Published: May 06, 2026, 18:45 IST | Updated: May 06, 2026, 18:45 IST
Japan’s beauty salon industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with a record 235 salons shutting down in 2025, up from 215 bankruptcies the previous year. Reports suggest the average lifespan of a salon has now dropped to just around one year, reflecting rising costs, stiff competition, and changing consumer habits. The trend highlights deeper challenges in small businesses across Japan, raising concerns about sustainability in the sector.