No Signs of Aging! Kaoru Yumi Stuns at Police Event with Teen-like Body

Her figure is the same as when she was a teenager

“We must protect our own bodies ourselves.”

Those were the words of actress Kaoru Yumi (74), speaking in a police uniform.

On September 6, ahead of the Autumn Traffic Safety Campaign (September 21–30), the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department held a nationwide event promoting adherence to traffic rules. At the Harajuku Police Station, Yumi was appointed honorary police chief for a day and led a parade from the Japan Nursing Association Building on Omotesando to Meiji Shrine. Before the parade began, she gave her greeting as above and even showed off her health by doing some forward bends.

“During the parade, Yumi held a banner encouraging people to wear helmets when riding bicycles, walking alongside the brass band and baton twirling club of Aoyama Gakuin University. She was so lively—waving to spectators and even dancing a little to the music. You’d never believe she’s 74! At Harajuku Station, she also handed out flyers herself, running energetically among the crowd,” said one onlooker.

Yumi debuted in 1966 on the legendary late-night TV show 11PM as a singing and dancing idol. With her outstanding figure and charming beauty, she quickly rose to fame. That same year, she began her acting career and later starred in hits like Cohabitation Era – Kyoko and Jiro (1973) and Shinano River, earning recognition as a talented actress.

“For many people, Yumi is unforgettable as the face of Earth Pharmaceutical’s mosquito coil (Earth Uzumaki) in the late 1960s. The enamel billboard showing her smiling with one leg boldly posed was seen along almost every roadside—and now, it’s considered a classic Showa-era collectible.

Another iconic role was her long-running appearance from 1986 in Mito Kōmon (TBS) as the female ninja Kagero Ogin. Her famous bath scenes became a signature part of the show, gaining fans from children to the elderly,” said a TV magazine writer.

Next year marks Yumi’s 60th anniversary in show business. Even now, she can still do a perfect V-balance and has maintained her teenage figure. After leaving the Nishino Ballet Company in 2022—where she had been for 59 years—she began teaching “Yumi Core Breathing,” a program combining beauty and health, which she shares even at nursing homes.

Speaking with FRIDAY about her experience as honorary police chief and her current activities, she said:

“Fans and children joined the parade as we promoted traffic safety. It was such a rare and delightful experience to march through stylish Omotesando in that way!”

Regarding how she stays youthful and healthy:

“I practice Yumi Core Breathing daily, avoid stress, and make sure to enjoy delicious food. I think that’s the secret to my health. Thanks to that, my figure is still the same as when I was a teenager—I can even wear my old clothes, which is very economical!”

Her comments exude youthful energy. As for her current goals:

“I’m working hard every day to share music and breathing techniques with people of all generations—not only in Japan but around the world—so everyone can live joyful and peaceful lives.”

Truly an inspiring figure, Kaoru Yumi continues to bring energy and positivity to people of all ages.