jeans over my Angelite , which keeps me cool and comfortable."

Risa's fashion

"I usually like hoodies and street-style outfits, but recently I've been trying to look more mature. I paired jeans with a wintery white fluffy top and added some color with a bag. Angelite doesn't feel too tight, so I can enjoy wearing pants even when I'm on my period."

Tomoko Ueno Instagram▶ https://www.instagram.com/tomokoueno/

Risa Fujita Instagram▶ https://www.instagram.com/lisa_950709/