‘J-BEAUTY,’ WHICH ENCOMPASSES COSMETICS, FASHION AND WELLNESS, SHOWCASES JAPAN’S SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON GLOBAL CONSUMER TRENDS AND THE RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING SECTORS. TOGETHER, THESE INDUSTRIES CONVERGE TO OFFER HIGH-QUALITY, PERSONALIZED AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS THAT CAPTIVATE BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC MARKETS.
The global cosmetics, beauty and wellness industries are continuously evolving, with different regions showcasing their unique approaches to consumer tastes and changing demands, from skincare to wider trends including fashion and healthcare products.
Recently, the rise of so-called ‘J-Beauty’ has captured international attention, symbolizing a cross-sector confluence of innovation, tradition and meticulous craftsmanship that is distinct to Japanese culture. In this special feature, we delve into the diverse fields contributing to this trend, profiling key industry players and exploring how Japan is today reshaping global beauty and fashion standards.
COSMETICS
Japanese cosmetics have long been admired for their quality and effectiveness. Companies like Cathy Chemical Industry are at the forefront of this trend. Hiroyuki Harada, president of Cathy Chemical Industry, emphasizes the importance of personalized skincare solutions facilitated by digital technologies. “At our shops, our beauty staff is constantly communicating with customers to find a solution. They take a look at the customer’s skin and ask questions about their lifestyle or eating habits to make the best proposal,” Mr. Harada explains. This personalized approach, combined with digital tools to educate staff, ensures that customers receive tailored skincare advice, enhancing the effectiveness of product selection.
Midori Miyazaki, president of DHC Corporation, attributes the success of their award-winning Deep Cleansing Oil to its organic ingredients. “One of the keys to our great success is the utilization of organic olive oil from Spain. It maximizes cleansing capacity while reducing facial stimulation,” she says. This emphasis on natural ingredients and minimizing skin irritation aligns with the broader J-Beauty philosophy of gentle, effective skincare.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The intersection of health and beauty is another defining feature of J-Beauty. Takashi Tajima, president and CEO of Naturally Plus, highlights the growing acceptance of supplements in Japan. “With increasing health consciousness, supplements have become more mainstream. Our high-quality supplements like Super Lutein and Izumio hydrogen-infused water support our customers’ healthy lifestyles,” Mr. Tajima notes. The company has leveraged functional food labeling to clearly communicate the benefits of their products, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Brands like Naturally Plus are also increasingly focusing on preservative-free products, rec
