#Japan #Tokyo #GIVE-FORWARD #AI Culture #Eye Universe

AI Revolutionizing the Beauty Industry: A New Partnership

In a bold step towards transforming the beauty industry, two pioneering companies, GIVE-FORWARD and Eye Universe, have formed a strategic partnership aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). GIVE-FORWARD, a consulting firm based in Tokyo, specializes in AI training and consulting tailored specifically for the beauty sector. Their partner, Eye Universe, is a leading digital transformation solutions provider also based in Tokyo, focused on implementing AI in the beauty industry. Together, they are set to revolutionize how beauty professionals interact with technology.

Background: Challenges in the Beauty Sector

The beauty industry is grappling with several persistent challenges, including a declining workforce, insufficient staffing, and long working hours. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, nearly 50% of hairdressers leave their positions within three years of employment, highlighting a systemic issue of sustainable talent development.

At the same time, advancements in generative AI technologies like ChatGPT are offering new solutions to optimize various salon operations, such as customer service, appointment management, and staff training. Yet, many professionals in the field express difficulties in implementation, citing a lack of understanding regarding AI applications and a scarcity of individuals who can provide guidance on its use.

GIVE-FORWARD and Eye Universe aim to address these critical issues by combining their unique strengths in education, technology, and industry insight. While GIVE-FORWARD supports the educational aspect, Eye Universe focuses on technological integration and industry networking, ushering in a new era of AI in the beauty sector.

Objectives of the Partnership

The primary goal of this collaboration is to simultaneously advance AI literacy education and on-the-ground implementation within the beauty industry. This initiative seeks to shift AI from being merely a strategic resource for select firms to becoming a shared cultural asset for all salons. By cultivating beauty professionals and business leaders equipped with AI skills at a national level, they aim to create a new paradigm in beauty defined by the synergy of human sensitivity and AI capabilities.

Key Initiatives

1. Development of an AI Education Program: The two companies will combine GIVE-FORWARD's educational methodologies with Eye Universe's on-the-ground knowledge to create hands-on AI training tailored to salon operations. The program—designed to be immediately applicable—will cater to salons, manufacturers, and educational institutions nationwide.

2. Integrated AI Education and DX Systems: The partnership will also see the integration of Eye Universe's AI system, iProducer, with GIVE-FORWARD's educational programs. This integrated approach will enable a continuous cycle of learning, implementation, and improvement, allowing professionals to quickly turn acquired AI skills into tangible results.

3. Establishment of Industry Standard Models: By creating AI adoption models that can be implemented by salons of all sizes—from large chains to small businesses—the partnership will collaborate with industry associations, educational organizations, and manufacturers to enhance productivity and creativity across the sector.

Strengths and Roles of the Companies

GIVE-FORWARD has rapidly established itself as a leader in AI training and support for the beauty industry, having achieved significant milestones in just six months since its establishment. It has trained over 200 individuals from more than 100 beauty companies. The president, Keisuke Suzuki, brings invaluable experience from his time at Recruit, where he specialized in corporate sales for Hot Pepper Beauty while receiving numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the top performers in his field.

Eye Universe, led by former hairdresser Michihiro Morikoshi, is at the forefront of digital transformation within the beauty industry. The company's AI system iProducer integrates customer management, appointment optimization, CRM, and training support, altering the way salons operate on a national scale. As the secretary-general of the Digital Salon Association, Morikoshi also advocates for cross-industry digital advancements, serving as a crucial link between technology and the beauty workforce.

Remarks from the Leaders

Keisuke Suzuki, CEO of GIVE-FORWARD, stated, “AI expands the possibilities within the beauty industry and fosters new co-creation opportunities. Our collaboration with Eye Universe epitomizes the ideal synthesis of educational theory and practical application. Our aim is to allow beauty professionals to dedicate more time to their essential work—connecting with customers and highlighting their unique qualities.”

Michihiro Morikoshi, President of Eye Universe, added, “Being a beauty professional means constantly engaging with people. Thus, leveraging technology wisely will dictate the future of our industry. The combination of GIVE-FORWARD's educational strengths with our technological capabilities and industry connections will instill a culture of AI utilization across the beauty sector, paving the way for new ways of working.”

Company Overview

GIVE-FORWARD

• - CEO: Keisuke Suzuki
• - Location: 1001 Sanno Urban Life, 2-1-8 Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: April 2025
• - Business Activities: AI training and consulting for the beauty industry

Eye Universe

• - President: Michihiro Morikoshi
• - Location: 2F Kurosaki Building, 4-1-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Established: June 2023
• - Business Activities: Digital transformation solutions for the beauty industry, development and operation of the AI system iProducer