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AJESTHE Beauty Festival 2025: A Yearly Gathering for Aesthetics Professionals

The AJESTHE Beauty Festival has once again proven to be a cornerstone event for estheticians, held on September 30, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall A. Organized by the Japan Esthetic Association, led by Chairwoman Mutsuko Takigawa, the festival was wholeheartedly supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Central Occupational Skills Development Association. This year's festival marked a significant milestone, welcoming over 2,135 attendees through both on-site participation and live streaming via YouTube.

Upon entering the venue, visitors were greeted with an impressive array of booths from member corporations showcasing state-of-the-art equipment, cosmetics, and various salons. The energy was palpable as the festival showcased the latest trends and innovations within the beauty industry. Notably, a key stage event titled "Socio-Aesthetic: A New Form of Esthetician" captivated attendees, featuring presentations from practicing socio-estheticians who shared insights into their evolving roles within society.

Competitive Spirit: The 18th Aesthetic Contest

One of the highlights of the festival was undoubtedly the 18th Aesthetic Contest, which saw fierce competition across several categories. In total, 28 contestants participated in the basic category, 31 competitors engaged in the applied category, and 24 teams showcased their skills in the aesthetic counseling category. Each contestant, selected from accredited schools nationwide, displayed exceptional proficiency and passion for their craft.

The results were remarkable. In the basic category, Ryō Sasaki from Sapporo Beauty Art College clinched the gold award, showcasing excellence in fundamental aesthetic skills. Meanwhile, Haruna Yanagisawa from Nagano Beauty and Hairdressing Vocational School won both the gold award and the newly initiated Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award in the applied category. The accolades didn't stop there, as all participants were honored with the Chairman’s Award from the Central Occupational Skills Development Association.

In the aesthetic counseling category, gold awards were won by Noa Yagi from Okinawa Beauty & Bridal Vocational School and Yuri Yoneda from Sapporo Beauty Art College, recognized for their outstanding counsel skills.

Opportunities and Rights

Victors in the basic category received a coveted seed right to compete in the upcoming 19th Aesthetic Contest’s applied category, while those who excelled in the applied category earned the prestigious final selection right for the 48th WorldSkills International Competition, set to take place in Shanghai, China in 2026.

The mood during the awards ceremony was electric, with winners celebrating their hard-earned recognitions and preparing for the next phases of their careers. This year’s festival not only showcased outstanding talent but also reinforced the commitment of these professionals to elevate the standards and practices of the esthetic industry.

Conclusion

The AJESTHE Beauty Festival 2025 was more than just a festival; it was a gathering of professionals dedicated to the beautification and well-being of society. With discussions rich in content and competitions that ignited ambition, the festival proved to be an essential event for current and future estheticians.

For those involved in the beauty industry, the festival served as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and community engagement, crucial elements for shaping the future landscape of aesthetics. As society evolves, so too will the role and expectations of estheticians, reaffirmed by the inspirations and insights shared at the festival.