About Special Beauty

The Magic

Partnered with Yamano Beauty College, Special Beauty in Japan is a two-day experience.

Each participant is teamed up with their own ‘buddy,’ a current beauty school student who is responsible for not only their hair and make-up, but ensuring that each participant is in the right place at the right time, and knows what to do.

They attend rehearsals and workshops together, eat together, and prepare for the pageant together.

Then, on the next day, the buddies prepare the participants to shine on the stage. Based on runway performances, fashion sense, personality, talent, and the final question, winners in each division are decided.

In addition to the top prize there are special awards given to the participants by their buddies. The bonds between the buddies and participants are special and happen every year.

What is Special Beauty?

Our belief is that everyone is special and that everyone is beautiful and that everyone deserves the right to shine. Special Beauty is the first of its kind in Japan, giving those with special needs a place to show their talent and beauty. Modeled after an international beauty pageant, participants take the stage to shine for the audience. Dressed in clothes they have chosen, hair and make-up done by their own stylists, participants take the stage and wow the audience and the judges.

How You Can Help

Special Beauty is a foundation that can only be made possible by the generous support of sponsors and allies of the special needs community. Our hope is that as many special needs youth around the world can experience the magic we create. This can only become a reality with the support of everyone. If you are interested in making a contribution, we have sponsor packages available for both corporate and personal supporters. In addition, we have events that you can show your support by purchasing tickets. Not only will you be supporting the program, but you will be encouraging those on stage.

Founder/CEO

Jason Hancock

hancockjason0702

I believe that everyone is beautiful and that everyone deserves the chance to shine. Special Beauty is that place. With the support of our sponsors, staff, and the families of the participants, this event can happen. I am proud to say that we are the first organization in Japan to have special needs youth on staff that assist in planning and hosting our events. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone for their support in making Special Beauty a reality. It is my dream that Special Beauty becomes an event that happens all around the world. I want everyone with special needs to feel their individual beauty.

Ambassadors

Miku

Riria

Saki

Tomoya

Yuki

Yuta

Yutaka

Executive Members

Claudia Zevallos

claudiajzevallos

Advocate, Actress

I believe that our special needs brothers and sisters deserve to be celebrated and embraced. No greater love is felt than the pure hugs and high-fives that serves as the words that can’t be spoken. Special Beauty is dear to my heart for so many reasons and I love the opportunity to be a part of this magic.

Natasha Moor

natasha.moor

CEO, Natasha Moor Cosmetics

Special Beauty represents what I stand for: inclusion, self-worth, and access to confidence for every individual. My life’s mission has always been to use beauty as a catalyst for transformation- not just on the surface, but within. Through every brand I build and every community I nurture, my purpose is to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to step fully into who they are. With Special Beauty, that commitment is devoted to children with special needs ensuring they grow up feeling celebrated, capable, and deeply confident in their own light.

Naomi Kitadate

naomikamidate

Advocate, Producer

I care deeply about empowering special needs youth and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and beautiful. Through advocacy and connection, I hope to use my voice to uplift others and help build a more compassionate world.

Noriko Saito

norikoaromafactory

A place where people with and without disabilities can come together, support each other’s challenges, and connect in a borderless environment. Here, people can experience human compassion, kindness, care, and encouragement, fostering a natural sense of belonging and community. This environment provides opportunities for everyone to grow and gain confidence, while also serving as a welcoming home to which they can always return.

Partnership / Sponsorship

Sponsor companies engage in various forms of collaboration with SBJ on events and campaigns. They also contribute to society by utilizing the special needs community of several hundred people, and strive to create a society where people with disabilities can live more authentically and beautifully.