About an hour by train from Tokyo (Japan), Shibagaki Barber Shop is located in Yokohama, according to Sora News 24. The shop has a modest facade that doesn’t look too different from neighboring hair salons. However, this place is one of the historical sites of hairdressing in the land of the rising sun. It is the oldest barber shop in Japan. Shibagaki Barber Shop was established in 1897. The founder of the hair salon is Eikichi Shibagaki. After 124 years, Shintaro Shibagaki is the 5th generation owner. The 78-year-old has been cutting clients’ hair since 1958. The 2nd generation owner of the hair salon is Kyutaro Shibagaki (who is behind in the photo). At the beginning of its establishment, the address of the hair salon was located in Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan. After the 1923 Kanto earthquake, the Shibagaki Barber Shop was moved to Hatsunecho. This is where the hair salon business is maintained to this day. This photo of the store in 1906 shows Western influences in the decor, furnishings and staff uniforms. Compared to the heyday, hair salons are not bustling. However, Shibagaki Barber Shop has a list of loyal customers. Most customers come here to let Eikichi Shibagaki decide which hairstyle suits them best. During the haircut, Eikichi Shibagaki will tell the customer about the shop’s history. Besides, Eikichi Shibagaki is always careful when washing customers’ hair. He often instructs guests to bend their heads forward to clean the nape of the neck and use cold water when washing their hair. Many customers are surprised and satisfied with the shaving and massage services at the salon. Eikichi Shibagaki usually softens facial skin by massaging with cream, then steaming with a hot towel. When the steps are completed, he will apply a sufficient amount of foam to shave. To end the service, Eikichi Shibagaki uses a massage machine developed during the Showa period (1926-1989). Dedicated and meticulous service is the plus point that makes Japan’s oldest hair salon a favorite. Old barbers are dwindling in Japan. Therefore, Shibagaki Barber Shop becomes the place to experience the feeling of nostalgia when cutting hair.

In Japan, one of the most popular beauty trends is skin lightening, popular with cleansers, moisturizers and makeup. The above standard is supported and promoted when the word “whitening” is widely used by brands to advertise their products. In the Japanese beauty industry, the most commonly used word for whitening is “bihaku” – containing the kanji for “beauty” and “white”. The popularity of this word made the obsession of a bright white skin more widespread in the community. “Beautiful new white” is a popular beauty standard in Japan. Photo: Erika Ikuta. While bihaku is still being used by beauty brands, Kao has been a leader in eliminating the stereotype about the appearance by announcing that it will no longer use the word in products since March. Eliminate this entire word on its product for several years. The Kao representative said that the company does not want to promote the message that one skin color outperforms other skin tones, eliminating bihaku is part of the brand’s efforts to promote diversity. The language change follows similar moves by foreign companies like L’Oreal and Unilever. Kao was the first Japanese cosmetic company to stop using bihaku. Despite the elimination of prejudiced words, whitening products are believed to be the preferred choice in Japan. Kao said it will still meet this demand from customers, but will replace “whitening” with the word “brighten” for products that limit the appearance of freckles and dark spots. Kao’s commitment to diversity goes beyond the language used in product marketing, the company also strives to address gender issues. The company also said it plans to launch a new series of foundation creams this fall in 23 colors, almost double the number of colors normally offered, while taking steps to curb various stereotypes, like using words like “standard” or “normal” for common shades of foundation.