Bigan-Jutsu massage - Presentation and meeting with Japanese facialist Fumie Kawabe by Keiko Suyama
In this article, Keiko Suyama interviews Fumie Kawabe about skincare “Bijo; Signature", uJapanese facial therapy which focuses on facial harmony, taking into account the specific characteristics of each face, pressure points and lymphatic circulation, with the aim of improving mental and physical health while enhancing beauty.
A: I am from Fukuoka Prefecture, and my family has run a beauty salon since my great-grandmother's time in the late 19th century. My family is specialized in facial care for four generations : my great-grandmother, my grandmother and my aunt.
When I arrived in Tokyo, I worked as a makeup artist and hairstylist for fashion shows, photo shoots and films, even then I always started my performance with a facial treatment. Little by little this method was recognized and a large Japanese hotel entrusted me with the management of facial treatments and makeup in its beauty salon. I have trained hundreds of people there.
When I moved to Paris in 2007, I continued to work as a makeup artist, but I wanted to devote myself more to facial care, individual-oriented beauty work.
Q: Your Bigan-Jutsu technique translates to “beauty of the face.” Can you tell us more about this technique?
A: In her beauty salon, my grandmother named the place where she performed facials "the Bigan-Jutsu room" which translates to "the facial beauty room". That's why I thought this could be the origin of Japanese beauty treatments. Facial beauty in Japan is based on the concept of Yin and Yang, as well as on morphology, with specifically Japanese elements such as personality, constitution, traits and spirituality. I consider touching people's faces sacred.. When I begin a facial, I first ask the person's permission to touch their face, then I begin respectfully.
Q: The "Bijo; Signature" for which you are responsible is a completely personalized menu according to the clients. Can you briefly explain to us the process of the treatment?“I consider touching people’s faces to be something sacred.”
The rest is a secret!
Q: What effects can we expect from Bijo; Signature ? And how often is it recommended to receive this treatment?
A: The goal is to return people to their natural beauty. When I touch a person's face, I can understand them. Many people put too much effort into their lives, they are out of breath, exhausted, and their face is often tense to the point where my fingers cannot penetrate deeply. I advise these people to take care of themselves and relax. The face is the mirror of a person's soul. This is where his lifestyle and way of living are reflected. Harmful behaviors, diet and habits may be visible on the face, if the person has a negative state of mind the corners of the mouth may also droop. During treatments, I notice that some people clench their jaw or grind their teeth under stress. With the Bijo; Signature, I start by helping people to know themselves, then I guide them towards their best aspect.
The frequency depends on each person's physical and mental health. For those who are in good health and who regularly attend an institute, a visit every three weeks is sufficient. For those who are very tired and need real care, one visit per week may be beneficial to start with.
"When I touch a person’s face, I can understand them.”
Q: As a facial care professional, do you feel any differences between European and Japanese skin?
A: I think there is a big difference. Young Europeans (aged 20 to 30) often have firm, beautiful skin, but from the age of 40, their skin begins to age rapidly and shows pronounced sagging. On the other hand, Asians have skin that tends to sag less, it is firm, and it is less prone to dryness, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. I think this is also linked to diet and genetics. THE European probably have strong skin, but it loses elasticity, water content and becomes flabby. It is possible that the structure of collagen and elastin is slightly different. If you leave fruits on a table for a long time, they will wilt, but the speed of wilting is faster for European and slower for Asians, that's my impression.
Q: As a facial care professional, do you have any advice for French clients?
A: Beyond external care, it is very important to pay attention to your daily diet and not expose yourself to the sun for too long. It is also important to correct facial expressions and daily habits. For example, consider doing facial gymnastics such as raising the corners of the mouth daily but also receiving professional care regularly. By adopting a positive attitude and regularly reducing stress, you can maintain a good state of mind and preserve a beautiful face.. Many people use good products but don't get the results they want because it depends on how they live in accordance with themselves. Those who live without forcing themselves, by being themselves, often have a more beautiful face. Through the Bijo; Signature, I want to guide people to deeper aspects that they need.
If you would like to receive care"Bijo; Signature" of Madame Kawabe we invite you to book your treatment during the residence of the Bijo; Beauty Studio at L’institut le Bon Marché.
