#Japan #Noto Peninsula #Wajima #Wajima City #Care Beauty

Addressing Emotional Health Amid Physical Reconstruction

The recent earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula has left many residents in Wajima City in precarious conditions. While some progress has been made in tearing down collapsed structures, the challenge of rebuilding homes and lives continues. As of November 29 and 30, 2025, a team of 13 graduates from the Care Beauty Research Institute, operated by Mirai Project Co., Ltd., provided essential beauty care services in collaboration with chiropractic and acupuncture professionals. The aim was not only to beautify but also to provide emotional relief and connection for those affected.

Current Status of Wajima City

In Wajima City, where the aftermath of the disaster is palpable, the contrast between being able to live and genuinely living is stark. Many residents find themselves in temporary housing, facing a host of daily inconveniences including cramped bathing spaces and limited facilities. These impracticalities add to the already overwhelming stress of recovery.

Testimonies from residents reveal a yearning for connection and joy amid their struggles. Expressions of happiness, such as, "I was glad for this moment" and "Experiencing the earthquake was tough, but I am grateful to have met you," were often mixed with tears of sadness and uncertainty regarding their futures, showcasing the complex emotional landscape following the disaster.

Providing Care through Collaboration

During the outreach, several venues across Wajima City were utilized to offer services, which included nail care, makeup, facials, and hand/foot treatments. Collaborating with the chiropractic and acupuncture teams, the care beauticians focused on creating a soothing atmosphere where residents could momentarily escape their stress. Witnessing smiles and brighter faces among participants emphasized the value of these intimate moments of care.

Voices from the Community

The feedback from residents highlights the importance of these services. Many expressed gratitude for the time spent attending to their beauty and health needs, with comments appreciating the emotional relief the sessions provided. However, there were also poignant moments where residents shared their unresolved concerns, such as, "I still haven’t decided what to do about my house" and "I’m worried about my future living situation." These moments underscored the lack of channels for residents to express their emotional pain and uncertainties.

The Unseen Challenge: Emotional Recovery

While infrastructure rebuilds, physical restoration alone does not equate to true recovery. Our outreach reinforced the critical need for reconstructing residents' emotional well-being alongside their physical environments. Temporary housing may provide shelter but does not address the emotional scars left by trauma. The respite gained from supportive beauty care demonstrates its significant role in mental health recovery.

Care beauty services transcend mere physical aesthetics; they emerge as vital resources facilitating emotional healing and mental health restoration. As we continue our commitment to this cause, it emphasizes our belief in the interconnection between wellbeing and beauty.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Efforts in Community Support

The Beauty Care outreach in Wajima City will persist as we aim to provide ongoing support. The Care Beauty Research Institute is dedicated to collaborating with community organizations and local governments to enhance residents' mental well-being through beauty services. Our mission focuses on ensuring that all community members feel cared for and can enjoy improved quality of life.

Additionally, efforts expand beyond the disaster area, encouraging initiatives that target the elderly population throughout Japan. Plans include beauty booths dedicated to preventing frailty and facilitating community connection to combat loneliness among senior citizens.

By fostering an environment where emotional health is prioritized alongside physical recovery, we envision a future where everyone finds fulfillment and joy amid adversity.

About the Care Beauty Research Institute

• - Operates across six regions nationwide (Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka).
• - Approximately half of students come from non-health and beauty backgrounds.
• - For details, visit: Care Beauty Institute.

About Mirai Project Co., Ltd.

• - Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, established on November 19, 2015.
• - Focus on human resource development in healthcare sectors, beauty care for the elderly, and more.
• - Official website: Mirai Project.