A Brief History of Western Salons in Japan

Look at those retro orange cushion dryers!

Hair says a lot about history. 

Coming across these old photos of Japanese hair styles makes you think about how western fashion was becoming an influence to Japanese women and how Japanese salons have adapted since.

The year is 1923. 

Japan is going through a cultural revolution as the Taisho Era (1912-1926) brings more influences from the West and push toward modernity. Chieko Yamano, a 27 year beautician who had come back from training in New York City, set up one of Japan's first western salons in the Maru building across from the iconic Tokyo station. With 20 assistants employed in western clothing, Yamano was among the many figures to help change the way Japanese women felt about hair.

Drastic setbacks like the Great Kanto earthquake and WWII made it more difficult for building new salons and many people didn't have the means to afford a new hair-do.



But Japan's rapid determination to recover during the post war period accelerated images of Western styles and soon new salon technologies made it possible for these styles to arise. Hair perms would become increasing popular.

Imagine walking into a salon and attaching this to your head!

Early Showa Era

1940's - 1950's Hair Styles

1960's Hair Styles

Sources: 

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/07/29/general/the-taisho-era-when-modernity-ruled-japans-masses/

http://wiki.livedoor.jp/makitaro999/c/3375/ (Japanese)

Nanbu Ironware from Hanamaki City, Iwate

Mt. Iwate at Sunset

Iwate, Japan.

A coastal prefecture located northeast of Tokyo, Iwate is famous for its wanko soba, morioka reimen and dairy. But perhaps it is most known for being the birthplace of Nanbu Ironware ("Nanbu Tekki"), a long and celebrated tradition of iron casting craftmanship.

A region already famed for its rich iron mineral deposits and casting, Iwate became the top producer of ironware when artisans from Kyoto brought their method of their iron production in the late 17th century. Craftsmen began to minimize their huge cauldron pots to the produce the now world renowned Japanese iron tea pot.

Nanbu Tekki Tea Pot

400 years of passed down regional heritage, iron production has expanded to many impressive crafts like pans, ashtrays, wind chimes, paper weights, bottle openers, and iron coasters.

Our gift section is proud to introduce this traditional aesthetic from Hanamaki city in Iwate. These coasters are beautiful as well as simplistic in design. 
Iwate was one of the grief-striken regions of the 2011 tsunami earthquake. We encourage you to learn about the history of Japanese craftware and hope you enjoy our other new additions from Japan.