This time, we speak with Ms. Kato, the CEO of Ukibis Inc. During her time at Kwansei Gakuin University, she served as the vice-captain of the Cheerleading Squad and, after graduating, built a career as an international flight attendant (CA) for two airlines, ANA and JAL.
Despite her glamorous career, Ms. Kato is now passionately dedicated to supporting the feet of over 8,500 people as a "Medical Foot Care Advisor."
Why did she transition from a professional in sky hospitality to a foot specialist? We asked her about the motivations behind this change and her connection to "knitido" five-toe socks, which she herself uses as a foot professional.
From a Professional in Hospitality to a "Foot Specialist": The Catalyst Was Her Own Ailments and an Encounter with Orthotics
From cheerleading in college to serving as an international flight attendant, Ms. Kato has always put her body through demanding conditions. She recalls, "During college, when I was supporting people in cheerleading and holding difficult postures, I put too much strain on my body."
A turning point came during her time as a flight attendant. At high altitudes with low air pressure, she stood for long hours to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers. Naturally, physical ailments were a constant companion.
It was then that she discovered "orthotics" (custom-made insoles). Orthotics are assistive devices designed to correct the skeletal structure of the foot to its proper position and control body pressure, aiming to alleviate foot pain and various bodily discomforts.
"My deep resonance with the idea that the foundation of the human body lies in the feet was the beginning of everything," Ms. Kato explains.
As she worked with international crews, her desire to "help people learn more about Japan" grew stronger, leading her to obtain a Japanese language teacher qualification. Her global sensibility was honed. Later, after working for a manufacturer's agency, she acquired her medical foot care advisor certification. She became so engrossed in this field that she says, "I recognized the importance of feet and even changed my career."
Currently, she has established her own company, Ukibis Inc., and provides comprehensive care, including foot measurement and counseling, insole proposals, shoe fitting advice, and "skeletal correction training."
"Aiming for a Body That Can Walk for a Lifetime" is a Lifelong Goal
The name of Ms. Kato's company, Ukibis, embodies her desire to support people's sensibilities and activities by supporting the heel (KIBIS), and to extend their walking longevity.
"The skeletal structure of each person's foot is unique. While shoes alone cannot adjust the skeleton, aligning the foot's skeletal structure with custom-made insoles can correct the body's overall skeletal structure."
Of the more than 8,500 clients Ms. Kato has assisted so far, she places particular importance on the "arch of the foot," especially the balance between the "heel" and the "talus."
Also Focused on Addressing Foot Environment Issues for Children in Their Growth Period
Currently, in addition to providing guidance to companies and sports organizations, she is also focusing on lecture activities regarding "the importance of correcting children's feet during their growth period."
She states that "it is crucial to correct the foot's skeletal structure before it fully forms," and sometimes expresses concern about the foot environment of students who find it challenging to choose functional shoes.
Functions tend to decline, but Ms. Kato, who has learned about preventive health and desires to live with a body that can walk for a lifetime, believes in maintaining health. The confidence she gained from her own experiences is now bringing smiles to many clients and their families.
I love the compatibility with orthotics! knitido is a "100%" partner.
Ms. Kato, who is thoroughly familiar with foot structures, uses knitido socks for both work and personal life. She trusts them so much that she says, "I only own knitido socks."
The biggest reason she chooses knitido is its excellent compatibility with "orthotics." She highly values its functionality from a professional's perspective, noting that the grip prevents body axis misalignment.
"My favorite for physical activity is the Run Air Cushion model. I love the moderate support and grip, and when I introduce them to friends and loved ones, I recommend them as 'socks that pair perfectly with orthotics.'"
▼Socks loved by Ms. Kato
FIVE Marble Ankle
FIVE Tag High Crew
Summary
Ms. Kato, who describes her current job as her "true calling," wishes to continue her work for "even one year longer," as she sometimes sees clients and their families moved to tears by the improvements in their physical condition.
Combining the hospitality and global sensibility cultivated as a cheerleader and flight attendant with deep knowledge of feet and body care, Ms. Kato will continue to support many people in "building a body that can walk for a lifetime."
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>>Click here for details on Ukibis Inc. For more details, please contact us via our official website or Instagram DM.https://ukibis.com/ |
