Diana Farah

DUBAI: UAE-based Japanese salon Ginza Beauty is working hard to bring together aspects of personal care and style from both the Arab world and Japan. 

The salon opened its first branch in Dubai because Ginza Beauty’s CEO and President Kensaku Hirahara considers the cosmopolitan city “an international hub that welcomes all nationalities.”

Speaking exclusively to Arab News Japan, Hirahara said his main goal is to have the salon “make people smile.” 

Since its launch in October 2020, Ginza Beauty has enjoyed a growing social media presence, with many UAE residents and citizens posting their manicured, stylish nails on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Staff at the salon all have several years of experience in Japan and come from different parts of the Asian country. 

The salon’s CEO explained that the beauty parlor was set to originally open its doors in April last year. However, due to the global pandemic COVID-19, it was difficult to bring the Japanese technicians over to the UAE as travel restrictions were set in place at the time. 

Nonetheless, Ginza Beauty has succeeded in attracting Arab women with its unique services and immaculate techniques when it comes to nail art or eyelash extensions. The salon’s artists have received many awards in fields of manicures, eyelashes and professional skills.

Hirahara said that since opening Ginza Beauty, he has experienced nothing but kindness and hospitality from the local people in the UAE. 

“With this difficult situation, so many local people helped us and they made us smile. I  appreciate the kindness and the help of the people here,” he added. 

The salon’s Producer Hitomi Ariyoshi also spoke to Arab News Japan about her experience since she started working in Dubai, after working in Japan’s beauty industry for 23 years. 

According to Ariyoshi, there was a contrast in nail art between Japan and Arab.  In Japan, people decorate nails considering season and trend. On the other hand, people in Dubai prefer manicures that make their nails look “beautiful and simple.”

Ariyoshi said the staff tried to incorporate their popular nail art techniques to local women, and many of them began requesting it and recommending it to their friends. 

“All the Japanese staff try to do more, to show the Japanese nail art techniques, the eyelash art, and our hospitality,” she added.  “We want to show our way, the soul of Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality.)”

Ginza Beauty is located in Dubai’s Al Barsha Mall and offers various services ranging from Japanese manicures and pedicures, to eyelash extensions and lash lifting.