#Japan #Certification #Sapporo #Men's Makeup #Sapporo Beauty

Growing Interest in Men's Makeup Certification

The rise of men's grooming and makeup has led more men to explore their creative sides, and the Men's Makeup Certification Association is at the forefront of this movement. Led by producer and hairstylist Yuya Matsumoto, the association offers a certification program designed to help men learn the ins and outs of makeup application.

On December 6, 2025, the Men's Makeup Certification Level 2 exam took place at the Sapporo Beauty Art College, part of the Sanko Gakuen educational institution. Since the program’s inception in 2022, the number of aspiring male makeup artists taking the certification has seen consistent growth, with this year witnessing a record high of 186 exam takers, leading to the necessity of holding the exam twice in one day.

One standout success story is Kaho Tomita, who passed the exam this year and now works as a hairstylist at the well-known Shibuya-based men's salon GOALD. Tomita took part as an examiner during this year's test, contributing her skills and experience to the event, which was deemed highly rewarding and insightful.




During the preparation for the certification, classes took place at Sapporo Beauty Art College, equipped with both practical demonstrations and lectures from industry professionals. These sessions not only deliver valuable knowledge but also allow students to engage with experienced makeup artists, enhancing their learning experience.

Comments from the Sapporo Beauty Art College

Instructor's Remarks

The fourth year of the certification program has seen a significant increase in participants compared to last year. It’s gratifying to witness the growing interest in men's makeup. The opportunity for students to observe live demonstrations and receive talks from professionals in the industry is particularly appealing, and seeing their enthusiastic expressions during the sessions makes all the effort worthwhile.

Student Representative's Thoughts

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn about makeup during this era where men are increasingly engaged in grooming. It was a unique chance to explore makeup professionally, and my experience during the exam strengthened my desire to excel in this field. Passing the Level 2 Men's Makeup Certification will certainly be an asset in my future career!” says Tamai, a first-year beauty student.

The Examining Team

The examiners for this year’s certification included:

• - Shiho Tanizaki, hairstylist at Shibuya GOALD and advisor for the Men's Makeup Certification Association
• - Mikitaka Sugiyama, hairstylist at Shibuya GOALD
• - Kaho Tomita, hairstylist at Shibuya GOALD
• - Yuya Matsumoto, representative hairstylist of the Men's Makeup Certification Association
• - Kei, makeup artist affiliated with the Men's Makeup Certification Association

Company Overview

• - Company Name: MEN'S MAKEUP CERTIFICATION Co., Ltd.
• - Location: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan
• - Representative: Yuya Matsumoto
• - Website: mensmakekentei.com

The Men's Makeup Certification Association continues to make strides in providing essential makeup education to men, empowering a new generation to express themselves through makeup and fashion. The excitement and enthusiasm shown by participants point to a bright future for men's grooming and makeup artistry.