In Japan, as middle-aged men become more conscious of how they look, they're turning to cosmetics – particularly as the idea of ‘skin health’ for all is normalised. Brands have the opportunity to help men ease ageing-related anxieties and boost self-confidence with targeted products.

In Japan, menstruation classes are becoming more commonplace across local schools and companies. As demand for honest conversations around taboo subjects increases, these initiatives are a space for people who menstruate to feel heard, while fostering greater understanding and empathy from others.

Skincare aficionados may have spent the best part of the 2010s championing K-beauty, but amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, Japanese rituals have gained fresh relevance around the world. How is J-beauty balancing old and new wisdom to meet evolving consumer needs?