jOEWELL OFFICIAL WEB SHOP

Corporate Philosophy

We advance through relentless pursuit of technology and high quality. We take joy in creating products that contribute widely to the world. We aim to improve our lives through steady business development.

Joewell Brand Vision Always, your highest quality. What determines the quality of scissors? Various factors can be considered, such as smooth cutting performance, long-lasting sharpness, and beautiful appearance. Joewell defines scissor quality as “the ability to achieve ideal hairstyles exactly as the customer envisions.” Because customer needs around the world are diverse, meeting the needs of each individual creates “highest quality.” The pursuit of and passion for “highest quality” has never ceased since our founding in 1917. Joewell delivers “highest quality” to customers worldwide based on techniques, skills, know-how, and experience cultivated over many years. While providing “highest quality,” we also pursue customer satisfaction by considering the balance between the quality and price that customers desire. History of Tohkosha Since its founding in 1917 (Taisho 6), we present the history that Tohkosha has walked to this day. 1917 Founding Tohkosha was founded in 1917. Founder Toyosaku Inoue (1894-1980), born in Tanushimaru, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, moved to Tokyo at age 19 in 1913. After apprenticing with a medical instrument craftsman in Tokyo’s Hongo area who manufactured scissors and scalpels, he became independent in 1917 at age 23 after three years of training.

From left: Founder Toyosaku Inoue / Former Tokyo Factory / Old Catalog

1921 Two Birds Mark Entry into barber scissors began in 1921. Because this was the Year of the Rooster, “Two Birds Mark” was adopted as the trademark. Production began on “all-steel” scissors like those used for medical purposes that came from the West. Development also began on scissors using stainless steel materials available at that time. By applying a carburizing process to stainless steel, surface hardening was successfully achieved. These products were exhibited at the 1922 Taisho Peace Exhibition, where they received a silver cup, marking the first step toward recognition that “the Two Birds Mark exists in the scissors industry.” Tohkosha had been producing at the Itabashi factory in Tokyo since 1955 but began establishing the Iwate factory in 1981. Subsequently, in 1989, the Tokyo factory was closed and merged with the Iwate factory. Boasting one of Japan’s largest factories dedicated to hair scissors, it is equipped with the latest facilities. With a development and research department, the company consistently carries out everything from basic scissor research to new product development and manufacturing. Scissors created by the hands of craftsmen and cutting-edge technology are shipped not only to Japan but also worldwide. * * 1975 JOEWELL Tohkosha actively began expanding overseas around 1977. In 1977, as the first step in establishing a sales network in European countries, an agency was opened in London. The establishment of the London agency was triggered when a Japanese hairstylist who entered the Sassoon School brought Tohkosha scissors, which the school’s teacher liked so much that they purchased them. Through word of mouth among hairstylists, they quickly spread worldwide. In America, the company made its first exhibition at the New York International Beauty Show and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (B.B.S.I.) trade fair held in Miami, Florida in 1977, creating a significant response as high-quality Japanese scissors. In 1978, the company acquired a U.S. agency and established a branch office in Los Angeles, America. From 1979 onwards, agencies were established in Europe, Oceania, and Asian countries. The company has been exhibiting at shows held worldwide, including HAIR WORLD since the 1986 Las Vegas convention in America, as well as others such as COSMOPROF. JOEWELL is loved by hairstylists worldwide as the top-share brand of Japanese-made scissors. * * 2017 100th Anniversary Tohkosha’s products have won the Good Design Award for three consecutive years since 2006. Additionally, it was selected as one of the “300 Vibrant Manufacturing SMEs of 2007” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In recent years, the company has also been actively engaged in joint research with various university research institutions. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, Tohkosha will continue to thoroughly commit to “scissors” making in its business development. Joewell Around the World History 1917 Founded by Toyosaku Inoue. Began manufacturing and selling various medical scissors. 1921 Started manufacturing and selling barber scissors (trademark “Two Birds”). 1922 Exhibited at the “Peace Memorial Tokyo Exhibition,” won silver cup. Manufactured stainless steel scissors, which were rare at the time. 1943 Merged with several companies in the same industry under wartime decree, establishing Seiken Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. 1944 Merged with Japan Medical Equipment Industry Co., Ltd., a comprehensive manufacturer of medical devices. 1950 Rebuilt as Tohkosha, a specialized manufacturer of barber scissors in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. 1959 Built a factory in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, and relocated the production division. 1963 Reorganized as a corporation. 1975 Began selling the beauty scissors brand “JOEWELL” and officially launched export business. 1977 First exhibited at a beauty supplies exhibition in New York, USA. Continued exhibiting at major exhibitions worldwide thereafter. 1978 Developed and began selling cobalt-based alloy scissors. Established a branch in Los Angeles, USA. 1981 Built and began operating the Iwate factory in Iwate Town, Iwate Prefecture. 1988 Relocated the Los Angeles branch and opened a service center. 1989 Relocated the Los Angeles branch to Canoga Park. Integrated the production division into the Iwate factory and closed the Tokyo factory. 2002 Established the Pet Division. Began manufacturing and selling “DOGWELL” scissors exclusively for pets. 2006 The beauty scissors “JOEWELL SUPREME” won the Good Design Award. 2007 Established the Medical Division. The beauty scissors “JOEWELL FX-PRO” won the Good Design Award. Selected as one of the “300 Vibrant Manufacturing Companies” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The Los Angeles branch relocated to Chatsworth due to business expansion. 2008 The Medical Division released JOEWELL ERGO SUPER scissors. 2011 Released Customized Scissors. Hiroshi Kutara of our Iwate factory received the “Contemporary Master Craftsman (Distinguished Technician)” award from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. 2013 Hiroshi Kutara of our Iwate factory received the “Yellow Ribbon Medal.” 2019 Chairman Hiroshi Inoue received the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.”

About Us

Corporate Philosophy

We advance through relentless pursuit of technology and high quality. We take joy in creating products that contribute widely to the world. We aim to improve our lives through steady business development.

Joewell Brand Vision Always, your highest quality. What determines the quality of scissors? Various factors can be considered, such as smooth cutting performance, long-lasting sharpness, and beautiful appearance. Joewell defines scissor quality as “the ability to achieve ideal hairstyles exactly as the customer envisions.” Because customer needs around the world are diverse, meeting the needs of each individual creates “highest quality.” The pursuit of and passion for “highest quality” has never ceased since our founding in 1917. Joewell delivers “highest quality” to customers worldwide based on techniques, skills, know-how, and experience cultivated over many years. While providing “highest quality,” we also pursue customer satisfaction by considering the balance between the quality and price that customers desire. History of Tohkosha Since its founding in 1917 (Taisho 6), we present the history that Tohkosha has walked to this day. 1917 Founding Tohkosha was founded in 1917. Founder Toyosaku Inoue (1894-1980), born in Tanushimaru, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, moved to Tokyo at age 19 in 1913. After apprenticing with a medical instrument craftsman in Tokyo’s Hongo area who manufactured scissors and scalpels, he became independent in 1917 at age 23 after three years of training.

From left: Founder Toyosaku Inoue / Former Tokyo Factory / Old Catalog

1921 Two Birds Mark Entry into barber scissors began in 1921. Because this was the Year of the Rooster, “Two Birds Mark” was adopted as the trademark. Production began on “all-steel” scissors like those used for medical purposes that came from the West. Development also began on scissors using stainless steel materials available at that time. By applying a carburizing process to stainless steel, surface hardening was successfully achieved. These products were exhibited at the 1922 Taisho Peace Exhibition, where they received a silver cup, marking the first step toward recognition that “the Two Birds Mark exists in the scissors industry.” Tohkosha had been producing at the Itabashi factory in Tokyo since 1955 but began establishing the Iwate factory in 1981. Subsequently, in 1989, the Tokyo factory was closed and merged with the Iwate factory. Boasting one of Japan’s largest factories dedicated to hair scissors, it is equipped with the latest facilities. With a development and research department, the company consistently carries out everything from basic scissor research to new product development and manufacturing. Scissors created by the hands of craftsmen and cutting-edge technology are shipped not only to Japan but also worldwide. * * 1975 JOEWELL Tohkosha actively began expanding overseas around 1977. In 1977, as the first step in establishing a sales network in European countries, an agency was opened in London. The establishment of the London agency was triggered when a Japanese hairstylist who entered the Sassoon School brought Tohkosha scissors, which the school’s teacher liked so much that they purchased them. Through word of mouth among hairstylists, they quickly spread worldwide. In America, the company made its first exhibition at the New York International Beauty Show and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (B.B.S.I.) trade fair held in Miami, Florida in 1977, creating a significant response as high-quality Japanese scissors. In 1978, the company acquired a U.S. agency and established a branch office in Los Angeles, America. From 1979 onwards, agencies were established in Europe, Oceania, and Asian countries. The company has been exhibiting at shows held worldwide, including HAIR WORLD since the 1986 Las Vegas convention in America, as well as others such as COSMOPROF. JOEWELL is loved by hairstylists worldwide as the top-share brand of Japanese-made scissors. * * 2017 100th Anniversary Tohkosha’s products have won the Good Design Award for three consecutive years since 2006. Additionally, it was selected as one of the “300 Vibrant Manufacturing SMEs of 2007” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In recent years, the company has also been actively engaged in joint research with various university research institutions. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017, Tohkosha will continue to thoroughly commit to “scissors” making in its business development. Joewell Around the World History 1917 Founded by Toyosaku Inoue. Began manufacturing and selling various medical scissors. 1921 Started manufacturing and selling barber scissors (trademark “Two Birds”). 1922 Exhibited at the “Peace Memorial Tokyo Exhibition,” won silver cup. Manufactured stainless steel scissors, which were rare at the time. 1943 Merged with several companies in the same industry under wartime decree, establishing Seiken Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. 1944 Merged with Japan Medical Equipment Industry Co., Ltd., a comprehensive manufacturer of medical devices. 1950 Rebuilt as Tohkosha, a specialized manufacturer of barber scissors in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. 1959 Built a factory in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, and relocated the production division. 1963 Reorganized as a corporation. 1975 Began selling the beauty scissors brand “JOEWELL” and officially launched export business. 1977 First exhibited at a beauty supplies exhibition in New York, USA. Continued exhibiting at major exhibitions worldwide thereafter. 1978 Developed and began selling cobalt-based alloy scissors. Established a branch in Los Angeles, USA. 1981 Built and began operating the Iwate factory in Iwate Town, Iwate Prefecture. 1988 Relocated the Los Angeles branch and opened a service center. 1989 Relocated the Los Angeles branch to Canoga Park. Integrated the production division into the Iwate factory and closed the Tokyo factory. 2002 Established the Pet Division. Began manufacturing and selling “DOGWELL” scissors exclusively for pets. 2006 The beauty scissors “JOEWELL SUPREME” won the Good Design Award. 2007 Established the Medical Division. The beauty scissors “JOEWELL FX-PRO” won the Good Design Award. Selected as one of the “300 Vibrant Manufacturing Companies” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The Los Angeles branch relocated to Chatsworth due to business expansion. 2008 The Medical Division released JOEWELL ERGO SUPER scissors. 2011 Released Customized Scissors. Hiroshi Kutara of our Iwate factory received the “Contemporary Master Craftsman (Distinguished Technician)” award from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. 2013 Hiroshi Kutara of our Iwate factory received the “Yellow Ribbon Medal.” 2019 Chairman Hiroshi Inoue received the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.”