- The faculty will train students in cosmetics development, safety, and quality for professional industry roles.
- Students gain hands-on experience through internships with local cosmetics companies.
- The initiative supports local industry growth and creates new job opportunities for graduates.
Saga University is set to launch a new faculty in April focused on the science of cosmetics, becoming the first national or public university in Japan to offer a dedicated program in this field. The faculty aims to train specialists in cosmetics manufacturing, development, quality assessment, and safety, with an initial intake of 30 students.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the Saga Prefectural Government to boost the local cosmetics industry. Officials plan to attract companies to Karatsu and nearby areas, encouraging research into local materials and expanding cosmetics exports to Asia.
The faculty builds on a cosmetics course started in 2021, led by cosmetic and skin science expert Yoshihiro Tokudome. Students will study a wide range of subjects, including biochemistry, medicine, packaging design, and marketing. In addition, 34 teachers will guide students through lectures and practical learning, with internships at local cosmetics companies giving hands-on industry experience.
Interest in the program has been strong. Since opening its website in August 2025, the faculty has received over 100 inquiries about admission and joint research. A two-day open campus event drew more than 560 applicants, most from Saga and neighboring prefectures, with some traveling from Tokyo and Osaka.
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Graduates are expected to join cosmetics companies, related industries, or pursue further studies in graduate programs. Tokudome emphasized the cultural impact of cosmetics, encouraging students with diverse interests to join the faculty and refine their skills and creativity.
Through this initiative, Saga University aims to develop skilled professionals, support regional industry growth, and create job-ready talent for Japan’s expanding cosmetics sector.
