Creating set styles is very similar to drawing, adding and subtracting elements.

"Uno Kanda always has such wonderful hairstyles. In fact, those styles are Noda's work. He's very attentive and surprisingly skilled at drawing. I always thought someone with his talent would shine somewhere, and then Uno-san took a liking to him. Since then, I feel he's been refining his skills even further. He has more drive than anyone and is always highly motivated. I think he's at the peak of his career right now. He's a stylist I'm excited to watch as his career expands even further," says Kiho Watanabe, representative of uka, about Noda.

—What inspired you to choose this profession?

My parents ran a barbershop, so I was always watching them work. As a child, I vaguely thought I'd end up doing this too. But what really sealed it was my older siblings. My sister and brother both became hairdressers. So, our whole family is in the same line of work (laughs). I never doubted it and just naturally followed this path. I joined this salon right after graduation, and it's been nine years now.

—What are your specialty and favorite styles?

Set styles. I enjoy drawing, and creating set styles is very similar to the process of drawing, adding and subtracting elements. If cutting is about removing, then styling is about creating. Expanding on that imagination is incredibly fun.

The dramatic transformation of an image is also appealing. With cuts, changes are limited to length or perm, but with styling, it's possible to completely recreate a different look. It can conceal flaws or, conversely, effectively highlight strengths. I always look forward to the client's reaction when they see the finished result.

—Do you have a motto or any principles you follow in your work?

The appeal of this job is that you get immediate feedback, unlike just giving something. I want to see clients happy, so first, I try to understand what they're looking for by talking with them extensively and then making suggestions.

uka is a place where you can grow as much as you want, depending on your own motivation.

—What's the most rewarding experience you've had so far?

The first client I styled after becoming a stylist became a repeat customer, and they remembered details from our previous conversation. When they said, "The style last time was so well-received, so I'll leave it to you again today," I was incredibly happy. It was a male student with frizzy, thick hair. I still remember that client vividly.

—Could you tell us about any favorite cosmetics, beauty devices, or tools you use?

It's a toner called 'Eau Personnelle' from Keras Kin (a salon-exclusive skincare brand). I have dry skin. It gets flaky easily, so I don't use much facial cleanser and tend to wash with lukewarm water, trying to avoid dryness. But this product has really improved my skin. I can't live without it now.

—What has moved you recently (or what books, movies, etc. have touched you)?

Michael Jackson's film 'THIS IS IT' is incredible (laughs). The premise is about how to make the audience happy, and he's incredibly stoic, or rather, straightforward about it. Of course, his singing and dancing are top-notch, but his dedication to them is also first-class. Yet, he's not a difficult person at all; in fact, he's considerate of those around him. I feel this movie reveals Michael Jackson's entire personality. I wasn't part of the generation that grew up listening to his music in real-time; I went because I was invited. That made the impact even greater.

—What is the appeal of uka?

Their earnest pursuit of the concept of making clients happy and helping them shine. It's a place where you can grow as much as you want, depending on your own motivation.

—What is Kiho Watanabe's appeal?

Her stoicism in continuously striving for self-improvement. And her philosophy that her own growth leads to client satisfaction. She's usually kind, but strict when it comes to work (laughs). But by keeping up with her, I feel I can also reach a higher level.

—What are the selling points of the Aoyama store?

The Aoyama store is the origin of uka's concept of total beauty. It's the only location where you can experience hair, nails, head spa, esthetics, and eyelash extensions all under one roof.

—Finally, what are your goals for this year?

Opportunities for interviews and features have increased since last year, so this year I want to be more proactive, believe in my potential, and take a step forward. First, I'll give my best for this project!

<uka × OPENERS Special Project>
uka Aoyama Store
Stylist Masashi Noda
Content | Set Style + Point Makeup
Duration | Approx. 90-120 minutes (service time varies depending on set and makeup)
Price | ¥8,500 (Sold exclusively on the web shopping site "rumors")

Stylist Masashi Noda
Hometown | Toyama Prefecture
Zodiac Sign | Gemini
Hobbies | Painting, Basketball, Skiing & Snowboarding

uka Aoyama Store
3-2-2 MR BLD. 2,3F, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5771-7791
www.uka.co.jp