#Japan #Tokyo #MILBON #Knowledge Abilities #Hairdressers Quiz

Milbon Hosts the 5th Hair Knowledge Championship Online Qualifiers

Milbon, a leading manufacturer of hair care products for salons based in Chuo, Tokyo, has successfully held the online qualifiers for the 5th Hair Knowledge Championship, known as "KA (Knowledge Abilities)." This event, which allows hairdressers to team up in pairs, attracted a record 1,534 teams, translating to 3,068 participants. From this competitive pool, 220 teams qualified for the regional representative playoffs.

The Concept of the Hair Knowledge Championship

The Hair Knowledge Championship is a nationwide quiz event organized by Milbon, where professional hairdressers compete based on their knowledge of hair structure, skin structure, chemical products, and current social issues. Now in its fifth iteration, the event has seen unprecedented participation, demonstrating the enthusiasm within the profession. The successful teams from the online qualifiers will move on to district representation competitions scheduled for late June across seven regions in Japan: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu Hokuriku, Kansai, Chugoku Shikoku, and Kyushu. The final showdown for these district representatives will take place in November at Yokohama Arena, where the best teams will vie for the Grand Prix.

Importance of Continuous Learning in the Profession

As the beauty industry evolves, hairdressers must stay updated on trends and product knowledge to effectively meet customer demands. Milbon recognizes the necessity of ongoing educational opportunities and designed this quiz event as a fun, engaging method for hairdressers to refine their knowledge while fostering camaraderie in their workplaces. The competition not only provides educational enrichment but also cultivates a culture of support among staff members.

Adding to the excitement of this year’s competition, Milbon has partnered with Pizza Hut Japan, marking the first collaboration of its kind. Participants were encouraged to gather with pizza as they enjoyed the quiz, further enhancing the event’s atmosphere.

Pizza Hut Japan's Involvement

The partnership with Pizza Hut Japan reflects a shared commitment to enhancing joy and connection among people. The pizza franchise expressed its support by providing pizzas to participating salons, helping to create a vibrant, supportive environment for the competitive spirit.

“By sponsoring the Hair Knowledge Championship, we aim to support and encourage hairdressers, who share our values of bringing smiles to people,” said a representative from Pizza Hut Japan. The collaboration is rooted in their belief of uniting people through food and complements the objective of supporting hairdressers in their quest to delight customers.

Event Overview and Structure

The Hair Knowledge Championship champions the idea that knowledge is best retained through both input and output. With this philosophy in mind, the event encourages hairdressers to enjoy a collaborative learning competition through quizzes. Teams are formed by pairs of hairdressers from the same salon and compete in a structured format across seven regions. The top-performing teams from each area will be granted a chance to compete for the Grand Prix at the national finals in Yokohama on November 17.

Participation Fee: Free / The Grand Prize includes an educational support fund of 200,000 yen and a trophy.

Official Site: Milbon KA 2026

Previous Participation in the Championship

• - 1st Edition (2022): 704 teams, 1,408 participants
• - 2nd Edition (2023): 955 teams, 1,910 participants
• - 3rd Edition (2024): 1,115 teams, 2,230 participants
• - 4th Edition (2025): 1,301 teams, 2,602 participants

Milbon's Commitment to Supporting Hairdressers

Milbon is dedicated not only to selling professional salon products but also to nurturing the continuous development of hairdressers. Recognizing that the success of beauty lies in knowledgeable professionals who can confidently recommend products, Milbon emphasizes educational support through various initiatives, including workshops, learning content, and venue support. The Hair Knowledge Championship is one of many initiatives designed to facilitate knowledge retention in an enjoyable manner.

Example of Educational Support Initiatives

• - Beauty Sommelier Training Program: Aiming to cultivate multi-skilled professionals with wide-ranging expertise across four specializations in hair care, hair color, cosmetics, and design logic, fostering growth through shared success stories and the facilitation of networking opportunities.
• - Education iD: An online self-study platform enabling hairdressers to learn anytime, anywhere, offering over 400 video content pieces and catering to the Beauty Sommelier training program needs, with around 60,000 registered members.
• - MILBON BEAUTY FEST: Scheduled for November 17, 2026, this grand event gathers active beauticians for an immersive learning experience, featuring workshops, contests, and celebrating achievements in beauty education.

About Pizza Hut Japan

Established in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, Pizza Hut has grown to become one of the largest pizza chains globally, with over 20,000 stores in over 100 countries. In Japan, since opening its first location in 1973, Pizza Hut now operates more than 600 outlets, primarily focusing on delivery services.

About Milbon

Milbon is a cosmetics manufacturer specializing in hair care products exclusive to salons. The company aims to support the success of salons and beauty professionals through training and education, ensuring every customer lives beautifully.

Company Overview

• - Name: Milbon Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 2-2-1 Kyobashi, Chuo, Tokyo
• - Representative: President Hidenori Sakashita
• - Established: July 1960
• - Capital: 2 billion yen
• - Sales: 52.8 billion yen (consolidated)
• - Employees: 1,237 (consolidated)
• - Business: Manufacturing and selling professional hair care and color products
• - Stock Code: TSE Prime Market (4919)