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People | CLOSE-UP Aug 6, 2006

Shu Uemura: A life in pursuit of beauty

by Martin Webb

Hailing from a conservative family of businessmen and bankers, as a young man in occupied Japan, Shu Uemura dreamed of becoming an actor. But, fearing that his weak constitution would hamper his chances of success, he instead enrolled at Tokyo Beauty Academy -- the ...

People | CLOSE-UP Jul 2, 2006

Tamiyo Kusakari: Dancing with body and soul

by Kaori Shoji

Tamiyo Kusakari has been on her toes since the age of 8. Japan's most treasured ballerina virtually grew up in her toe shoes, and spent her youth dancing on one stage after another. Now, at the age of 41, she continues to enthrall legions ...