A butterfly only gracefully takes flight after its chrysalis stage.

—First, regarding the new brand name. It's been half a year since EXCeL became 'uka'. How have customers reacted?

Initially, everyone's reaction was, 'Eh?!' Especially our long-time customers seemed quite shocked. But once they learned the new name was 'uka,' they found it cute and easy to remember. No one had a negative impression at all. However, they still find it a bit hard to get used to. I haven't quite gotten used to it myself yet (laughs).

—'uka' (meaning 'to emerge' or 'to molt') embodies the desire for a place where women can beautifully take flight as independent adults, much like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. It's a lovely name.

Actually, the name came about because of the logo design. At first, we were struggling to decide on a name, wanting to keep the EXCEL name. But then the logo design was completed, and the 'E' and 'B' designs, while representing EXCEL BEAUTY, initially looked like a 'butterfly.' That's when it struck me.

No matter how beautifully you style your hair or how stylish your clothes are, if your heart isn't joyful, your expression won't shine. When I observe our clients, the look on their faces when they are truly delighted is distinctly different from when they are simply pleased with a refreshing service. It affects their demeanor when they leave.

Therefore, I thought about how we could elevate our clients' spirits and make them 'beautiful through their expressions.' Considering beautiful hair and nails as means to that end, the image of a butterfly 'beautifully taking flight' after its chrysalis stage became very strong. In essence, a butterfly takes flight after 'molting'—'uka' in Japanese. That's how the name uka came about.

—Your first product, 'Nail Oil,' is also incredibly popular.

Personally, I initially thought the fragrance might be a bit too strong, but once it was commercialized, I realized this very strength was what captivated people.

There are many other discoveries too. For example, layering scents. Mixing '13:00' and '18:30' creates another wonderful aroma. Our clients even say, 'I wish there was a nail oil with this scent!' That's when I realized, 'Ah, '13:00' can also be used as a base for mixing' (laughs). Mixing it with '24:45' is also recommended.

We plan to gradually expand the range of nail oil fragrances. We aim to release the next new scent within this year.

We proudly introduce our first lineup of featured staff!

—uka is constantly embarking on new ventures, and this 'OPENERS Special Project' is one of them.

I've always been interested in selling our services online. Even back in the EXCeL days, we often had customers buying gift certificates for services like head spas for their friends. They were essentially gifting 'skills' rather than physical products. This, in turn, often led to new customers visiting the salon.
So, with the salon's rebranding to uka, I wanted to give many more customers the chance to 'take flight.' Furthermore, I wanted our staff to 'take flight' as well. With these thoughts in mind, I conceived this project.

Being featured in the media and having their faces shown publicly significantly boosts the staff's motivation. I myself have experienced interviews for magazines and TV, and have had my own pages in OPENERS. The pressure of hearing people say, 'I saw it!' has been incredibly beneficial. I want our staff to have similar experiences, and since they are more than capable of meeting such opportunities, I want to confidently introduce this first group of featured members.

—The offerings are also very appealing. For this OPENERS special project, we've prepared set menus not usually available at the salon, at a remarkably attractive price.

These are all my personal recommendations. While performing services, I always recommend specific staff to our clients, saying things like, 'So-and-so is great at blow-drying,' or 'Marumaru's massage is the best!' I've essentially brought that practice online (laughs).

—How did the staff react to being suddenly chosen?

They were incredibly enthusiastic (laughs). People truly start to shine when they receive a little spotlight. I'm sure they will approach this with a good sense of nervous excitement. Please look forward to it.

—For this project, some customers will be drawn purely by the menu, while others might see it as a perfect opportunity to finally visit uka, a place they may have previously felt was too exclusive...

That's a significant misunderstanding. There seems to be a perception that uka is exclusive, but in reality, it's quite the opposite. We are far more at-home and welcoming than many other salons. All our staff have a great sense of humor and are very lively, so please feel free to visit us.

Their skills, sense, and personalities are all impeccable!

—Your personal menu is also a highlight.

I haven't taken on new clients for quite some time, so the feeling of meeting first-time clients is a rare one. I'm already feeling a bit nervous (laughs). The service includes a hand gel nail treatment, one bottle of nail oil, and beauty advice. We've prepared a private room, so I believe you can relax comfortably.

While I appreciate design, I love nail care even more. Above all, I prioritize 'nurturing the natural nail,' and I am confident in my abilities in that regard.

Regarding designs, I believe the fingertips are not just the tips of the nails but are connected to a person's style and way of life. Therefore, I personally don't favor flashy designs. I aim to create nails that are simple, elegant, and admired by others as 'stylish.' I hope you will consider my services!

<uka × OPENERS Special Project>
uka Midtown Store
Top Nailist Kiho Watanabe
Service Details | Hand Gel Nail Treatment with Beauty Advice + Choice of One Nail Oil as a Gift (VIP Room Use)
Duration | Approx. 150 minutes
Price | ¥30,000 (Available exclusively through the web shopping site 'rumors')

uka Tokyo Midtown Store
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown Galleria 2F
Tel. 03-5413-7236
www.uka.co.jp