Nails are hot in Japan. Everyone from famous singers and actresses to trendy school girls are hungry to be the first to wear the latest design on their nails. This makes for a huge nail market and a competitive artistic climate as well.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, nail care is rising in popularity. As manufacturers jockey for market share and brand loyalty, Japanese nailists bring a flair for nai design and a perfectionist streak that has the world watching.
Known for developing nail styles and techniques that later spread throughout the world, the island nation understands the connection between nail art and fashion. Gel nails are popular, and the Japanese gel application technique may soon arrive in the United States.
Japanese people place a high premium on personal appearance. Combined with plenty of disposable income, the typical Japanese consumer is able to dedicate substantial time and resources to her appearance. Beauty professionals reap the rewards of this interest and are well-compensated for their efforts.
Sitting in the crowd, listening as nailists explained new techniques or styles in Japanese, I found I wasn’t completely in the dark. Why not? Because I found out that what I had in common with everyone here was we all spoke a universal language — of nails.
For many people, a pedicure is a relaxing beauty ritual. But what most don’t realize is that this simple service, if done without proper hygiene and sanitation, can cause serious infections and long-term health issues.
The United States may lag behind Japan in high technology, France in high fashion, and the Soviet Union in military weapons (high anxiety), but when it comes to nail care, the U.S. takes a backseat to no country. Nail technicians the world over emulate the popular styles and applications of Americans.