Yogis Uncovered | Meet Alice
From the quiet hot springs of rural Japan to the vibrant and sunny beaches of Miami, Alice’s journey is rooted in a deep desire for restoration. A talented graphic designer and lifelong gym rat who finds freedom in living without constraints, Alice uses yoga as a tool to stay present, calm, and intimately connected to herself. Now, she embraces the liberating power of nude practice while balancing her creative passions with a stress-free philosophy. We caught up with Alice to discuss her cultural shifts, her love for simple living, and why she thrives on being her true naked self. Subscribe to watch her full interview!
“Every time I practice, it reminds me to look at where my body and breath are. I like to check in with myself. Yoga is a great place to really be observant of myself and to remind me to come back to what is most important to me.”
Hello, my name is Alice. I’m originally from Japan, and I moved to the United States in 2005. Two and a half years ago, I moved to Miami from Oklahoma City.
What was it like growing up in Japan?
I grew up in a rural city in Japan, and it was very quaint and nice. I grew up going to the hot springs during the week, so I’ve always been in the mindset of seeking out places to relax and restore. That’s a big part of why I love yoga.
What do you do for work?
I’m a graphic designer. I help preserve and protect the Art Deco infrastructure in Miami. I work with the Art Deco Preservation League and sell my work at the Welcome Center in South Beach. I also teach yoga in North Beach, Miami, and do a lot of creative work around town.
How did you get into yoga?
I started practicing yoga in college. I used to watch “Yoga with Adriene” on YouTube, which is kind of where I began. But my mother is also a fitness instructor, so growing up, I was always around the gym. I’ve been a gym rat for as long as I can remember!
What are your passions or hobbies outside of work and yoga?
I work a lot, so I love going to spas and traveling. Anything leisurely that helps me restore and recover my energy is very important to me.
What does yoga bring to your life?
Yoga helps me calm down and truly be in the present moment. It allows me to take a breath and pause from whatever I’ve been dealing with. It’s just a really good place to start over again and breathe.
Did discovering yoga change the course of your life?
Every time I practice, it reminds me to look at where my body and breath are. I like to check in with myself. Yoga is a great place to really be observant of myself and to remind me to come back to what is most important to me.
Were you always at ease with being naked, or has that changed over time?
I am such a free-spirited person that I naturally find myself wanting fewer things, and clothing is one of them. Wearing clothes can make me feel a bit constricted, so being able to release and free myself is wonderful. It’s liberating to be naked.
How does being naked on camera affect your life?
Embracing my true naked self is really important. I think embracing your sexiness is something we often forget, and I love doing that. In Japan, the culture is very reserved and can feel restricted, so it’s important to liberate yourself by just being free and naked. You don’t really get nude beaches anywhere in Japan. So, when you live in a place like Miami where you just feel free, it’s really nice.
Does your family know how open you are?
Yes, they do. Ever since I was younger, they kind of knew. Even recently, I would just walk around the house changing and not even care. They’ve always known that I’m comfortable being naked.
What is your favorite food? Do you follow a specific diet?
Sushi! I love sushi. It’s definitely one of my favorite foods; I can’t say no to fresh fish. As for a diet, I just like whole foods. The less complicated, the better. I think keeping it basic is best, less is more.
What is your favorite yoga pose?
My favorite posture is Viparita Karani, which means "legs up the wall." Because of gravity, it’s hard for fresh blood to come all the way up from your legs to your heart. This pose helps bring that fresh blood back to your heart. It relieves stress and anxiety, and it helps with your overall heart health.
How was your day on set? What did you do, and how did it go?
Going through the flow was really fun. I usually have a hard time memorizing sequences, but with the cues and everything, it was nice and felt natural. Getting to be in the sun was really nice, too. The crew was very sweet; they made me feel comfortable and got straight to the point. It was just a really nice experience.
Do you have a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
A lot of people don’t know that I’m a twin! I’m a fraternal twin, so my sister and I look different. People often think we’re cousins or friends, and I always have to remind them that we’re twins. She is also in the wellness world and does massage therapy.
What is a piece of advice you wish you had heard ten years ago?
I wish I had been told to not worry and not rush, because life will provide. When you slow down, you actually enjoy the present moment. It’s always nice to take a breath, pause, and not stress.
Do you have a life motto or philosophy?
A lot of my life philosophy actually references Disney. I love Disney films, so a lot of the lyrics come into play. Phrases like "Hakuna Matata," which means no worries, or focusing on "The Bare Necessities." I think those are really what have kept me going since I was a child. It’s fun!
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Instagram at @hipstar_alice.
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity