0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1

While at the Pivot Point International study abroad program to Tokyo, Japan, our group had absolutely the pleasure of meeting Jane Aiko Yamano, the landlord of the Yamano beauty empire that her grandmother, Aiko Yamano, began in 1925 when she opened the primary Yamano Hair Salon. We learned that Aiko was instrumental in introducing the perm wave machines to Japan within the 1930s (there’s still an original on campus!), and founded the Yamano Beauty College in 1949.

Jane has followed her grandmother’s mission and vision of raising a better generation of cosmetology students and of preserving the Japanese tradition of Kimono dressing, tea ceremony and flower arrangement by making it part of the curriculum for college kids.

Through a talk with Mike Yamano, Jane’s father, we learned of his particular interest inside the aging population of Japan—taking note that Japanese families are opting to have fewer children which has ended in an abundance of aging people within the country. As such, a spotlight was put on taking care of seniors—and the sweetness and Welfare elective course inside the Yamano schools teaches students ways to operate wheelchairs, cut while a consumer lays down, and shampoo the hair using tools and technology that caters to the aging population.

Mike also explained that after people dress nicely and are groomed, their health improves—rather than staying in pajamas in a bed that may deteriorate confidence and mental health.

YAMANO’S INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY FORUM

THE DETAILS: While we were in Japan, we were fortunate enough to get the chance to wait the International Beauty Forum—a hair show, competition and grace expo that included a welcome party attended by TWO former Japanese prime ministers.

HIGHLIGHTS: Robert Passage, CEO of Pivot Point International, served as a judge for the contest and likewise presented awards on stage. Via Robert and Pivot Point’s relationship with the Yamanos, our group was given incredible backstage and front row access to the mannequins, models and student competitors.

Competition categories included long hair design, cut and color, perm wrapping, kimono dressing and more. Jane and her daughter kicked off the hair show by making a formal upstyle on a model in front of the foremost beautiful display of flowers created by a famed Japanese floral designer.

To find out about the best way to attend a study abroad trip with Pivot Point, CLICK HERE.

MORE FROM JAPAN: