Tokyo Hosts World Barber Classic to Revive Barber Culture
On Monday, a lively crowd filled a Tokyo arena typically known for boxing matches, but this time the spotlight was on barbers, not athletes. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans, many sporting vibrant tattoos, cheered as contestants from Japan and around the world showcased their hairdressing talents at the World Barber Classic.
The event aims to boost Japan’s barber industry, which has struggled to attract younger male clients who often prefer hair salons known for their premium services. Sho Yokota, the event organizer, explained that in many places, visiting a barber is a common tradition for men. However, in Japan, young men are leaning more towards salons for their haircuts.
Barbering as a male culture seems to be fading, influenced by trends in popular culture where male idols sport longer hairstyles. This shift, further fueled by a television trend that elevated top hairdressers to celebrity status, has made salons more appealing than traditional barbershops.
Currently, Japan has around 110,000 barber shops, which is less than half the number of hair salons. Most barbers are older, but a new wave of skilled barbers is coming into the scene, especially those active on social media.
Among the competitors at the event was Shoma Sugimura, who advanced to the final three. He shared, “Our haircuts tend to be more masculine,” and sees barbering as a vital way to express identity. Similarly, Takumasa Suzuki, another contestant, is striving to bring elements of American barber culture to Japan in order to revive interest in traditional barbershops.
With the right approach, these barbers believe they can create spaces that not only transform looks but also allow clients to express their unique identities. As the competition unfolded, it became clear that these skilled barbers are passionate about keeping their craft alive in the face of changing trends.
