#Japan #Quality of Life #elderly care #Shibuya #care beautician

The Rise of Care Beauticians Enhancing Seniors' QOL

Every November 11, Japan commemorates "Care Day," a time to celebrate and appreciate all individuals involved in caregiving—from caretakers to families of the elderly. In line with this significant day, new trends in enhancing the quality of life (QOL) for seniors are emerging, particularly highlighted by the rise of a unique profession known as care beauticians.

The Care Beautician Concept

A project spearheaded by Mirai Project Co., Ltd. in Shibuya, Tokyo, has developed the "Care Beauty Research Institute," a school dedicated to training professionals blending both elderly care and beauty expertise. The curriculum is tailored to equip graduates—many of whom are nurses, caregivers, or individuals shifting careers—from various backgrounds with essential skills that support seniors. With an increasing number of facilities adopting beauty services, the number of care beauticians has surged by thirteen-fold in the past four years, demonstrating their critical role in combating workforce shortages in the elderly care sector.

The Need for Enhanced QOL in Elderly Care

The demand for improving the living conditions of the elderly is increasingly urgent in Japan. As of September 2025, statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications estimate that the elderly population (65 and above) will comprise 29.4% of the total populace, a record high. This demographic shift necessitates a focus not only on physical care but also on services fostering mental well-being, such as beauty care, which has garnered increasing attention as a supplementary service outside traditional medical insurance.

The positive impacts of beauty care on emotional and social well-being provide an innovative approach to elder care. Facilities implementing beauty services have reported remarkable transformations among residents, such as improved communication and enhanced self-esteem.

Real-life Examples of Transformation

1. Enhanced Communication for Dementia Patients
At SOMPO Care Laville Omiya 2nd Building, a resident with dementia who had been withdrawn and negative experienced a significant change after receiving nail care and hand treatments from a care beautician. The resident’s mood lifted, resulting in smiles and increased interaction with staff—a profound indication of how beauty services can foster social engagement.

2. Increased Motivation Through Nail Treatments
Medical Home Granda Meguro observed that residents, who typically preferred staying in bed, expressed excitement about beauty treatment days. One resident specifically mentioned looking forward to her nail day as motivation to get out of bed, highlighting how beauty care can encourage a more active lifestyle.

3. Positive Atmosphere Boosts Family Communication
At Parkside Okano Home, the introduction of beauty recreation activities not only improved service participation rates but also enhanced communication between families and caregivers. It became a common topic among families, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the facility.

New Career Pathways for Care Beauticians

The rise of care beauticians has also opened new avenues for careers suited to individuals from diverse backgrounds—whether they are seasoned professionals or newcomers to the field looking to make impactful changes.

• - Shiho Hakoishi (30s), who moved from a corporate career to becoming an independent care beautician after completing training at the institute. Her enterprise, "Care Beauty YN," focuses on home visits. Furthermore, she has established an online community for aspiring beauticians, connecting and supporting over 150 members in their journeys.

• - Seiko Hayashi (50s) turned her part-time position at a reform company into an opportunity by launching her beauty service, "care sweet," post-training, earning a comfortable additional income.

• - Hisako Ogino (60s) transitioned from nursing to a role that combines both nursing and beauty, working in an upscale elderly home where she found renewed purpose and satisfaction in her career.

As more individuals join this thriving sector, additional transformative stories are expected to emerge.

Future Prospects and Community Impact

The Mirai Project remains committed to developing and promoting the care beautician concept, emphasizing the importance of beauty services in elderly care. Their mission is to foster a society where everyone can effortlessly retain their sense of individuality and live fulfilling lives. The project engages not only in training but also in community outreach, aiming for a comprehensive approach to improve the quality of life for the elderly throughout Japan.

For more information on the Care Beauty Research Institute or inquiries related to care beauticians, please visit their official website or Instagram. Enabling everyone to reap the benefits of care beauticians is a vision and mission that holds the promise for a more compassionate and socially enriched atmosphere for our elderly citizens.