Why Do Hairdresser Taka’s Clients Often Say “Leave It to You”? “I’ll leave it up to you.” About 70–80% of my clients say this when they sit in my chair. Of course, some clients bring photos or have a specific image in mind. But in the end, most of them say, “I’ll leave it to you, Taka.” This can’t be explained simply as a matter of “trust.” Behind it lies something I value deeply — the time I spend on consultation. Consultation Is Not Just About “Listening” — It’s About Reading the Heart My idea of consultation is not just about listening to what clients want. It’s much more than […]

Why I, as a Hairdresser, Visit Different Salons — Learning Through a “Deduction System” I’m a hairdresser, but I also visit different salons as a customer. I go to beauty salons, barber shops, and sometimes even 1,000-yen quick-cut salons. On the other hand, I also visit high-end salons where a single haircut costs over 10,000 yen. I don’t stick to one place — I go to learn from the differences in techniques, pricing, equipment, and customer service. Those “differences” themselves become valuable experiences for me. The “discomfort” I feel as a customer is my best teacher The reason I visit so many salons isn’t because I’m looking for the best […]

What Only an International Hairdresser Can Do — Designing Beyond the Hair, Into Each Client’s Background. When you hear the words “international hairdresser,” what image comes to mind? Glamorous fashion? The latest trends? Or the ability to handle all kinds of hair types with skill? All of those are true, but I believe the true value of being an international hairdresser goes deeper. It lies in language, technique, sensibility — and the ability to read each client’s background. 1. Language — The Skill That Connects Hearts I’ve worked in Tokyo and London, serving clients from all over the world. Switching between English and Japanese has taught me that language is […]

The Status of the Future Is Defined by the Richness of the Heart Lately, I’ve been thinking that the meaning of the word “status” is starting to change. In the past, it was expressed through obvious things like money, houses, cars, or luxury brands. But in today’s world, those things alone can’t define a person’s value. Many people have probably already realized it. We compare ourselves to others on social media, but no matter how expensive the things we own are, or how impressive our titles may be, if our hearts aren’t fulfilled, we can’t truly call it happiness. There Are as Many Forms of Happiness as There Are People […]

A hairdresser isn’t someone who imposes the “right answer.” They’re someone who helps you explore your options. Clients often ask me, “Does this hairstyle suit me?” And of course, I completely understand that feeling. If you’re going to a salon to try a new style, of course you want to know the “right” answer. But honestly— I don’t believe there’s such a thing as a “correct” hairstyle. For example, when you see a hairstyle in a magazine or on social media and think, “I really like this,” that feeling alone is already your own version of the “right answer.” Of course, face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle can all influence […]

It’s no longer about the salon — it’s about the stylist. These days, the evolution of AI is truly impressive. Texts, images, videos — anyone can easily create them for free, and the quality is getting so good that it’s hard to tell what’s real. It’s convenient, and even kind of magical. But in the beauty industry, I feel that it’s also creating some complex challenges. Take hairstyle photos, for example. In the past, salons would actually cut, color, or perm a model’s hair and then photograph it for use in ads. Finding a model, doing the styling, photographing, editing — it was a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process. But […]

Learning from UK Healthcare: The Art of Seeing the Essence in Beauty When I was living in the UK, there was always a specific route to take whenever I needed to go to the hospital. That was through the “GP (General Practitioner),” or what we might call a “family doctor.” No matter what symptoms you have, you first go to your GP for an initial examination, and then you’re referred to a specialist if needed. Whether your eye hurts, your stomach aches, or you injured your leg — you always start with the GP. That’s the foundation of the UK healthcare system. ⸻ But in Japan, things are different. If […]

What We Lose Behind “Fast and Cheap.” Lately, I often see phrases like “quick salon,” “time-saving cut,” or “speed color.” Of course, we live in a busy world, and there are times when those services are absolutely necessary. But I want to pause for a moment and think— what are we losing behind all that “speed” and “cheapness”? Hair actually reflects everything — your daily rhythm, your stress level, even the way you think. For example, just by looking at the way bed hair forms, you can often tell whether someone has relaxed mornings or is always rushing out the door. That’s why, before I start cutting a client’s hair, […]

What do you look for in a hair salon? For example, some people want to have their hair cut by someone who’s technically skilled, while others simply want to enjoy a relaxing time. Some may prefer someone who finishes quickly, and others may want someone who takes time carefully. I believe everyone has their own idea of what “comfort” in a salon means. As a hairdresser, I’ve designed hairstyles for many people in Japan and overseas. But what I’ve realized over the years is this — “There isn’t just one right answer.” That’s why I don’t have a fixed way of doing things. There’s no manual that says, “If you […]

Why I Keep Working Out — The Habit That Builds Self-Esteem “Why do you keep working out so much?” Sometimes, clients ask me that. Well… to be honest, at first it was for my family. When my child was born, I started because I wanted to be strong enough to protect my family if something ever happened. But as time went on, I realized it wasn’t just about that. Working out is, in the end, “time to take care of myself.” It’s for health, for posture, but most importantly, it’s about building confidence. That’s what I call my “habit of nurturing self-esteem.” Self-Esteem Isn’t a Complicated Word When people hear […]