In recent years, Japanese summers have evolved beyond "mere heat" into life-threatening "extreme heat" that has become the new normal. With record-breaking heatwaves predicted for 2026, our lifestyles are being forced to change dramatically.
Factors such as 24-hour air conditioning, loss of appetite leading to a bias toward cold food and drinks, and the avoidance of outdoor exercise to protect one's life have created a modern "indoor-refuge" lifestyle. This lifestyle paralyzes the autonomic nervous system and significantly lowers metabolism, which should naturally be higher.
In response, Gorilla Clinic (operated by Medical Corporation Shidoukai; Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; General Director Fumihiko Inami), a comprehensive men's aesthetic clinic with 23 locations nationwide, conducted an internet survey on March 9, 2026. The survey targeted 400 men aged 20–59 (100 per decade) regarding "Men's Appearance and Internal Condition by Generation During the Summer Season."
The survey revealed that over 70% of men (72.3%) feel a "decline in internal condition during summer," and more than half (56.5%) feel that their "appearance (face, skin, impression) looks older than their actual age" during the summer months. Furthermore, over 60% (64.8%) mistakenly believe that "metabolism increases in summer, making it easier to lose weight." This study highlights the reality of how the difficulties of living in extreme heat and these misconceptions negatively impact men’s physical and mental well-being.
"This press release manuscript (PDF)" is available here: d4342-163-6e06322a77c95a92bde767a433b8d14f.pdf
### Survey Overview *Note: When using this data, please credit: "Survey by Gorilla Clinic, a comprehensive aesthetic clinic for men."
"Survey on Men's Appearance and Internal Condition by Generation During Summer" (Conducted March 9, targeting 400 men aged 20–59)
1. Sweat is the #1 Summer Anxiety; Approx. 30% Fear "Invisible Internal Malfunctions" "Sweat (59.0%)" was the top concern. Meanwhile, about 30% are concerned about invisible internal issues such as "summer fatigue (natsu-bate)" and "sleep quality." 2. The Reality of "Internal Condition Decline" Affecting Over 70% of Men 72.3% of men experience a decline in internal condition during summer—affecting nearly 3 out of 4 men. 3. 56.5% of Men Conscious of "Summer Aging"; 65.0% of Men in Their 50s Feel a Decline Beyond Their Actual Age Over half of the respondents feel they look older than their age in the mirror. The sense of crisis is particularly high among men in their 50s, where aging intersects with a harsh seasonal environment. 4. "Shininess/Oiliness" is the #1 Cause of Lost Cleanliness, Followed by "Facial Fatigue" Beyond "stickiness and shininess (48.0%)," many men are concerned about "visual SOS signs" where accumulated fatigue shows on the face. 5. 1 in 2 Men Lose Confidence Due to "Summer Aging"; 55.0% of Men in Their 30s Feel the Impact The deterioration of physical appearance spills over into mental well-being, acting as a psychological factor that dampens motivation in work and private life, especially among those in their 30s. 6. Approx. 30% Respond They "Want to Avoid Going Out," Leading to Social Shrinkage Due to "Summer Aging Face," 29.0% of men feel like avoiding going out. The decline in appearance is triggering social passivity. 7. "Sweat Wipes" are the #1 Summer Item Men Want to Use; "Surface Discomfort Care" Remains the Mainstream The most popular item is "sweat wipes (42.0%)." Results show a focus on immediate external fixes rather than fundamental internal recovery. Awareness of "internal care (metabolism management)" remains low. 8. 64.8% of Men Mistakenly Believe "Metabolism Rises in Summer"; The "Summer Metabolism Illusion" is Widespread Among Men in Their 30s 64.8% of men wrongly believe it is easier to lose weight in summer due to higher metabolism. This figure reaches 74.0% among men in their 30s.
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Detailed Findings
① Sweat is the #1 Anxiety; Internal Issues Also a Concern While "Sweat (59.0%)" is the top external concern, internal issues like "Heatstroke (42.8%)," "Summer Fatigue (31.0%)," and "Sleep Quality (26.3%)" also rank high.
② 72.3% Face Internal Condition Decline Over 70% of men in every age group from their 30s onward feel this decline. Generations with higher work responsibilities are more sensitive to autonomic nervous system disruptions and metabolic stagnation caused by extreme heat.
③ 56.5% Conscious of "Summer Aging" Led by 65.0% of men in their 50s and 57.0% of those in their 30s, the data shows that internal decline leads to "Summer Aging Face," damaging the "cleanliness" and "youthfulness" that are vital tools for businessmen.
④ Causes of Lost Cleanliness: Shininess and Fatigue Following "Stickiness/Shininess (48.0%)," concerns rooted in internal health such as "Facial Fatigue (28.0%)" and "Aging around the Eyes (21.5%)" ranked high. While 20-somethings worry about surface skin trouble, 1 in 5 men in their 40s notice "puffiness/swelling," showing how aging and heat-induced drainage issues manifest as a "tired face."
⑤ Loss of Confidence "Summer Aging Face" casts a shadow on the psyche. 51.3% of all men—and 55.0% of those in their 30s—experience a drop in self-confidence.
⑥ Social Withdrawal and Communication Anxiety 29.0% want to avoid going out, and 27.0% are "worried about people looking at my face." This suggests that "Summer Aging Face" risks inducing a form of social withdrawal.
⑦ Countermeasures: Surface Care vs. Internal Care "Sweat wipes (42.0%)" are the most common symptomatic treatment. While "Sunscreen (34.0%)" and "Parasols (22.0%)" are becoming common among 20-somethings as "external defense," awareness of "internal care (metabolism management)" for fundamental solutions remains low.
⑧ The Metabolism Myth The "Summer = High Metabolism" image is strong, particularly among 30-somethings (74.0%), despite the physiological reality that metabolism often drops in the summer to prevent overheating.
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[Gorilla Clinic Treatment for Under-Eye Bags] HIFU (Ultraformer MPT) Treatment Details By applying 65–70°C thermal energy to the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer, this treatment tightens the skin. The High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) promotes collagen production and tissue regeneration, providing firmness and elasticity. *Note: This is a self-pay medical procedure (as of April 2026).*
Target Area: Around eyes + Forehead Price (incl. tax): Trial: ¥30,000 / Single Session: ¥49,000 Side Effects/Risks: Redness or swelling may occur for several days. Recommended Interval: Once every 3 months. Available at: Ginza ANNEX Clinic.
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About Gorilla Clinic A Comprehensive Aesthetic Clinic for Men (https://gorilla.clinic/) Departments: Cosmetic Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Hair Loss/AGA, Medical Weight Loss, etc. First-time Consultation Free Dial: 0120-987-118 Hours: 11:00–20:00 (Variable holidays, by appointment only).
Founded in October 2014 with the mission of "Making Men's Grooming a Culture." As of April 2026, it operates 23 clinics nationwide. In May 2024, the "Ginza ANNEX Clinic" began offering surgical menus (double eyelid, phimosis, and under-eye bag surgery). The clinic is dedicated to a "men-centric" environment where men can seek help without embarrassment.
Official Ambassador: Yuto Horigome (Pro Skater) Since October 1, 2025, Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome has served as the official ambassador. The latest CM, "THE REAL ATHLETE: Yuto Horigome," is currently airing on major TV networks and outdoor signage, focusing on the theme of evolving beyond one's past self. (Special Page: https://gorilla.clinic/athlete001/ )
Media Inquiries: Public Relations Dept: Ishigaki, Suzuki, Shimoya TEL: 03-5291-5270 / MAIL: pr@gorilla.clinic 3F Shinjuku Ramdax Bldg, 2-4-12 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: research