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2026.04.27 mon
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My Story With NARUTOSCISSORS | base hair Tomoyuki Ono
"Is this job really right for me?"
During my training days, I was always filled with worry. My turning point was when I decided to buy two pairs of Naruto Scissors.
It was a big investment for my future, and it was not cheap. But when I held those scissors, they felt perfect in my hands. My doubt changed into a strong decision.
"I will do this job for the rest of my life."
How did that decision make Mr. Ono who he is today? Let’s look back at the 28-year journey of Mr. Ono from base hair, and the scissors that have always been by his side.
■You bought these scissors during your apprentice years when you felt uncertain about your work. How did you feel at that time?
The reason I chose Naruto Scissors was that my salon owner and senior stylists were using them. When the sales representative visited our salon, I held them for the first time and thought, "Wow, these fit my hands perfectly!"
I took a leap and bought two pairs at once using a loan. It was a very difficult time because I had no money left back then! (laughs)
■Did you decide to stay in this job for life the very moment you held those scissors?
It didn't happen suddenly, like a scene in a movie (laughs). It was more of a gradual process. As I used the scissors to cut my customers' hair day after day, my determination grew steadily.
■Today, we have put together a record of your "Journey of Shared Growth," looking back at the 28 years you have spent with your scissors. Would you like to look back on those days together with us?
■ These two are your very first pairs—the starting point of your career. Are you still using them today?
Of course! Back then, I used my "Spin Hennessy" for almost everything except scissor over comb. Now, the edges are a bit more rounded, so I use it for slide cutting and adjusting textures. I also use my other thinning scissors every day for thinning, blending, and smoothing the surface of the cut. They are still in great condition!
■ They truly are your essential partners. Let’s go back in time for a moment... What was it that finally gave you confidence in your work?
When I was still feeling unsure, one of the owner’s customers said to me, "I want you to cut my hair." They were very happy with the result. That made me truly happy, and it was my first big turning point.
Another major experience was my training at SANRIZZ in London. The local stylists there would hold just one or two pairs of scissors with such pride. They had strong passion for their tools and earned great trust from their customers. Everything I saw there was new and exciting. Also, winning awards at various competitions helped me build my confidence as well.
■ As your confidence grew, you chose the "Gilvy Z Karakusa" as your second pair.
I wanted a slightly longer pair of scissors for scissor over comb, something that would feel completely stress-free. With Naruto Scissors, the blades move together so smoothly that there is no stress at all. Even my customers notice the difference; they tell me, "The sound of the cutting is different."
■ Your hard work truly turned your anxiety into confidence. Your next purchase wasn’t until 2019, quite a few years later. What was your journey like during that time?
When I left my first salon, the owner gave me theNaruto scissors "Deluxe." It was a true veteran, yet it remained my "ace" and worked incredibly hard for me until I bought the Mikadoline Z. Then, in my 8th year of running my own business, I visited the Naruto Scissors factory before it was rebuilt.
※Model: Deluxe (Discontinued)
■ I see! That was an era when you could see the master craftsmen working right beside you.
Yes. Mr. Marumo, the factory manager, showed me around, and I felt the incredible skill of their craftsmanship firsthand. At that time, I only owned one pair of thinning scissors, but that’s when he introduced me to the "Dressline." I became fascinated by it and ended up purchasing it later on.
■ Do you use it differently from your first pair of thinning scissors?
Yes, I use them for different purposes. I use my first pair for adjusting volume and blending. I use the "Dressline," on the other hand, specifically to create texture and "taba-kan" (hair bundles). That was when I started using different thinning scissors depending on the style I wanted to achieve.
■ In the following year, 2020, you purchased the "Flying Z Karakusa GP." What was the inspiration behind that?
I saw a pair of gold scissors on social media and thought, "That looks so cool!" When I inquired about them, I found out they were a limited edition, which made them even more appealing. I decided to buy them because I knew they would make me feel refreshed and bring even more joy to my daily work.
※Model: Flying Z Karakusa GP (Discontinued)
■ How do you feel about actually using them?
They are my favorite scissors right now. While I use all my scissors fairly equally, picking these up always gives me a real boost. They cut straight and clean for blunt cuts—it feels amazing!
■ I see! Then how do you distinguish them from your third pair, the "Gilvy Z Karakusa"?
To be honest, I just choose based on my mood that day. I’ll think to myself, "Alright, let's go with these today!" (laughs). Both are for blunt cuts and cut perfectly straight, but in my experience, the Gilvy Z Karakusa has a bit more of a "tenacious" feel—like the blades really grip and slide through the hair.
■Fascinating! And then you welcomed an even longer 6.8-inch pair, the "Mikadoline Z."
That was right around the time I was volunteering at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Village, cutting hair for athletes from all over the world. I had many opportunities to do fade cuts, so I wanted a more powerful pair of scissors that would make scissor over comb work easier.
Around the same time, I started leading more technical seminars as an instructor. Sometimes the participants were more experienced than I was, and I noticed their eyes were often fixed on my Naruto scissors rather than my technique! (laughs). It really helped break the ice—we’d have lively conversations with people asking, "How do they cut?" and me replying, "They cut incredibly well!"
■ Last year, you visited the Naruto Scissors exhibition and even went to the Expo afterward. And this year, you’ve joined us at the exhibition again!! You are truly active!!
I’ve deepened my knowledge through the factory tour to the point where I feel like I could give the explanation about Naruto Scissors myself! I’m going to tell all other hairdressers /barbers about it! (laughs). I was a bit concerned about the condition of the 4suki Shearline I bought last year, so I had it sharpened along with my other scissors—five pairs in total. They have all been restored to a brilliant, sharp edge!! I’m carefully breaking them in right now!!
I’m also currently exploring new ways to use the 4suki Shearline.
Naruto Scissors are an essential part of my life to make my daily work enjoyable!!
■ Thank you very much!! Could you tell us about your vision for the future?
I want to work in collaboration with the people in my local community. It would be wonderful if my work could be of help to those around me, or if we could bring out the best in each other. Also, I want my shop to be a place that "never changes." To provide the same high level of technique and hospitality every time a customer visits—I believe it takes a great deal of effort to stay the same.
■Finally, could you give a message to the barbers and hairstylists who are currently struggling with a lack of self-confidence, just as you once did?
In this profession, there is so much to learn—technique, hospitality, chemistry, and personal growth. People often say things like "Do your best" or "Don't give up" when you fail, but sometimes your heart just breaks. In those moments, it’s important to rely on the seniors, friends, and family around you. Don't try to push through everything alone; it’s okay to ask for help. That’s how I got through it, and I’m filled with gratitude.
I want you to keep going through many experiences, both good and bad. To be honest, there was a time when I was so fed up that I thought about quitting and working for "Hanshin Engei" (the crew that maintains the Koshien Stadium grounds)! (laughs). If you keep at it, you will definitely get better. Sometimes, taking the long way around and gaining various experiences is actually the shortest path to success.
