The Hidden Challenge of Japan’s Formal Hair Styling
For many in Japan, celebrating life’s milestones like the Coming-of-Age Ceremony (Seijin-shiki) or graduation (Sotsugyo-shiki) means a visit to the beauty salon for a perfect hair set. It’s a cherished tradition, but beneath the surface of these picture-perfect moments lies a growing challenge: securing salon appointments for these high-demand dates. MYT Enterprise, a specialist in imported glass accessories, recently conducted a survey to shed light on this issue, proposing an elegant alternative.
From January 16th to 22nd, 2026, the company polled individuals on X (formerly Twitter), asking their preference for special occasion hair arrangements: salon or DIY. The results were clear: 73.1% favored salons, while 26.9% preferred self-styling. Those opting for salons cited the desire for advanced, intricate styles and the uplifting feeling of being professionally styled. Conversely, self-stylers enjoyed the creative process of finding arrangements on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, often having a long-standing passion for hair styling themselves.
The Unseen Burdens of the ‘Salon Standard’
While the allure of a professional hair set is undeniable, the reality often involves significant hurdles. Securing an appointment for these peak seasons typically requires booking several months in advance, often turning into a fierce competition. The costs can range from approximately 8,000 to 12,000 yen, with styling sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, not including travel time. This confluence of high demand, expense, and time commitment can lead to what the company terms “graduation ceremony refugees” or “coming-of-age ceremony refugees”—individuals unable to achieve their desired look due to these systemic pressures.
One respondent, a self-styling enthusiast, shared, “It’s so much fun to look for arrangements on Instagram and YouTube!” This highlights the creative joy found in personal expression, which the salon-centric model sometimes overlooks.
A Second Option: The Elegance of “Hare no Hi Self-Styling”
To address these challenges, MYT Enterprise proposes a “second option”: Hare no Hi Self-Styling, or DIY hair for special occasions, specifically advocating for the use of traditional Japanese kanzashi (hairpins). This alternative offers compelling advantages:
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Cost-effectiveness: Starting from approximately 3,000 yen (purchase cost only).
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Time-saving: As little as 10 seconds to 5 minutes, completed at home.
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Flexibility: No reservations needed, and styles can be easily changed for post-ceremony events like after-parties.
The key, according to MYT Enterprise, is ensuring that “self-styling does not equate to compromise.” Their kanzashi are designed to instantly elevate a look, adding a refined touch that ensures a polished appearance from every angle, even in photographs. These are not just accessories; they are tools to achieve a formal, sophisticated finish with minimal effort.
Modern Kanzashi: Blending Tradition with Convenience
The AZUL Rakuten Ichiba store, managed by MYT Enterprise, offers a selection of modern kanzashi that embody this philosophy. Each piece is crafted from glass, designed to provide a distinct sense of elegance.
Featured Kanzashi from AZUL Rakuten Ichiba:
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Hotarudama Kanzashi ~Yozora~ (Firefly Bead Hairpin ~Night Sky~)
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Price: From 1,760 yen
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Material: Glass
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Kinshifu Tonbodama Kanzashi ~Kirameki~ (Gold Thread Dragonfly Bead Hairpin ~Sparkle~)
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Price: From 1,760 yen
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Material: Glass
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Chihana Tonbodama Kanzashi ~Karen~ (Thousand Flower Dragonfly Bead Hairpin ~Lovely~)
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Price: From 1,760 yen
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Material: Glass
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Chihana Tonbodama Kanzashi ~Rin~ (Thousand Flower Dragonfly Bead Hairpin ~Dignified~)
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Price: From 1,760 yen
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Material: Glass
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AZUL Rakuten Ichiba prides itself on curating gifts that resonate with both givers and receivers, drawing from diverse global cultures and traditional craftsmanship. The owner, with over 20 years of experience, selects and develops more than 1,000 unique products, always seeking to introduce new value and innovative uses.
A Unified Style for All Celebrants
The vision extends beyond just the main celebrant. MYT Enterprise suggests a new lifestyle approach where not only the protagonist but also family, friends, and teachers—those who “add flowers” to the occasion—can effortlessly achieve an elegant, unified look with a single kanzashi. This is particularly relevant as modern formal wear increasingly blends traditional kimonos with Western attire.
By offering a simple yet refined self-styling option, these kanzashi allow everyone to participate in the celebration with dignity and a sense of cohesion, without the stress of salon appointments or high costs. It’s about respecting the occasion while adapting to the demands of contemporary life, fostering a new norm where personal styling for special days is both accessible and beautiful.
The Future of Kawaii Haircare: Empowering Personal Expression
The value of professional salon styling for special occasions remains, but the emergence of elegant self-styling options like modern kanzashi marks a significant evolution in Japanese haircare and Kawaii culture. It empowers individuals to overcome the barriers of reservations, costs, and time, ensuring that everyone can feel beautiful and confident on their important days.
This trend towards sophisticated, accessible self-styling offers a glimpse into a future where personal expression and cultural appreciation are harmoniously intertwined. For global enthusiasts of Japanese Kawaii culture, these beautiful hairpins represent not just an accessory, but a practical and charming way to embrace a piece of Japanese tradition while navigating modern life. Consider adding “modern kanzashi self-styling” to your options for upcoming special events.
For more details on their exquisite collection, visit the AZUL Rakuten Ichiba store:
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AZUL Rakuten Ichiba: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/azul/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azul_yk_201/
