Japanese actress Haruka Ayase, who is set to celebrate her 40th birthday on March 24, 2025, attended the SK-II SAKURA Celebration event on March 4, 2025, where she shared reflections on her decade-long experiences and discussed her upcoming goals.
Ayase, who serves as the global brand ambassador for SK-II, appeared at the event wearing a stylish white jacket and pants, marking the occasion with enthusiasm as spring approaches. "The 10 years were full of various experiences," she remarked, reflecting on her 30s. "I think I worked hard during my 30s, and it was enjoyable overall," she added, setting the tone for her positive outlook as she approaches this milestone.
Expressing her love for the month of March—significant for her birthday—Ayase shared, "I’ve always liked March, it brings the excitement of another year of life and all the possibilities it carries." Her emotional reflections were met with smiles and laughter from attendees, highlighting her relatability.
When asked about how she plans to enjoy the warmer months, Ayase noted, "I really enjoy walking. It’s fun to see various things as the scenery around changes—the flowers bloom, trees grow, and people step outside." This simple joy echoes her appreciation for nature and the small wonders it offers.
At the SK-II SAKURA Celebration, she also spoke candidly about her interests beyond acting—delving particularly deep. “I found out I’m quite skillful, especially last year when I tried my hand at kintsugi, which is repairing pottery. It was enjoyable to see how I can restore things to their natural state. I want to challenge myself to do it properly this year,” Ayase said, showcasing her artistic side and commitment to self-improvement.
SK-II’s campaign revolves around the launch of limited-edition products, including the iconic Facial Treatment Essence Sakura Limited Edition, celebrating the beauty of spring. The event featured announcements about pop-up experiences, which will take place from March 5 to March 11, 2025, at @cosme Tokyo. “Next year, I’m excited about what kind of year it will be,” she stated when discussing her future objectives, clearly invigorated by the turning point of her life.
With over 15 years as the face of SK-II, Ayase emphasized the importance of skincare throughout her career and personal routine. "When I first met SK-II, I discovered the significance of skincare—like using sun protection and properly moisturizing after makeup removal. These routines were integral as I aged, and they have helped create a solid foundation for my skin health," Ayase expressed confidently.
Continuing with her regimen, she elaborated on her daily skincare routine involving SK-II products, stating, "I mainly use SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence and creams, keeping it simple. When I get sun exposure, I add sheet masks. This routine helps me see good skin condition as I start my day—it lifts my spirits!"
Ayase’s words resonate deeply, reminding her fans about the significance of self-care and staying connected to oneself. She hopes to inspire more individuals to embrace their natural skin by promoting healthy skin confidence. "I want to see more people enjoying their skin and feeling proud of it,” she encouraged.
The freshness and excitement surrounding her upcoming 40th birthday, paired with the vibrant energy of spring, create a captivating atmosphere for Ayase as she embraces this new chapter. The SK-II campaign celebrates not only new products but also the beauty of claiming one’s age with pride and joy.
The SK-II SAKURA Celebration continues beyond the initial pop-up event, with additional appearances planned at locations across Japan, including Daimaru Umeda store from March 26 to April 8, and Matsuzakaya Nagoya store from April 9 to April 15, 2025. Events like these not only provide limited access to exclusive products but also bring fans closer to Ayase and the essence of what SK-II stands for.