A Custom Order Ring Brought Them Together

—First, could you tell us about how you two met?

Hiroaki KatoIt was through Akira Shimada, the deputy editor-in-chief of 'LEON' magazine. Mr. Shimada originally liked and wore a ring from nine SIXty, and Azusa fell in love with it at first sight upon seeing it... So, we were arranged to have dinner together, but I was actually late (laughs).

Azusa YoshikawaThat's right. Being late isn't something I can easily overlook, especially with my work, so my first impression was terrible (laughs).
Around that time, several of my friends had birthdays coming up, and I was thinking about ordering custom rings from nine SIXty as gifts. About six or seven rings. Since it was a large number and I didn't have much time, I decided on a one-dot ring as a base and discussed colors and other details.

KatoThe deadline was quite short, which surprised me. I stayed up all night making them (laughs).

YoshikawaI sent out a survey email to all my friends, pretending it was a magazine interview, and slipped in questions like 'If you were to wear a new ring now, which finger would it be on?' and 'What size is that finger?' among questions about fashion sense, to figure out their sizes and preferences. Even so, choosing the colors was tough.
In the end, all my friends were delighted, and it turned out to be very timely. It was through ordering these rings that we started communicating.

KatoAt the time, my atelier was in Ryogoku, and Azusa often came to visit my studio.

At nine SIXty, you can also order items like wedding rings.

What I Felt Honestly at the Atelier...

YoshikawaI originally studied at a university with a focus on apparel and actually wanted to work in clothing production. So, I was very interested in people who create things.
Due to my work, I see jewelry often, and I wear it myself frequently, so it's an item I really like. I started visiting his atelier out of curiosity, wondering what it was like to see him work.
Seeing the tools he used, I naturally thought, 'This person really makes things' (laughs). Although many people around me are involved in crafts, it was the first time I had seen an actual production site, and I honestly thought, 'This is amazing!'

KatoIt was more like she was apprenticing than just visiting (laughs). Eventually, she started showing me sketches in a sketchbook of designs she wanted me to make.



KatoI would build up the image by layering various fragments of what Azusa said and her sketches, and finally bring it to life as jewelry.
One time when she came to visit the atelier, she mentioned wanting a bracelet. While discussing the details of the design she wanted, I made one for her on the spot. Simple pieces can be finished in about two hours.

YoshikawaIt felt like a live performance.

From nine SIXty's works

A New Brand Featuring Azusa Yoshikawa's Designs

—When you're together in the studio like that, do you ever feel that Azusa has a sharp intuition or that you're on the same wavelength?

KatoYes, we do. Through her work as a model, she's seen so many high-quality things, so her perspective on jewelry is different. I always show her new designs before anyone else. I even make prototypes for her.

YoshikawaI'm hoping to do some designing myself eventually.

YoshikawaWhat I'm thinking of is, of course, for women. I want to start with a simple concept, like something I'd want to wear myself. I used to make simple accessories with parts like leather cords and beads, and if I felt an outfit was lacking something, I'd make a simple piece right before going out and wear it. I really enjoyed making them.

KatoI check the designs Azusa comes up with in her sketchbook, make adjustments, and go through trials to refine them into better designs. I learn a lot myself by tracing the way women think.

From nine SIXty's works

—Have you decided on a brand name yet?

YoshikawaIt's still a secret (laughs). Right?

KatoShall we have a meeting about it then? (laughs)

—Thank you very much. We look forward to the unveiling of Azusa Yoshikawa's new brand. We will report on it soon here at OPENERS.