<p>At the Tokyo Nail Forum, Vetro focused a video camera on its nail demos so that techs could watch the demos from farther away.</p>

At the Tokyo Nail Forum, Vetro focused a video camera on its nail demos so that techs could watch the demos from farther away.

<p>The long lines start in the registration area for the Tokyo Nail Forum.</p>

The long lines start in the registration area for the Tokyo Nail Forum.

<p>A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.</p>

A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.

<p>Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she&rsquo;s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail makes it easier to create nail art than techniques she&rsquo;s seen in the United States.</p>

Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she’s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail makes it easier to create nail art than techniques she’s seen in the United States.

<p>Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly learned that the gel pod sealant used by Speed Nail techs was extremely effective at keeping embellishments on until her next appointment.</p>

Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly learned that the gel pod sealant used by Speed Nail techs was extremely effective at keeping embellishments on until her next appointment.

<p>Manufacturer Vetro&rsquo;s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in Japan. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

Manufacturer Vetro’s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in Japan. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Vetro&rsquo;s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail aisles. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

Vetro’s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail aisles. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Tokyo Nail Forum shoppers with clipboards gather to see the posted color selection. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

Tokyo Nail Forum shoppers with clipboards gather to see the posted color selection. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an adoration for embellishments. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an adoration for embellishments. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while others stand in line to purchase products. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while others stand in line to purchase products. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the shelves are after the day. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>

At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the shelves are after the day. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>esNAIL has multiple locations throughout Japan and two locations in the United States (both in Southern California).</p>

esNAIL has multiple locations throughout Japan and two locations in the United States (both in Southern California).

<p>esNAIL prides itself on having the latest nail techniques and on showcasing hospitality to make customers feel comfortable.</p>

esNAIL prides itself on having the latest nail techniques and on showcasing hospitality to make customers feel comfortable.

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<p>At the Tokyo Nail Forum, Vetro focused a video camera on its nail demos so that techs could watch the demos from farther away.</p>
1/13
 
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At the Tokyo Nail Forum, Vetro focused a video camera on its nail demos so that techs could watch the demos from farther away.

<p>The long lines start in the registration area for the Tokyo Nail Forum.</p>
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The long lines start in the registration area for the Tokyo Nail Forum.

<p>A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.</p>
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A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.

<p>Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she&rsquo;s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail makes it easier to create nail art than techniques she&rsquo;s seen in the United States.</p>
4/13
 
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Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she’s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail makes it easier to create nail art than techniques she’s seen in the United States.

<p>Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly learned that the gel pod sealant used by Speed Nail techs was extremely effective at keeping embellishments on until her next appointment.</p>
5/13
 
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Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly learned that the gel pod sealant used by Speed Nail techs was extremely effective at keeping embellishments on until her next appointment.

<p>Manufacturer Vetro&rsquo;s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in Japan. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
6/13
 
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Manufacturer Vetro’s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in Japan. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Vetro&rsquo;s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail aisles. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
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Vetro’s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail aisles. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Tokyo Nail Forum shoppers with clipboards gather to see the posted color selection. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
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Slider

Tokyo Nail Forum shoppers with clipboards gather to see the posted color selection. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an adoration for embellishments. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
9/13
 
Slider

Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an adoration for embellishments. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while others stand in line to purchase products. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
10/13
 
Slider

At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while others stand in line to purchase products. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the shelves are after the day. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean</p>
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Slider

At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the shelves are after the day. Photo courtesy @HiJeanJean

<p>esNAIL has multiple locations throughout Japan and two locations in the United States (both in Southern California).</p>
12/13
 
Slider

esNAIL has multiple locations throughout Japan and two locations in the United States (both in Southern California).

<p>esNAIL prides itself on having the latest nail techniques and on showcasing hospitality to make customers feel comfortable.</p>
13/13
 
Slider

esNAIL prides itself on having the latest nail techniques and on showcasing hospitality to make customers feel comfortable.

Gain insight into Japan's nail industry. This slideshow accompanies the second story in NAILS’ InternatioNAIL series: Japan: Global Trendsetters.

Read the story here.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.