Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai

7 Japanese Superfoods for Beauty, Energy & Longevity
In this episode of Wabi Sabi, I’m sharing seven Japanese superfoods that have been part of my life, my family, and Japanese food culture for generations.
We’re talking about Japanese sweet potato, matcha, miso, sea vegetables, Japanese citrus, sesame seeds, and sesame oil, and why these traditional foods deserve a place in your everyday diet.
I’ll break down the benefits of each, from fiber, minerals, healthy fats, vitamin C and plant protein to polyphenols, antioxidants and compounds being studied for cardiovascular health, digestion, energy and healthy aging.
But this episode is about more than nutrition.
Before these foods were called “superfoods,” they were simply staple foods in Japan. They nourished our ancestors, supported families through difficult times, and became part of a way of eating built around simplicity, seasonality, balance and nourishment.
And when it comes to beauty, I still believe some of the most powerful tools are not found in a bottle. Healthy skin and healthy aging are supported from the inside out through nutrient-dense food, movement, sleep, hydration and the way we care for ourselves over time. Thank you for listening and please share this with two best friends. x Candice

This episode I interviewed OG Anunoby for ABC News. This is important recap on how to love what you love and stop caring about what others think! Thank you OG & thank you for listening! x Candice

What actually keeps your body fit for decades? In this episode of the Wabi Sabi Podcast, I’m sharing the workouts and wellness practices I have returned to for nearly 30 years, from barre, Pilates, cycling, yoga, surfing, swimming and strength training to the practice I now consider my special sauce: meditation. I break down the science behind what really helps your body stay strong, mobile and resilient over time, why consistency matters more than quick fixes, and why training your nervous system may be just as important as training your muscles. After nearly three decades in modeling, fitness, food and wellness, I have seen trends come and go, but the practices that truly last are usually the simplest ones. This is a candid conversation about movement, longevity, body image, recovery, meditation and what it really means to take care of yourself for the long haul. Thank you for listening! Please share with two best friends. x Candice

In this special Japan episode of Wabi Sabi, I’m sharing the unwritten cultural rules every traveler should know before visiting Japan. Drawing from my Japanese American heritage and a lifetime of traveling throughout the country, I’m opening up the thoughtful customs, quiet gestures, and insider knowledge that can completely transform the way you experience Japan. From showing respect at temples and shrines to supporting local businesses, understanding omamori, honoring elders, and moving through sacred spaces with care, consider this your guide to experiencing Japan with greater depth, beauty, and connection, from your Japanese American best friend. Thank you for listening! Please share this podcast with two friends! xx Candice

In this episode, I’m sharing my Ultimate Summer Glow-Up Guide and everything I genuinely rely on to support healthy-looking skin, stronger hair, steady energy, recovery, and long-term wellness.
This is not about crash diets, expensive powders, or chasing one magic ingredient. It is about the small, cumulative habits that actually matter: eating enough protein, choosing healthy fats, adding more color to your plate, hydrating properly, protecting your skin, sleeping well, and building meals that keep you nourished and energized.
I’m also breaking down four of my newest TODAY Show recipes, including my iced strawberry matcha latte, creamy avocado pesto pasta, chili-lime miso sweet potatoes, and honey-miso glazed salmon, plus easy ways to adapt each one throughout the week.
With lessons from my Japanese family, more than 20 years as a chef and wellness journalist, and everything I have learned through my own recovery, this episode is a practical guide to helping you look and feel your best all summer and for years to come. Thank you for listening xx ck