When searching for "Japan Cosmetic Association" on the internet, negative words such as "suspicious" and "flaming" appear as predicted keywords. While it is important to gain knowledge and obtain qualifications from a trustworthy organization when running a salon, many salon owners feel uneasy when they hear rumors like this.
To put it simply, there are two organizations with similar names, the Japan Cosmetic Association and the Japan Cosmetic Examination Association, and each has been involved in serious scandals and controversies at different times. In particular, the University of Tokyo bribery scandal that came to light in early 2026 has become a serious issue that has shaken the trust of the beauty industry.
In this article, we will explain in detail the differences between the two organizations that salon owners should know, the truth behind the scandal, and how to deal with them in the future.
| Organization name | Abbreviation | Main Activities | Scandals and concerns that have been pointed out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Cosmetic Association | JCA | Formulating industry guidelines and supporting CBD research | Bribery of a University of Tokyo professor (2026) |
| Japan Cosmetics Certification Association | JCLA | Japan Cosmetics Examination (Cosmetics Examination) | Stealth marketing solicitation to influencers (2020) |
1. The truth behind the University of Tokyo bribery scandal surrounding the Japan Cosmetic Association (JCA)
Currently, the most suspicious direct cause is the bribery scandal surrounding the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo , in which the Japan Cosmetic Association (JCA) was involved. This scandal sent shock waves not only through the beauty industry but throughout society.
According to reports, the representative director of JCA provided inappropriate entertainment, including large amounts of cash and entertainment at "soaplands," to a professor at the University of Tokyo with the aim of establishing a specific research course (Clinical Cannabinoid Studies Course). As a result of this incident, the professor was arrested on suspicion of bribery in January 2026, and the representative of JCA was also referred to prosecutors on suspicion of bribery.
Salon owners must exercise extreme caution when dealing in guidelines advocated by organizations involved in these crimes or ingredients recommended by them (such as CBD), as this could jeopardize the credibility of their salons.
2. Past stealth marketing scandals and the current situation of the Japan Cosmetic Certification Association (JCLA)
On the other hand, the famous qualification exam, "Japan Cosmetics Examination (Cosmetics Examination)," is administered by the Japan Cosmetics Examination Association (JCLA), a general incorporated association . Although it is a completely different organization from the aforementioned JCA, it has also caused major controversy in the past.
In February 2020, it was discovered that the association had asked some influencers to post on social media in exchange for waiving the exam and test fees. What was problematic was that they had encouraged influencers to hide the fact that the posts were for promotional purposes, which seemed to encourage stealth marketing .
The members who had been studying diligently and paying the exam fees were fiercely criticized, saying that the exam was "lowering the value of the qualification." Although efforts are currently being made to restructure the system, the memory of this incident has led to the image that "the cosmetics certification exam = suspicious."
3. How should salon owners handle qualifications such as the Cosmetics Examination?
With the recent spate of scandals involving organizations, is it worthwhile for salon owners to obtain qualifications or join organizations? We will explain the benefits and risks.
- Advantages: It is still useful in that you can learn systematic knowledge (ingredients, dermatology, pharmaceutical and medical device laws, etc.) and can use it as an "objective indicator" when explaining things to customers.
- Risk: If the organization's image deteriorates, salons that advertise the qualification may be mistakenly perceived as having ties to shady organizations.
In particular, higher qualifications such as "cosmetic concierge" require an annual membership fee. If a scandal involving an organization makes it unclear how the annual membership fee is being used, it may be time to consider whether to continue your membership.
4. Checkpoints for identifying trustworthy beauty organizations
In the future, when you become involved with a new organization or qualification, we recommend that you check the following three points.
- Financial and operational transparency: Look for publicly available income and expenditure reports and board members who are experts.
- Attitude towards dealing with scandals: When there have been problems in the past, it is important to sincerely apologize without covering them up and to take concrete measures to prevent recurrence.
- Practical benefits on the job: Rather than just looking for a title, consider whether the job offers "essential value" that can be offered to customers on the job site at the salon.
5. Summary: Don't be distracted by the news, but hone your essential knowledge
Behind the rumors of "suspiciousness" surrounding the "Japan Cosmetic Association" are two factors: a serious criminal case and past opaque marketing methods. As a salon owner, it is important to correctly understand the actual operations of the organization rather than judging it solely by its "name."
Qualifications are merely one tool. The most important thing is for the owner to always gather the latest and most accurate information and to continue to deal with customers' skin in an honest manner, without relying on organizations. This scandal may be an opportunity for you to reassess the reliability of the organizations you are currently involved with.
