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

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

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

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

A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.

A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.

Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she’s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail...

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.

Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly...

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.

Manufacturer Vetro’s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in...

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

Vetro’s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail...

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

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

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

Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an...

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

At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while...

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

At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.
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Slider

A nail tech demonstrates product at the Tokyo Nail Forum.

Client Lauren Jubelt says the gel pod method she’s observed at Japan salon chain Speed Nail...
4/13
 
Slider

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.

Initially concerned that the stones would fall off her nails, client Lauren Jubelt quickly...
5/13
 
Slider

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.

Manufacturer Vetro’s Disney Princess gel pods are indicative of the larger gel pod trend in...
6/13
 
Slider

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

Vetro’s education stage showcased product demos. Also note the crowds at one of three retail...
7/13
 
Slider

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

Tokyo Nail Forum shoppers with clipboards gather to see the posted color selection. Photo...
8/13
 
Slider

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

Nail art showcased at the Tokyo Nail Forum reflects Japanese design sensibilities, such as an...
9/13
 
Slider

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

At the Tokyo Nail Forum, crowds of people watch a demo from behind the stage on the TV while...
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

At times, the Tokyo Nail Forum line to check out was three hours long. Also note how empty the...
11/13
 
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

esNAIL has multiple locations throughout Japan and two locations in the United States (both in...
12/13
 
Slider

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

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