Facial hair has a complex history in Japan, with beards and mustaches once being a symbol of masculinity and power but falling out of fashion during the Meiji period. Today, facial hair is generally seen as unconventional and unprofessional in some settings, although there has been a growing trend among younger generations to grow beards and mustaches influenced by Western culture. While there is still a strong association between facial hair and masculinity, grooming standards are important in Japanese society, particularly in the workplace. The future of facial hair acceptance in Japan remains uncertain.