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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

Japanese Men Shave Legs Amid Heatwave, Demand for Hair Removal Surges

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Japanese men are increasingly seeking body hair removal, including leg hair, due to rising temperatures and discomfort from sweat.
  • A major beauty booking platform reported over a quarter of male respondents had leg hair removal in the past year.
  • The trend coincides with the spread of business shorts and a debate over men's leg hair visibility in professional settings.

Record-breaking heatwaves in Japan are driving a surge in demand for body hair removal among men, who are seeking relief from sweat-induced discomfort and the oppressive heat. Beyond facial hair, treatments for leg hair are becoming increasingly popular.

Data from Japan's largest beauty booking platform, Hot Pepper Beauty, indicates that over a quarter of male respondents underwent leg hair removal procedures in the past year. One men's cosmetic clinic in Tokyo noted a significant increase in demand for hair removal on various body parts, a shift from the previous focus on facial hair.

Thanks to the smooth skin after hair removal, I feel and look cleaner. The discomfort from sweat has also disappeared.

— Yuki KuboA 24-year-old office worker explaining the benefits of leg hair removal.

One 24-year-old office worker, undergoing his fourth leg hair removal session, told Reuters that the smoother skin feels cleaner and has reduced sweat-related discomfort. Clinic directors also report that booking appointments has become considerably more challenging compared to when they first opened over a decade ago.

I feel there's pressure regarding hair.

— Male office workerCommenting on the visibility of leg hair with the rise of business shorts.

This trend is occurring against a backdrop of intensifying summer heat in Japan. Last August saw record temperatures reaching 41.8 degrees Celsius, and the average summer temperatures have been at historic highs for three consecutive years. In response, Tokyo has expanded its 'Cool Biz' campaign, encouraging lighter attire like shorts, which are gradually shedding their association with children or beachwear and becoming more common in professional environments.

The increasing acceptance of business shorts has sparked a debate about the visibility of men's leg hair. While some find the look refreshing, others express discomfort with exposed body hair. One male office worker admitted to feeling pressure regarding his leg hair, while another citizen stated that a certain level of neatness is expected.

Wouldn't people dislike it if it's hairy? I think a certain level of neatness is necessary.

— CitizenExpressing discomfort with exposed male leg hair.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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