Actress Aya Sugimoto said Monday that only an individual can truly make themselves happy.
Sugimoto's reflections on mental well-being come as she promotes a new approach to health and lifestyle, emphasizing that emotional stability should not depend on others. Her perspective highlights a shift toward self-reliance that she believes reduces stress and accelerates the path to fulfillment.
Speaking at a press conference in Japan for her new book, "Aya Sugimoto's Beautiful Muscle Meals," the actress said her views were a significant realization gained from aging [1]. She said that people should strive to reach a baseline of happiness on their own, which she illustrated as 100 percent [1]. In this framework, any happiness or contribution provided by other people should be viewed as a "plus alpha," increasing that total to 110 or 120 percent [1].
"Only I can make myself happy," Sugimoto said [1].
She said that this mindset allows a person to remain stable regardless of external influences. By maintaining their own internal source of contentment, she said the influence of others becomes an addition rather than a necessity.
"I feel very strongly at this age that this way of living is the one with the least stress and perhaps the shortest path to happiness," Sugimoto said [1].
The event also marked the release of her latest culinary guide. This recipe book is the first of its kind from the actress in 18 years [1]. Sugimoto linked the physical discipline of her recipes with the mental discipline of her happiness philosophy, suggesting that both are essential for a balanced life as one grows older.
Sugimoto's appearance and comments focus on the intersection of physical health and mental autonomy, a theme central to her new publication [1].
“"Only I can make myself happy."”
Sugimoto's philosophy reflects a broader cultural trend in Japan toward 'self-care' and emotional independence. By framing external support as a bonus rather than a requirement, she advocates for a psychological buffer against the volatility of interpersonal relationships, aligning her personal brand of physical wellness with mental resilience.
