Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Taiwan-based skincare brand AKIMIA, known for its microcurrent mask technology, has launched its first Japanese pop-up store at Isetan Shinjuku, running through July 28. Founded by Dr. Li Pei-Chih, the brand brings nano-medical research to the beauty market.
A Taiwan-originated science skincare brand, AKIMIA, whose flagship product is the microcurrent mask, has opened its first pop-up store in Japan at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Main Building B2F, Isetan Beauty Apothecary. The pop-up will run until July 28.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Li Pei-Chih, a doctor of medical engineering, AKIMIA was born from Dr. Li’s over a decade of research at National Taiwan University on nano-medical materials and transdermal delivery systems for cancer treatment. Driven by the vision of “bringing cutting-edge biotechnology into daily life for everyone to enjoy,” she applied her expertise to the beauty field to create AKIMIA. The brand landed in Japan this May and currently offers its skincare items through its official online store and Amazon.
The representative product is the microcurrent mask, developed in collaboration with its parent company, the printing supplier Cheng Mei Group. Using the patented technology “ionTrans(R),” which forms an ultra-thin “printed battery” on the sheet surface, the mask generates microcurrents on its own without the need for specialized equipment. When the essence is applied just before use, an electric current is generated, allowing users to easily incorporate iontophoresis-inspired care at home. Leveraging this microcurrent power, active ingredients are rapidly delivered deep into the stratum corneum for efficient skincare.
The sheet mask lineup includes six types: the most popular in Taiwan, “Blue Copper Microcurrent Mask” (3 sheets, ¥5,500) for firmness and elasticity; “Bio-Fermented Microcurrent Mask” (3 sheets, ¥4,950) for refined skin texture; “Photo Skin-Ectoin Microcurrent Mask” (5 sheets, ¥5,500) for soothing UV-damaged skin; “Ocean Star Moisturizing Microcurrent Mask” (5 sheets, ¥5,500) with high water retention; “Egyptian Mint Microcurrent Mask” (5 sheets, ¥5,500) for a lifted, firm complexion; and “Caspian Berry Microcurrent Mask” (5 sheets, ¥5,500) for dullness caused by dryness. Additionally, the brand sells the “Blue Copper Essence” (30mL, ¥16,500) containing blue copper peptide. At the pop-up store, a set of all six sheet masks (6 sheets, ¥7,700) is also available.
In Taiwan, where aesthetic medicine is prevalent, AKIMIA has gained support as home care for maintaining and enhancing post-treatment beauty, primarily sold through department store counters and its official e-commerce platform. Yuriko Sotani, AKIMIA’s Japan business manager, analyzed:
Regarding the decision to enter the Japanese market, Sotani explained:
She added that Japanese consumers’ values, which rigorously scrutinize ingredient efficacy and safety, deeply align with AKIMIA’s brand philosophy of medical engineering thinking and efficacy focus.
When entering the Japanese market, the brand initially planned to focus on e-commerce as the main channel, since online purchases account for about 30-40% of the cosmetics market in Taiwan. However, in Japan, in-store purchases are also significant, so AKIMIA will actively provide real-life experiences where customers can touch the products and receive personalized service. While the brand has operated OEM businesses in over 20 countries worldwide, it is currently only fully developing its own brand in Taiwan and Japan. Founder Dr. Li positions success in the Japanese market as a crucial milestone toward the goal of becoming “Asia’s No.1 cosmetics brand.”