University To Launch Japan's First Cosmetic Science Course

Aug 30, 2025 | News On Japan

SAGA, Aug 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - Saga University will open a new faculty-level Cosmetic Science program in April 2026, the first of its kind at a national university. The intake is planned at about 30 students, with a curriculum designed to study cosmetics from a range of perspectives across multiple fields.

After receiving national approval, the university said the program was developed in line with Saga Prefecture’s long-running ‘Cosmetic Vision’ initiative. Launched in 2013, the prefecture set up a dedicated unit to support the cosmetics sector, aiming to cluster companies in the region and supply naturally derived ingredients as it builds a “cosmetics town.”

Local specialties have already been turned into products, including a facial soap made with white wood ear mushrooms and an all-in-one cream using tomatoes and sake lees produced in the prefecture. Since the initiative began, the value of cosmetics output in Saga has risen year by year, more than doubling over the past decade.

University officials say demand for new personal-care products will continue to grow regardless of gender, and that cultivating talent to meet industry needs is a core mission. Leveraging its regional ties, Saga University plans internships at cosmetics firms and will invite guest lecturers from established companies.

Source: FBS福岡放送ニュース

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