[Industry First] Nail Industry to Host Cross-Sector Forum with Medical and Welfare Fields in Tokyo on September 2, 2026, Featuring Dermatologists and Welfare Nail Association Representatives

Wellbeing Inc. (Head office: Kanagawa; CEO: Rieko Uchino) and Tiary Inc. (Head office: Yokohama, Kanagawa; CEO: Naoe Takano) will jointly host the 'Connect and Be Connected: Nail Future Forum 2026 - Social Contribution from the Nail Industry' on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Belle Salle Shiodome in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

This forum is a live event that aims to connect the skills and potential of the nail industry with the fields of medicine, welfare, disability support, and social problem-solving. The goal is to improve the social standing of the entire industry and enhance the quality of life (QOL) for consumers. Leading professionals from various fields—including a dermatologist, the representative director of the Japan Health and Welfare Nailist Association, a nail donation advocate, the founder of a hearing aid cover brand, and an activist supporting Japanese descendants in the Philippines—will gather for a day themed 'Nails × Medical/Welfare/Social Issues × Connection.'

'Nail health' has been an overlooked topic, and its techniques have been underutilized. While nail care has traditionally been discussed primarily within the realm of 'beauty,' nail problems such as ingrown, thickened, or bitten nails are directly linked to walking difficulties and fall risks. In Japan's super-aging society, this is a critical health issue that significantly impacts QOL. Although these issues can be prevented with the right knowledge, information has not been sufficiently disseminated to the general public, and nail care remains a neglected area in medical and nursing settings.

Meanwhile, nailists are the only professionals who deal with nails on a daily basis. Their years of trained observation and skills have not been fully utilized in medical and welfare fields. Even within the industry, many express uncertainty about how to apply their skills outside of salon work or how to contribute to society.

By properly connecting the nail industry's skills with the frontline of social problem-solving, nail care can evolve beyond a 'beauty service' into a profession with a social role in preventive medicine, welfare, and disability support. This forum was planned with the aim of sharing this connection point across the entire industry.

The Forum's Three Components: 1. Lectures & Learning | Learning from the Forefront of Medicine and Welfare: Lectures by experts active in medicine and welfare, including dermatologists, association representatives, and medical device company CEOs. Participants can systematically learn evidence-based content on topics like welfare nails for preventive care, the latest low-impact care techniques, and knowledge required in medical settings.

2. Exhibitions & Experience | Engaging Directly with Products and Services: Exhibition booths will be set up for hands-on experience with the latest products and services in the medical and welfare fields, such as welfare nails, ingrown nail care, and low-impact nail technologies. The space will also serve as a venue for business introductions and sourcing new suppliers.

3. Networking & Community Building | Connecting Beyond Industry Boundaries: Designed as a gathering place for business owners, nailists, medical professionals, and welfare workers who are serious about social contribution and the future of the nail industry. The aim is to foster cross-sector collaborations through natural interactions during an after-party and raffle.

Key Speakers (Partial List): - Kenichi Yamaguchi (Director, Tsume to Hifu no Shinryojo): 'The Future Transformed by Connecting Medical Professionals and Nailists' - Mina Oe (President, NPO International Nail Association): 'Appearance Care for Nails During Cancer Treatment' - Yukari Araki (Rep. Director, Japan Health and Welfare Nailist Assoc.): 'What is Welfare Nail for Preventive Care? - Innovation in Welfare Brought by Pre-symptomatic Care' - Mitsuya Sato (Professor, Tokyo University of Telecommunications): 'What is Welfare Nail for Preventive Care? - Innovation in Welfare Brought by Pre-symptomatic Care' - Hiroyuki Kurita (CEO, Titanist Laboratories Inc.): 'Achieving Beauty While Reducing Burden on Nails: Latest Knowledge-Based Nail Care Techniques' - Shigeyo Takahashi (CEO, Beauty Smile Inc.): 'The Reason for Creating Services and Nail Donation for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy' - Yuji Hamamura (Rep., Studio KAI LLC): 'The Background and Social Significance of Hearing Aid Covers' - Norihiro Inomata (Rep. Director, Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center): 'The Connection Possibilities Between International Support and the Nail Industry' - Naoe Takano (CEO, Tiary Inc.): 'Overseas Support Activities and the Social Role of the Nail Industry' - Masaya Sakaguchi (CEO, Mirai Kobo Inc.): 'The Potential of Nail Donation and Employment for Persons with Disabilities'