ABOUT US
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Honoring the forms of the past, yet daring to break the mold. Evolving into a unique style that transcends the boundaries of traditional Kanzashi.
At Kanzashi Sugino, we are guided by the Japanese philosophy of Shu-Ha-Ri—to learn, to break away, and to transcend. We have elevated the traditional craft of Tsumami-zaiku, born from artisan wisdom and relentless dedication, into a modern creative art. We cherish the joy of allowing you to wear a piece of beautiful Japanese culture.
Since ancient times, Kanzashi hair ornaments have been crafted with a wish for the wearer’s happiness, adding elegance to women’s hair. We craft each piece with the hope that the women who wear them will bloom as beautifully as flowers, their smiles always radiant.
Through our Kanzashi, we will continue to deliver inspiring experiences that bring joy and color to your heart.
Why Choose Us
1
An Unrivaled Selection of Over 700 Designs
We pride ourselves on offering the most extensive selection in the industry. By curating a diverse range of small-batch designs, we maintain a rich collection of over 700 unique items. This unparalleled variety ensures you will always find the perfect Kanzashi to suit your specific needs and style.

2
Unique Designs Made in Japan
By seamlessly uniting our in-house studio with a trusted network of partner artisans, we create pieces that truly showcase masterful craftsmanship. While fiercely protecting traditional techniques, our flexible production system in Japan allows us to adapt to diverse contemporary needs. The result is a collection defined by uncompromising quality and a distinctive originality that is uniquely ours.

3
Creative Direction by Master Artisan Satoko Sugino
Tokyo Certified Master Artisan Satoko Sugino faithfully inherits authentic techniques while boldly exploring new realms of artistic expression. Beyond crafting her own signature pieces, she leads the creative direction of our collections, dedicated to weaving the charm of traditional crafts into modern lifestyles. Rooted in the precise skills and heartfelt handiwork of a master artisan, she continuously brings fresh designs to life, offering exquisite Tsumami-zaiku that is cherished by many.

Message from the President
Mamoru Sugino
President & CEO, Sugino Shoten Co., Ltd.
For 75 years since our founding, we at Kanzashi Sugino have devoted ourselves daily to a single theme: “Envisioning, creating, and introducing Kanzashi the world has never seen.”
Hair ornaments that beautifully adorn women on life’s most important milestones—such as Coming-of-Age ceremonies, Shichi-Go-San, and weddings—are more than just accessories. We believe that as wearable traditional crafts, they also bring a rich, vibrant color to people’s hearts.
For us, the creation of Kanzashi is nothing short of a mission to society: to pass down Japan’s proud and beautiful traditions to the youth of today, preserving them for the future.
To fulfill this mission, Sugino Shoten has streamlined our processes to consistently deliver exceptional products, growing into the industry’s No. 1 company in customer satisfaction for catalog production. However, our ability to sustain this business for so long is entirely thanks to the unwavering support of many. We are profoundly grateful to our small workshops, artisans, home-based workers, partner factories, numerous business partners, suppliers, our local community, and our dedicated staff.
To repay the kindness of all these individuals, we will continue to craft Kanzashi with deep conviction and passion.
Our dream for the future is to become a company that delivers Kanzashi from our home in Mukojima, Tokyo, to the rest of the world. To achieve this, we hope to welcome as many international visitors as possible to our area. There would be no greater joy for us than to share our Kanzashi—pieces filled with artisan skill and heartfelt dedication—with the world.
In today’s world, there is a growing desire for “wellbeing”—a sustainable and multifaceted happiness. Through our Kanzashi, we aim to create a new traditional culture. Never forgetting our spirit as a “Company that Delivers Moving Experiences,” we will continue to dedicate ourselves to our dream, striving to fill the world, not just Japan, with radiant and colorful smiles.
History & Founding Spirit



Our story began in 1948 when Sugino Shoten was founded in the Ukechi-cho district of Sumida Ward (present-day Mukojima, Tokyo).
Shortly after the war, our founder, Yoshimi Sugino, started his journey by manufacturing and wholesaling handkerchiefs. Through his unwavering dedication, he officially incorporated the business as Sugino Shoten Co., Ltd. in 1954.
Driven by a passion for the craft, he spearheaded the establishment of the Tokyo Hair Ornament Manufacturing Cooperative in 1974. As a founding member, he devoted himself to popularizing traditional hair ornaments and elevating the recognition of this beautiful art form.
The art of Tsumami-zaiku traces its roots back approximately 300 years, originating as a refined pastime among court ladies and the female attendants of feudal lords who delighted in crafting delicate Japanese accessories.
The technique involves cutting fine fabric into small, perfect squares, which are then meticulously pinched, folded, and assembled. Through this delicate process, artisans shape motifs of flowers and birds that beautifully capture Kacho-fugetsu—the traditional Japanese appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature and the changing seasons. Driven by highly advanced techniques and the pursuit of breathtaking beauty, Tsumami-zaiku Kanzashi represents a legacy of extraordinary, unparalleled craftsmanship that continues to be passed down today.






Sugino Shoten proudly inherits the traditional techniques of Tsumami-zaiku. In 2020, we launched “Arenca,” a brand that elevates our long-cultivated craftsmanship to new heights of beauty.
Our dedication has been widely recognized. In 1997, Kunihiro Sugino was honored by the Governor of Tokyo for his contributions to the traditional craft industry, and later served as Chairman of the Tokyo Hair Ornament Manufacturing Cooperative in 2010.
Since Mamoru Sugino became President in 2013, our unwavering mission continues: to share the profound beauty of Tsumami-zaiku and the sincere spirit of the artisans who tirelessly preserve and perfect this craft.
In 2015, we hosted a Tsumami-zaiku workshop for children at our local Koume Elementary School in Mukojima.
By giving the next generation hands-on experience with beauty passed down since the Edo period, we aim to share the world-class artistry of this craft. Our commitment is to contribute to society by expanding the possibilities of Tsumami-zaiku and ensuring this precious Japanese culture lives on in the future.






Driven by a mission to share the beauty of this traditional craft with the world, our artisan Satoko Sugino has dedicated herself to mastering Tsumami-zaiku as a true art form.
In 2019, she was officially commended by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for her outstanding efforts in preserving and advancing these traditional techniques. Honoring this legacy, we continue to move forward, creating new value for the future.
COMPANY PROFILE
Brand Name
Company Name
President & CEO
Founded
Incorporated
Affiliations
Address
Tel
Kanzashi Sugino
Sugino Shoten Co., Ltd.
Mamoru Sugino
September 1948
July 1954
Tokyo Hair Ornament Manufacturing Cooperative (TKK)
Tokyo Cosmetic and Accessory Cooperative
3-20-7 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0033, Japan
+81-3-3624-6846 (Japanese only)
