In 2018, Naruto Scissors was featured on the popular TBS TV program "Gacchiri Monday!!" Some of you may still remember it. The broadcast created a huge buzz! Our sales team, who travel all over Japan, felt the immense power of television as they were greeted everywhere with comments like, "I saw it!" and "That’s amazing!"
In that episode, there was a junior stylist looking on enviously as his senior used their beloved Naruto Scissors... Today, we are proud to introduce that very "junior" stylist, who has since risen to become a store manager: Mr. Nakano from LOOK GOOD STORE TAKARAZUKA.

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Long time no see! Thank you again for your help during the "Gacchiri Monday!!" shoot.

It brings back memories. At that time, this shop hadn't been renovated yet, and I was still an assistant. Now, I’m already in my 9th year as a barber!

My senior, Mr. Kagita, who was interviewed with me back then, was featured in "My Story with NARUTO SCISSORS" before, right? I was actually thinking, "It’s about time you called me!" (laughs).

Link: My Story With NARUTOSCISSORS | STAG CLUB
https://narutoscissors-overseas.com/topics/ourcustomers/entry-623.html


■ Were you just starting out when the TV crew came to interview you all?

Actually, no. I’ve been working for the owner’s shop since I was a high school freshman! If you count from then, this is already my 13th year.


■ Wow, so you’ve been on this path since you were in high school!

Yeah, in my first year of high school, I really started getting into hairstyles and fashion. I mean, of course, I wanted to be popular with the girls!


■ You’re very honest! (laughs)

I used to go to the owner’s shop as a customer, but I was so interested in the hair industry that I started working there part-time during my summer break. Since I was just a high schooler, I could only do basic tasks like helping with shampoos and cleaning up.

But even after summer break ended, I kept working on weekdays and weekends. As soon as I graduated from high school, I joined the shop as a full-time employee. After that, it was all about getting the license! I studied at a correspondence barber school while working, and it took me three years to get my official barber license.


■ So, when you finally got your barber license, I bet everyone at the salon gave you a huge celebration!
Actually, it was the opposite. Since I’d already been there for so many years, everyone was like, "Oh, finally?" They just brushed it off! (laughs).
After working at some of our sister shops, I was assigned as an opening staff member for the predecessor of this shop, LOOK GOOD STORE TAKARAZUKA. It was right around that time that the TV crew came to interview Naruto Scissors, and we were featured as one of their loyal users.

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■ You’ve been so focused and never strayed from your path as a barber. But tell me, what did you think about Naruto Scissors back then?

Well, everyone around me—from the owner to Mr. Kagita, the senior who appeared with me on "Gacchiri Monday!!"—was already a Naruto Scissors user. Like I said in the broadcast, they were definitely on my radar.

Then, right around that time, I received a very "passionate letter of thanks" from the PR representative at Naruto Scissors.


■ A "passionate" letter!?

Yes. That was the deciding factor for me—I just said, "I’ll take them!" and made the purchase.

Even if someone recommended other scissors, the sound of Naruto Scissors is on a different level. It’s almost like they’re silent... they cut with such a smooth, noiseless sensation. The difference in sound means the steel itself is different. Once you’ve used Naruto Scissors, you just can’t go back to anything else. It makes you want to have a full set of them.

Plus, since our shop is located in Takarazuka, just like Naruto Scissors, the peace of mind that comes with having maintenance available right nearby is a huge advantage.


■ Please tell us about the Naruto Scissors you use.

Forte Graver STⅡ
4suki Shareline
Maticline

My main pair is the ForteGraverSTⅡ. It’s a 5.5-inch mini scissor. Then I have the 4suki Shearline, which is an Eyeglass-type—the symmetric handle—thinning scissor. And finally, the Maticline. I use that one for scissor-over-comb (KARIAGE).

The Maticline can be used for the base cut, but it’s also the perfect length for KARIAGE and has plenty of power. I mean, it’s the model everyone swears by, right?

With these three, I’ve been able to clearly define the role of each tool in my workflow.

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■ In what situations do you use your main pair, the Forte Graver ST II?

I mainly use them for the base cut. Since they are 5.5-inch mini scissors, they are incredibly maneuverable and easy to handle. I can move them smoothly even during delicate work, like around the ears, so they’ve become truly indispensable to me!


■ Looking back at your career as a barber, was there a major turning point for you?

Definitely when Mr. Kagita—the senior who appeared with me on "Gacchiri Monday!!"—went independent, leaving me here as the only staff member. I suddenly had to handle his clients in addition to my own. I was all by myself, so I had no choice but to take care of all the paperwork and admin work too. I felt a strong sense of, "I’m the one who has to step up and make this work!"

To top it off, right at that same timing, the shop's name, interior, and pricing system were completely revamped. The company basically told me, "It’s going to be tough, but make sure you get it done right." Honestly, I was pretty sulky about it! (laughs).

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■ That sounds like a real struggle.

But you know, it was so intense that I just snapped out of it and thought, "I can do this!" From there, sales started climbing steadily. In the six months leading up to December of that revamped year, I managed to get the shop on the right track. My personal sales even hit an all-time high.

I was mentally exhausted, but my love for the job was still there. I really just powered through on pure physical grit. But pushing through that period gave me a huge boost in confidence!


■ So, it felt like you moved up to the next stage?

Exactly. The following year, I became the shop manager—the person in charge of this entire location. It felt like my title finally caught up with what I was already doing. In terms of technique, I’m also great at perms now; I’ve become a true all-rounder!

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■ What are your goals and visions for the future?

I’m 27 now, and my dream is to go independent by the time I’m 30. To make that happen, I want to really energize this shop and support my staff. Achieving that is my primary goal right now.

And by the time I start my own business, I’d love to have a pair of Karakusa Gold Naruto Scissors in my hand!

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