What is Jay's lucky charm?

Tsujimura experienced the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake in Japan. "During the earthquake, my studio in Yanaka shook violently, and all the books fell. Seeing that scene, a different category, a different feeling, emerged within me."

This led to the creation of the charm "HOPE JAPAN ~ HOPE Necklace (DOVE)," which his partner Keiko also praises. Tsujimura designed the dove, symbolizing hope for Japan's recovery, inspired by Picasso's dove. The left wing is inscribed with "HOPE," the right wing with "JAPAN," and the body features a delicate openwork of the Japanese map.

Unlike the cool, sharp impression of his Leica dress-up jewelry and Gibson truss rod covers, the dove charm is engraved with Tsujimura's favorite words: "Just Don't Give Up, Don't Stop Believin'."

"What I'm wearing now is inspired by Ebisu and Daikoku, a lucky charm for Japanese people. These are times when everyone in America is focused on the individual, pursuing their dreams throughout their lives as a matter of course. So, when you feel like giving up, I want you to look at the words on your jewelry and remember why you're wearing it. That's my wish," says Tsujimura.

Let's be stylish in Koenji

"After experiencing the earthquake, I realized that feelings are more important than material things. Jewelry transformed from something to show off, like 'Look how cool this is, I can impress people,' into something I cherish for myself. Tattoos that foreigners get are like prayers or talismans in Japan, and I want my jewelry to be that too. So, in Koenji, I want to carry myself with a bit more style," he says with a smile.

Currently, his sterling silver 925 hot shoe covers and soft release buttons are particularly noteworthy. "A photographer friend showed me a plastic hot shoe cover, and inspired by that, I created one. An Italian design magazine featured it, and within two weeks, I received inquiries from 26 countries worldwide. My Instagram followers also include people who appreciate my work, and I truly felt the world moving," he recalls.

Creators want reactions more than money

"In the past, our business relied on retail buyers recognizing and purchasing our work to get it out into the world. But now, we receive reactions through social media, which is a very gratifying situation for creators. Honestly, I want reactions more than money, and I believe all creators feel the same way," says Tsujimura.

"Therefore, at this Koenji atelier, I'm thinking of renting out the showcase space to those who want to create something. I want it to be a launchpad for hungry, motivated individuals, a place where passionate people can gather."

Finally, he added a message for young creators: "You can't survive without passion."


Studio (Atelier & Shop)
"Jay Tsujimura Tokyo Hand Crafted Jewelry"
2-49-14 Koenji Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 1F
Tel. 03-5929-7620
Hours | 13:00–19:00 (Fri–Sun, Holidays) Weekdays by appointment
Nearest Stations | 5 min walk from JR Koenji Station, 7 min walk from Marunouchi Line Shin-Koenji Station

JAY TSUJIMURA
A jewelry designer of unique originality, possessing both creativity (sensitivity) and technical skill. He spent 15 years creating in London and New York, captivating numerous celebrities including Lenny Kravitz (musician), Matt Dillon (actor), Dustin Hoffman (actor), Junior Vasquez (DJ), Paul Smith (designer), Simon Doonan (Barneys Director), Oribe (hairstylist), and in Japan, Hidetoshi Nakata, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, Fumiya Fujii, Takanori Jinai, and HIRO (leader of EXILE). His designs, which leave room for creativity to blend seamlessly with high fashion, express composure, playfulness, or wildness depending on the wearer's sensibility, achieving a high level of total harmony.
http://jaytsujimura.com
http://shopjay.com

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