Hiroko Moriguchi, a celebrated Japanese singer, attended the "Let's Start by Knowing: About CIDP" media seminar in Tokyo on May 8, 2025, where she opened up about her health and personal experiences. The event was part of the awareness month for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disease affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Moriguchi, now 56, shared her journey with CIDP, a condition she was previously unaware of. During the seminar, she expressed her desire to raise awareness about the disease, stating, "I learned that this is such a serious illness, and I want as many people as possible to know about it." She emphasized the struggles faced by patients, noting how challenging it can be to receive a diagnosis. "It takes time, effort, and money to figure out what’s wrong, and that can be disheartening," she said.
During her speech, she highlighted the importance of sharing information about CIDP, hoping that it could help others suffering from similar symptoms. "If this information can save even one person who is suffering, that would mean everything to me," Moriguchi added passionately.
Moriguchi also discussed her health regime, which includes a strict stretching routine she began at the age of 32. "I had been living an irregular lifestyle, so I decided to become more human by focusing on my diet, sleep, and light exercise, incorporating 20 minutes of stretching every day," she explained. This routine has significantly improved her blood circulation and overall skin condition.
In a lighthearted moment, Moriguchi revealed one of her personal quirks: due to her obsessive cleanliness, she prefers to squat instead of sitting on public toilet seats. "I can’t sit directly on the toilet seat, so I hover while using the restroom, which has made my thigh muscles quite strong," she joked.
Reflecting on her appearance, Moriguchi mentioned that she showcased her swimsuit figure last year for the first time in 34 years. "I’m a cold exposure maniac, and I think being in front of people makes me more tense and helps keep me in shape. Before I knew it, I had a mischievous body," she said with a smile.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of her singing career, and while she feels great, she admits that aging has its challenges. "I wake up with mysterious pains, like stomach aches or back pain, which I can explain, but sometimes I just feel pain without a clear reason," she shared. Moriguchi also mentioned experiencing forgetfulness, a common issue as she ages. "I’ve forgotten where I put important things and even left my new phone charger on the train during the Golden Week," she recounted.
Despite these challenges, Moriguchi remains optimistic and proactive about her health. She regularly visits her doctor, who she shares with famous singer Eikichi Yazawa. "Knowing that I have the same doctor as him gives me confidence that I can continue singing well into my 60s and 70s," she said.
Her doctor once told her that her spine was like that of a 20-year-old when she was in her 40s, and now, in her 50s, it resembles that of someone in their 30s. "I was really pleased to hear that!" she exclaimed.
Moriguchi’s commitment to her health and her willingness to share her experiences are inspiring. She encourages others to prioritize their well-being, stating, "Stretching for 20 minutes a day has been beneficial in so many ways. I highly recommend it! It improves your blood circulation and can turn your life around."
As she continues to navigate her career and health, Moriguchi's story serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, self-care, and resilience in the face of challenges.
