OUR STORY
An era in which barbers can communicate their own worldview and create new fans.
When Barber & Apparel Nakamura Shoten started to seriously start making cutting capes in 2014, it all started with the realization that "barbers needed tools that could better reflect their individuality."
Moving away from the traditional "white cape," and with the acceleration of digital marketing such as social media and video, capes that allow hairdressers to express their individuality are sure to pave the way for the future of barbering.
Now, I have a feeling that this new barber culture will continue to spread.
Here, we will share the aspirations that Nakamura Shoten has had since it was first established, its message to barbers, and the story that will continue into the future.
A change of mindset
"Barber branding took off in 2014."
In the past, a white cape was the norm at a barber shop. Although it was simple and uniform, it did not truly reflect the individuality of the barber.
In 2014, the wave of social media and digital marketing really took off, and the era of self-branding began.
In response to this question, "What kind of space do we create and what message do we convey?" barbers began to think about the world view of their own salons.
What I realized in the process was that "capes are also an important element in expressing the individuality of barbers and salon owners."
Communicating originality
"Today, barber branding is becoming a comprehensive art of 'space and tools'"
We now live in an age where barbers can promote their skills and their spaces primarily through visual platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
People choose "which store they want to visit and what kind of experience they want to have" from photos and videos on social media.
The visual aspect of the "cutting cape" plays just as big a role as the chairs, mirrors, and interior design.
Since the beginning of 2014, Nakamura Shoten has focused on capes as a tool that barbers can use to convey the individuality of their shop.
In addition to the traditional "white," we offer a variety of designs, colors, and sustainable materials to support each barber's branding.
Fusion with reality
"The barber industry is moving towards an era of designing stories."
In the future, online and offline will become even more closely linked, and the ability of barbers to communicate will become increasingly important.
What kind of video will you shoot and what story will you share? This will be your first point of contact with new customers and the starting point for creating new fans.
That's why it's essential to pay attention not only to the quality of the service, but also to the appearance and world view itself.
The cape is a branding tool that instantly conveys the brand's unique style.
Nakamura Shoten's Cape aims to embody the story of each barber with a single piece of fabric, communicate it, and evoke sympathy - this is our vision for the future.
Express your individuality with a cape
The world of barbering is constantly evolving, and we now live in an age where "branding = the ability to communicate" is key.
However, we believe that the essence is to "express your individuality and make customers feel comfortable through it."
Nakamura Shoten's capes reflect the "worldview" and "particularities" of barbers, and we want to help them break new ground in the times - with this thought in mind, we continue to design them every day.
Now, let's boldly and proudly express our individuality as we move into a new era.
HISTORY
2014
First cut cloth
The first Karifu was released in 2014.
It all started here.
2014'
BARBER MTG.
A group of barbers gathered in Shinbashi, Tokyo through Facebook.
At that time, nobody was anyone.
They talked about the future of barbering culture.
2015
The Dawn of a New Barber Culture
This was the year that a new barbering culture began to emerge in Japan.
Everyone began to search for the answer: "What does it mean to be uniquely myself?"
2016
SMASH OR DIE.
Culture mix.
This year, a collaborative cape with table tennis was released.
Barbering originally had a concept called "barber slash."
I'll talk about this another time.
2017
Redefinition
Barbering was being redefined more and more.
It's about learning from the past.
2018
JULIUS
Modern, updated barbering has made its way into the mainstream.
2019
Toraichi™️
A cape created in collaboration with workwear brand Toraichi.
Barber culture does not exist in the industry.
It has to be incorporated into every scene.
2020
CBC
This was the year we decided to advocate for custom Barber capes.
Releasing individuality is important for every barber.
2021
Transform yourself
While they tout the uniqueness of barbers, what about themselves?
I ask myself this question every day.
The conflict never ends.
2022
WTFMore
Nakamura Shoten is a Japanese brand.
If that is the case, then isn't it necessary to update the beauty that has matured in Japan to the correct answer and deliver it to our customers?
2023
Creative
Designer KEIKO is always devoting her whole heart and soul to pioneering new designs.
Without her, Nakamura Shoten would never reach the next level.
Can the barbers keep up?
2024
10-year milestone
It has been 10 years since Nakamura Shoten was released to the world.
What remains the same from the past to the present is
The release of uniqueness
To unlock the identity of barbers.
And today, a new generation is further elevating barber culture.
You also don't have time to stand still.
Let's go together.
To tomorrow.
TRUE BARBER CAPES
Let your customers wear the real thing.
To let them feel your enthusiasm.