Hoshina : I had known about AKEMI-chan for a while . We had mutual acquaintances and I often saw her on social media. However, it was at an event that I actually met her. 

AKEMI : That's right. At the time, I was participating as a model in a project to photograph people with roots in Brazil, and Hoshina came to the exhibition . At first, we only exchanged a few words , but her bright smile made a big impression on me. It seemed like she was talking more to the mothers than to me (laughs). 

Hoshina : That's right (laughs). After that, we had the opportunity to work together on an outdoor-related job, and from there we quickly became closer. The times we spent climbing mountains together and talking in nature were really special. I 'm always moved by her deep love for animals and her actions filled with love for the Earth. Our mutually inspiring relationship is very endearing, and before I knew it, she had become one of my most precious friends. 

AKEMI : We really did become friends naturally. I'm not the type to go out of my way to talk to people, so I was glad that he came on to me (laughs). We have similar ways of thinking and values, so I feel at ease when I'm with him. I always look at his posts on social media thinking, "I understand! I agree!" 

-Hoshina is actively working to spread information about her illness on social media, but is there anything you keep in mind when sharing your information? 

Hoshina : At the core of my thoughts is the desire to create a society where no one is hurt. To that end, I am very careful about the words I choose. I describe type 1 diabetes as my "personality." I believe that the difficulties that people who are considered minorities face in society are in some way similar to mine. That's why I try to communicate in a way that is full of respect for each person's "personality." 

AKEMI : I'm really encouraged by Hoshina's choice of words and the way she communicates. Even when people make cold comments, she responds gently and with humor. I think, "This person is strong." I think it's because she has experienced such painful feelings that she doesn't want to hurt others, and that's reflected in every word she says . 

Hoshina : Wow, I could almost cry...! Thank you. I've always thought that a crisis is an opportunity. In my case, I can't survive without insulin, so even when I traveled around the world, questions like "Can I get insulin in this country?" and "Can I receive treatment in this environment?" were life-or-death issues . When I went to Kenya, there were many children who couldn't receive treatment. That's why I really feel that my life is being sustained by my environment. I truly believe that "Since my life is sustained, I can start over and try again and again." 

-   Next, I'd like to ask you two about how you have dealt with menstruation as you are involved in a variety of activities. Are there any particularly memorable experiences you had during adolescence or at work? 

AKEMI : I've always had a tendency to have a heavy flow . That's why I'm especially careful when I'm at work so I don't get my clothes dirty, and I try to change my pads frequently. Even so, I've had leaks in the past, and I was worried, especially before I started using absorbent shorts. 

Hoshina : I also have very painful periods and severe PMS. Because I have a heavy flow, I've tried various methods, such as taking the pill and using a menstrual cup. But it's still difficult, especially when I'm out and about or playing sports. I 've even competed in triathlons , and when my period coincided with ocean practice, I used tampons to get by . 

AKEMI : No matter how many precautions you take, the fear of leaking never goes away. That's why I've always struggled to find sanitary products that fit me well. I've tried absorbent underwear, but I still worry about days when I have a heavy flow. 

Hoshina : I know what you mean! I've tried many different types of absorbent shorts, but I just can't find anything that feels completely safe. I'm especially worried about them at night, so I end up using them in conjunction with pads. I've had leaks while sleeping before, so I always wish there was a product I could really trust. 

-    Leaks are always a worry, so angelite is the perfect material for such situations, but what do you think when you actually touch it?

AKEMI: I'm on my period right now so I tried wearing them , and they're not tight at all, so they're very comfortable! I feel more secure around my stomach during my period, so the lace type and the length are just right. I usually worry about tightness around my groin area , but with Angelite , I don't feel that way at all. 

Hoshina : It feels smooth to the touch and gives a sense of security. I chose the boxer type. I often turn over in my sleep and leak at night, so this will help me keep my sheets clean. 

-    As both of you work as models, you must be in the public eye at times, and you must be more stoic with your mind and body than most people. How do you maintain a balance between your mind and body at times like that? 

Hoshina : Whenever I feel like I've reached my limit, I try to go to the mountains. When I go into nature and distance myself from social media and my phone, I feel like my mind is reset. Mountain climbing gives me an opportunity to think about the Earth and the environment, and it's also a time when I can reaffirm my own values . Recently, I've been trying more serious mountain climbing! 

AKEMI : I originally live in an area with a lot of nature, so I think I'm able to maintain a balance in my daily life. But when I'm going through a busy period or I'm feeling a bit down, I make a point of taking a "lazy day." I eat what I like without worrying about calories, relax and watch a movie at home, or just spend the day doing nothing. By resetting myself like that, I can start moving forward again with a positive attitude . I don't just work hard in a stoic manner, but I also make it a point to take time to relax. 

-    Thank you. You two seem to be spreading positive energy to those around you by facing yourself, but what kind of activities do you want to do in the future? 

Hoshina : I want to become an adult who can tell children, " The world is very big, and there are many options for how you live ." I would be happy if my challenge inspires someone to "give it a try," and I hope that through my activities I can become someone who makes people think, "Wow, you can do this too." Right now I'm preparing to climb Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. To prepare for this, I'm slowly learning Spanish, and I'm aiming to climb in December of next year. It's a huge challenge for me, but I hope it will inspire hope and courage for someone else. 

AKEMI : I want to spread the idea that "we should first understand each other without attacking differences." It's natural to have different opinions, but I want to create a society where we can accept each other and say, "You are like this, and I am like this." To achieve this, I first want to make it important to interact with animals, nature, and people on an equal footing. Recently, I've become interested in rescue dogs and cats, and I would like to be involved in creating a space where we can properly face life. 

Item Introduction

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

Hoshina : When I'm on my period, I tend to choose dark clothes and loose-fitting silhouettes. When I'm worried about leaking, I unconsciously think, "I want to be inconspicuous." But actually, I also like bright-colored clothes and slightly tight pants . That's why I chose this color.

AKEMI: I like pink items , but it's hard to choose them when I'm on my period . I tend to avoid light-colored bottoms in particular. But the truth is, I want to be able to enjoy colorful things more freely, even when I'm on my period! It's stressful not being able to wear my favorite clothes, so having an environment and items that allow me to wear them with confidence helps me feel more positive.