Japan men turn to hair removal to combat extreme summer heat

Men in Japan are increasingly seeking hair removal treatments to cope with record-breaking summer temperatures. Grooming clinics, such as the nationwide Gorilla Clinic, report a surge in demand for body hair removal as clients seek relief from sweltering heat and discomfort.

While facial hair removal was previously the most popular service, demand has shifted toward other body areas. This trend coincides with a growing social acceptance of men wearing shorts in public settings. To combat rising temperatures, which reached 41.8 degrees Celsius last year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has expanded its ‘Cool Biz’ initiative, encouraging lighter clothing to assist staff in managing the heat and reducing energy consumption.

According to the beauty booking platform Hot Pepper Beauty, over 25% of men surveyed reported receiving lower-leg hair removal treatments within the past year.