#Japan #Tokyo #Mirai Project #Care Beautyst #QOL Improvement

New Dimensions in Care Beauty on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, began with demonstrations by female workers in 1908. In modern Japan, beauty care within the care sector, where women often take the lead, is frequently undervalued, often perceived only as volunteer work lacking proper recognition as a professional field.

The Mirai Project Co., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is taking steps to redefine beauty care in nursing homes, emphasizing its role in promoting autonomy among elderly women. In February, the company launched a groundbreaking curriculum titled “Applied Makeup” aimed specifically at elevating care beauty to a recognized profession focused on self-reliance. This initiative will be showcased as part of their educational program.

Bridging the Gap: From Volunteer Support to Professional Care

The newly introduced curriculum offers a unique program where participants, aged 20 to 50, experience the challenges faced by the elderly by donning weighted vests to simulate the physical limitations common in their 80s. This “simulated practical training” helps illustrate the importance of beauty care as a means of rehabilitation aimed at improving the quality of life (QOL).

The objective is to support elderly women in reclaiming their independence, enhancing their self-esteem through makeup, and committing time for self-care. The program equips participants with skills and psychological approaches necessary to facilitate this.

Experiencing and Understanding Limitations

One of the standout aspects of the curriculum involves practical training that simulates the physical limitations of older adults. Participants wear weighted vests and wrist and ankle weights while applying makeup with thick gloves, making motion challenging. This enables them to grasp the difficulties the elderly face, particularly with tasks like drawing eyebrows or holding makeup brushes.

Feedback from students has highlighted how the experience of wearing weights made the act of applying makeup feel significantly more arduous than they initially imagined.

The Distinct Role of Care Beauty Compared to Traditional Makeup

Unlike traditional makeup, which focuses on trends and glamour, care beauty aims for a healthy and vibrant appearance. This curriculum emphasizes understanding the specific physical challenges faced by seniors, such as mobility restrictions and sensitivity, to design bespoke makeup sessions that allow these elderly individuals to enjoy their time of self-pampering.

Honoring International Women’s Day: A Commitment to Empowerment

Often, elderly individuals may forsake the notion of beautifying themselves or dressing stylishly when moving into care facilities. However, many reports indicate that cosmetic applications can significantly mitigate symptoms related to dementia, decrease feelings of isolation, and help participants regain their confidence. Through this curriculum revision, the Care Beauty Institute is dedicated to advancing the role of “care beauticians” to ensure women can live their lives fully and autonomously, regardless of age.

By participating in industry organizations aiming to enhance recognition and professionalism in the field of care beauty, Mirai Project is committed to empowering its practitioners and enhancing community respect for their contribution. Details on new initiatives will be announced soon.

Special Events for the Media

In celebration of International Women’s Day, from March 9th to 15th, the Care Beauty Institute will host special sessions to demonstrate skills in “Angel Makeup” (preparatory makeup for death) as part of their training. During this time, media representatives will have opportunities to engage in:

• - Practical Sessions: Hands-on training with mannequin-based angel makeup techniques.
• - Simulated Experience: Reporters can try out the “simulated device” (weights and restraints).
• - Interviews: Insightful discussions with students aiming for professional recognition as caretakers, not merely volunteers.

About the Care Beauty Institute

With a presence across six regions in Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka), about half of the institute’s new enrollees have no prior experience in caregiving or beauty.

About Mirai Project Co.

Founded on November 19, 2015, in Shibuya, Tokyo, Mirai Project specializes in providing human resources for medical-related professions and educating professionals in care beauty. The term “Care Beautician” is a registered trademark of Mirai Project.

For more details and inquiries:

• - Location: 1-15-15 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Contact Email: [email protected]