Thanks to all of you, the annual Naruto Scissors Exhibition has become a highly anticipated spring event. It is one of the few valuable opportunities for our non-sales staff to meet and interact directly with our users.

It was at last year’s exhibition that we had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Kyousuke Gibo, who has been a hairdresser for eight years and works at hair art Juice Quatre.

Mr. Gibo shared his deep passion for the hairdressing profession and told us about another "calling" in his life—a calling that fully utilizes the kindness and gentle demeanor so evident in his conversation. We invite you to read about his inspiring journey.

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■Thank you for joining us today. We hear you've been using Naruto scissors for three years now.

Yes, that’s right.
Three years ago, I saw the actual scissors at the GAMO exhibition in Kyoto. That experience was the direct trigger for my purchase. I was still an assistant at the time, but I felt strongly that I had to own a high-quality, expensive pair of scissors!
It wasn't just an investment in myself; it was an expression of my determination as a hairdresser. It was a dream come true.


■Thank you again for coming all the way to Takarazuka for our exhibition today.

Oh, you're welcome. I just love looking at new products. Visiting to see the latest merchandise is both professional study and a personal hobby for me.


■So, you went to the exhibition with those feelings. And that’s where your encounter with Naruto Shears happened!

Yes, exactly. I was introduced to the Snob Hummingbird model there.

It wasn't just a superficial impression like "Oh, this is nice!" or "It cuts easily!" Instead, I had a sudden intuition, a clear feeling that "I have to use this—even if I have to take out a loan."

What's more, I decided "I absolutely have to buy this!" instantly, on the very first test-cut. I ended up purchasing them six months later.

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■How has the scissors performed for you in your actual salon work?

Without these scissors, I can no longer produce what I consider "normal" as a hairdresser!


■What specifically attracted you to the Snob Hummingbird model?

Actually, my owner highly recommends silent scissors (those with rubber bumper). It’s not that I don't want to follow his advice, but I use the Snob Hummingbird even knowing that! Or rather, I just can't stop using it.
(Note: The Snob Hummingbird's standard specification is a metal bumper)
I simply don't consider the sound the Snob Hummingbird makes to be "noise." The sound of the Hummingbird is definitely part of its appeal.
More than the sound, though, it’s the cutting sensation and the texture it creates—these are qualities that are absolutely indispensable to my daily work in the salon. Sorry, boss! (laughs)


■In what specific situations do you actually use the scissors in your salon work?

I use them all the time—for the initial cut, base cutting, texturizing, and more. They are truly all-purpose.
Honestly, it absolutely has to be this one!

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■Now, let's talk about your career as a hair professional. Have there been any major turning points for you?

Yes, there have.
After I left my very first salon as a hairdresser, there was a time when I simply couldn't make ends meet without working part-time. At that point, rather than taking a typical part-time job at a convenience store or restaurant, I decided I wanted something distinctive.
So, I chose to work part-time at an after-school childcare facility.


■Wow, that's completely different from being a hairdresser!

Yes. And you know, I found the work to be surprisingly fulfilling. To be honest, I even thought it might be my true calling.
For several months, I didn't do any hairdressing at all; I was focused entirely on my part-time job at the after-school facility. We played outside, did kendama (Japanese cup-and-ball), and for events like presentations, I would even braid and arrange the girls' hair.
I was so moved by the experience that I seriously began to wonder if I should just quit hairdressing altogether.


■That really sounds like a major turning point!
Exactly.

But, you know, I felt physically uneasy without working as a hairdresser (laughs). Although I wanted to keep the experience of "having worked at the after-school facility" as part of my history, I basically insisted on entering my current company by saying, "Please let me work part-time until I get my license."


■What kind of qualification was that?

It's the "After-School Child Support Staff" qualification, which requires two years of service to obtain. The job involves closely observing the children from a position that is different from both teachers and parents. After-school care becomes the "second home" for those kids.
I feel I gained truly valuable and wonderful experience and history, both for my life and as a hairdresser. I believe that experience is directly beneficial to my work as a hairdresser today.


■It certainly seems like a completely different job, but both roles share the commonality of being close to someone and caring deeply for them.

I worked at the after-school facility in Sumiyoshi, Osaka. When I left, they gave me a huge send-off. Over twenty children each handed me a flower, begging me not to leave. We were both crying and saying, "This isn't goodbye."
In fact, some of those kids still come to my current salon today. I'm now walking through life with the children I used to look after when they were in elementary school. The personal connections that started with those children have expanded, and I truly feel the value of human connection.

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■Finally, do you have any requests for our company or a message for the people reading this?

I truly love hair tools, and I want to learn a lot more about scissors. When a seminar highlights the strengths of a particular pair of scissors during a cutting demonstration, their appeal comes across strongly, and it makes me want to buy them! I would absolutely love for Naruto scissors to host seminars with direct content, like "These are perfect for this specific situation." I believe it would definitely increase the number of users.

My career as a hairdresser is still relatively short, and as I mentioned, I had a slight break. The period during which I've been using my current shears is still quite brief compared to my total time as a stylist.

I have a dream for the future: when I eventually take on an apprentice, I want to pass down my scissors to them. I want to hand over the scissors—the lifeblood of a hairdresser—along with my history and passion. I hear that one of Naruto scissors' defining characteristics is their longevity. When the day comes to pass the torch to the next generation, I absolutely intend to hand over the baton with this Snob Hummingbird.
I look forward to continuing our relationship!

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