uka | uka x OPENERS Special Project | "Kihō Watanabe's Protégé" Yumi Toyama, uka Nailist

uka | uka × OPENERS Special Project

Experience Special Services at Total Beauty Salon 'uka'

Vol. 6: "Kiho Watanabe's Protégé" Nailist Yumi Toyama

This is a special OPENERS project where 'uka,' the total beauty salon headed by top nailist Kiho Watanabe, sells salon service tickets online. This time, we introduce nailist Yumi Toyama.
<Nailist Yumi Toyama Special Project>
Service Details | Regular Manicure (Hands) + Design + Your Choice of Nail Oil (1 bottle gift)

Text by Harumi Someya
Photos by Emiko Hara

Simple Designs: I Especially Love Milky Whites and French Manicures

According to Kiho Watanabe, "Yumi Toyama, who shares many of my tastes, is one of my protégés. Naturally, I feel a special connection to her as she's a nailist like myself. She's incredibly ambitious, has a keen eye for design and fashion, and possesses delicate skills. She's also excellent at the care I prioritize most, and her personality is quite charming (laughs). She's a total fashionista with impeccable taste in nails, so I highly recommend her."

—What inspired you to choose this career?
It all started with my father's frequent advice: 'Since you've been born, you should do something that leaves a mark of your existence.' I studied art in university. My father's words made me want to pursue art professionally, but the reality was harsh. Then, influenced by a friend, I started doing nails and became completely hooked. I realized that nails, like art, could be a tangible creation, and that's how I entered the world of nail artistry.

At first, nails were just my substitute for art, and I was more interested in creating pieces than working in a salon. That changed when I joined uka. Now, interacting with clients is what I enjoy most.

—What are your specialty and favorite styles?
I like simple designs, especially milky white shades and French manicures. I always aim to create 'elegant nails' that are simple yet incorporate a touch of playfulness, charming elements, or a little spice.

Winning Entry at the uka Nail Contest

New Chip Designs for Spring/Summer

—Do you have a motto or any particular considerations when you work?
My principles are: attention to detail, embracing everything, and gratitude. 'Attention to detail' refers to the subtle nuances that only I might notice. For example, the ratio when mixing colors. Even with the same pink, the way it's mixed can create a smoky hue or a deep tone; colors are endlessly fascinating. 'Embracing everything' means that even if I think something isn't for me, I'll try it and find it surprisingly appealing, so I embrace new things rather than dismissing them. And finally, gratitude towards clients and all my colleagues every day.

—What's the most rewarding experience you've had so far?
Winning the uka contest. There was a preliminary screening in July last year, and I completed my entry in August. I love creating pieces because I can pour so much of my own feelings into them.

—Could you tell us about any favorite cosmetics, beauty devices, or tools you use?
I love the 'Chloé' perfume; its rose scent is captivating. Of course, I always use uka's 'Nail Oil' as well. Currently, I'm particularly fond of the scent created by mixing '24:45' and '13:00'.

New Chip Designs for Spring/Summer

Kiho Watanabe, Who Possesses So Much I Lack

—What has moved you recently (or what books, movies, etc., have you found moving)?
I was deeply impressed by the power of the floats at a local festival. I used to help pull them myself, and seeing them again after so long made my heart race; festivals truly are wonderful. Art exhibitions also stir my emotions. Recently, I saw the 'Habsburg' exhibition. I'm a great admirer of Velázquez.

—What is the appeal of uka?
The highest level of skill and service, combined with a welcoming atmosphere. People might assume it's expensive or exclusive to celebrities, but we don't want to be confined by that high-end image. While we strive for the best in both technique and service, the salon has a warm ambiance, and all the staff are close-knit. That's uka.

—What is the appeal of Kiho Watanabe?
Undoubtedly, her exceptional sense! And her intuition. Her instincts are incredible. She possesses so many qualities I lack, and she's almost a figure I aspire to be. She's a role model in so many ways, and just being around her is a learning experience.

—What are the selling points of the Midtown branch?
The environment is wonderful. The view of the outside is a particular draw, I think. Being floor-to-ceiling glass, it gets direct sunlight. The power of the sun is immense! It energizes me and lifts my spirits. Our conversations during treatments often revolve around the weather – 'It's getting cloudy,' or 'The sunset is beautiful.' It's lovely when it snows, and even rainy days can be quite enjoyable (laughs).

—Finally, what are your goals for this year?
To refine my sense! I want to see more and cultivate my sensibilities.

<uka × OPENERS Special Project>
uka Midtown Branch
Nailist Yumi Toyama
Content | Regular Manicure (Hands) + Design + Your Choice of Nail Oil (1 bottle gift)
*Design: We will propose a design within the price range of your choice.
Time | Approx. 60-90 minutes (varies by design)
Price | ¥12,000 (Available only through online shopping at rumors)

Nailist Yumi Toyama
Hometown | Saitama Prefecture
Zodiac Sign | Gemini
Hobbies | Painting, Shopping