Motomachi, a lively downtown area in Kobe that extends from Sannomiya, is a well-known tourist destination featuring popular spots like Nankin-machi (Chinatown) and the Former Foreign Settlement.

Today, we’re introducing SQ of hair, a salon just a 3-minute walk from JR Motomachi Station. We interviewed Fumi, the owner of this creative yet welcoming salon that has built a strong following among locals and visitors alike.

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■How did you first discover Naruto scissors?

It all started when a dealer introduced me to the Vistas series, and I decided to give them a try. Not long after, one of the staff I hired also happened to be a Naruto scissors user. Before I knew it, my collection started growing.

I’ve been in the industry for 28 years now, and I’ve used Naruto scissors for 15 of those years!


■Do you remember the first time you used them?

Interestingly, there wasn’t an immediate “wow” moment. But as I kept using them, I started to really feel the difference compared to other brands I’d used in the past. It happened naturally—I ended up replacing all my shears with Naruto scissors.


■All of them? Thank you so much!

Yes! I use three cutting scissors: the Duckboard ZⅡ for wet cutting, and the Megane DBⅢ for dry work. I also use three thinning scissors.


■Which one do you use the most?

Definitely the Duckboard ZⅡ. I can do all my foundational cuts with just that one!

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Fumi’s Four Favorites:
From left to right:
MeganeDBⅢ
DuckboardZⅡ    
2sukiNewDesignB39
3sukiTrenteS26


■Do you have a personal motto?

“To be a hairdresser for life.”
That’s something I always keep close to heart.

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Everyone has an ideal image of themselves. At SQ of hair, we take the time to engage deeply with each client during consultations, helping turn that “ideal” into a reality. We believe that level of care builds trust—and loyal clients who keep coming back.

We also place a strong emphasis on creating a healthy, sustainable work environment for our staff. In fact, before I realized it, all the stylists at our salon had become Naruto scissors users!


■Have there been any major turning points in your career?

There have been so many… but honestly, I feel like I’m always evolving. Every year feels like a new turning point! [laughs]


■Do you have a final message for us?

When I recommend Naruto scissors, I always say:
“The smooth action never fades.”
The smooth opening and closing lasts forever, you don’t even need to oil them, and if you’re choosing between tools in a similar price range—Naruto scissors is the way to go! [laughs]

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