Close-up on 'Tiger of Reiwa' President Hayashi's Second Hair Transplant: Tokyo Hair Transplant Clinic Releases YouTube Video

Tokyo Hair Transplant Clinic (Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yuji Yamamoto), operated by the general incorporated association Iemotokai, has released a full-day documentary video on its YouTube channel 'Hageryman Channel'. The video features entrepreneur Naohiro Hayashi (second-generation host of 'Tiger of Reiwa' and former head of Takeda Juku) undergoing his second hair transplant surgery (1,431 grafts) using the DHI method at the clinic.

Mr. Hayashi previously experienced a hair transplant in Turkey and underwent this second procedure to reinforce the density of his frontal crown. The video introduces the flow of the surgery day, covering pre-operative design confirmation, follicle extraction, graft splitting, implantation, and an explanation of post-operative care. After the procedure, Mr. Hayashi posted about his condition on X (formerly Twitter), garnering significant attention on social media. The video aims to clearly convey the reality of the surgery day to those who are interested in hair transplants but feel anxious about the procedure and post-operative period.

Having undergone his first procedure in Turkey several years ago, Mr. Hayashi decided on a second surgery because his frontal crown had gradually thinned. For this procedure, the clinic employed the DHI method, which uses a specialized pen-like device (implanter) to transplant extracted follicles into the scalp. The surgery involved transplanting 1,431 grafts, primarily into the frontal crown, focusing on areas with low density. The procedure took approximately 7 hours.

The released video covers the entire process, from Mr. Hayashi leaving his home and arriving at the clinic to the completion of the surgery. It provides a detailed look at pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, extraction, break periods, implantation, and post-operative instructions—aspects that are often unclear to those considering hair transplants.

While existing hair remained in Mr. Hayashi's frontal crown, the density varied by area. Before the surgery, the areas to be heavily transplanted were designed while confirming the visibly thin spots. Since the follicles used for transplantation are extracted from the back of the head, a portion of the extraction area was shaved. While shaving a larger area generally makes the procedure easier, the clinic only shaved the necessary area in consideration of Mr. Hayashi's wishes. Because the DHI method utilizes an implanter, the implantation process was carried out while preserving the existing hair.

In the operating room, after checking physical condition and preparing an IV drip, the surgery proceeded using anesthesia. For this procedure, a combination of nitrous oxide, intravenous anesthesia, and local anesthesia was used after confirming Mr. Hayashi's state.

During the first half of the surgery, follicles were extracted from the back of the head. In a hair transplant, follicles are typically extracted from areas relatively unaffected by AGA, such as the back or sides of the head. The extracted follicles are examined under a microscope to select and prepare grafts suitable for transplantation.

Following the extraction process, a break was scheduled to check on physical condition while providing hydration and a light meal. Hair transplants can be lengthy, so the procedure advances while monitoring the patient's well-being. After lunch, the second half of the surgery—the implantation process—began.

In the second half, the extracted and sorted follicles were transplanted to the frontal crown. The DHI method implants the follicles into the transplant site using the implanter. In this procedure, 1,431 grafts were transplanted, focusing on the lowest-density areas of the frontal crown.

After the surgery, post-operative instructions regarding medication, misting, hair washing methods, clothing, and hat usage were provided. Mr. Hayashi left the clinic without using a bandana.

Tokyo Hair Transplant Clinic standardizes a 6-to-7-person team for procedures. The clinic conducts 'graft splitting' for all surgeries, where extracted follicles are examined under a microscope and sorted into usable and unusable hairs, thereby improving the survival rate. While many domestic clinics operate with a 2-to-3-person team, this clinic strives to maintain surgical quality through thorough role division and quality control by multiple staff members.

The clinic advises patients on pre-operative preparations, recommending avoiding alcohol and smoking (starting about 10 days before surgery). Wearing front-opening shirts is recommended on the day of surgery and for about two weeks post-op. Hats and helmets should be avoided for about a month, and hairspray should not be used for a certain period. For post-op care, an electric spray bottle and baby shampoo are recommended.

The clinic reviews head photos and provides guidance 4, 7, and 10 days post-surgery. A 365-day support system via their official LINE account handles any post-operative questions or concerns. The transplanted hair begins to grow about half a year after surgery, taking 1 to 1.5 years to fully mature. Following his procedure in 2026, Mr. Hayashi's social media posts drew widespread attention.