Joewell Hair Scissors: A Legacy of Japanese Hair Shears

Joewell, a distinguished brand under Tokosha Co., Ltd., has been a cornerstone of the professional hairdressing industry since its inception in 1917. Renowned for its precision-engineered hair scissors, Joewell combines Japanese craftsmanship with innovative technology to deliver tools that meet the diverse needs of hairdressers and barbers worldwide. This report provides a detailed exploration of Joewell hair scissors, covering the company’s history, product offerings, manufacturing processes, global presence, accolades, and commitment to sustainability. It serves as an informative resource for the company’s website, highlighting why Joewell remains a trusted name in the industry.

Company History

Founded in 1917 by Toyosaku Inoue in Tokyo, Japan, Tokosha Co., Ltd. initially specialized in manufacturing medical cutting tools. The company’s founder, born in 1894 in Tanushimaru, Kurume city, Fukuoka, laid the foundation for a legacy of precision and quality. Over the decades, Tokosha evolved to meet the needs of the hairdressing industry, marking significant milestones:

• 1921: Tokosha began producing barber scissors, adopting the Rooster as its trademark, a symbol still associated with the brand today.

• 1975: The Joewell brand was launched, targeting beauty salons with premium scissors designed for professional stylists.

• 2006-2009: Joewell products earned the prestigious Good Design Award for three consecutive years, solidifying its reputation for excellence.

• 2007: Recognized as one of Japan’s 300 Vibrant Monodzukuri (Manufacturing) SMEs, highlighting its contribution to innovative manufacturing.

• 2017: Celebrated its 100th anniversary, continuing to advance through collaborative research with universities and research institutes.

From its origins in medical tools to its current status as a global leader in hair scissors, Joewell’s evolution reflects a commitment to quality and innovation (Joewell History).

Product Range

Joewell offers an extensive array of professional hair cutting tools, designed to cater to various styling techniques and preferences. The product lineup includes:

• Cutting Scissors: Available in multiple sizes and styles, such as the Classic series, a global bestseller for over 30 years, known for its reliability and precision.

• Thinning Scissors: Feature razor-sharp teeth for texturing and thinning hair, providing stylists with professional control.

• Left-Handed Scissors: Ergonomically designed for left-handed stylists, ensuring comfort and accuracy.

• Specialty Scissors: Includes innovative models like the TONO series, which features a cone-shaped finger ring for enhanced grip and comfort.

• Styling Shears: Lightweight and ergonomic, ideal for prolonged use without causing hand fatigue.

Key Features

Joewell scissors are distinguished by their superior craftsmanship and thoughtful design:

• Material: Crafted from premium Japanese steel, such as Hitachi Steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability.

• Ergonomics: Lightweight and ergonomic designs reduce wrist strain, making them ideal for extended use.

• Precision: Hand-finished blades deliver smooth, silent cutting action for clean, precise cuts.

• Versatility: Available in flat, convex, and offset blade types to suit various cutting techniques.

• Customization: Over 200 models tailored for markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For a detailed look at specific models, visit Joewell Products.

Manufacturing Process

Joewell’s commitment to quality is evident in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Japan, the largest dedicated to hair cutting scissors in the country. The production process combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology:

• Material Selection: High-grade Japanese steel, sourced from trusted suppliers like Hitachi Steel, ensures durability and sharpness.

• Craftsmanship: Master artisans with decades of experience hand-finish each pair, using advanced technology to create award-winning designs.

• Quality Control: Rigorous standards are applied throughout the design, production, and testing phases to guarantee precision and performance.

• Innovation: Continuous refinement of designs addresses the evolving needs of the hairdressing and barbering industries.

A glimpse into the manufacturing process is available through a video on the YouTube channel "industories!" showcasing the Iwate Factory, though some proprietary processes remain confidential (Joewell Company Profile).

Manufacturing Highlights

Aspect	Details
Facility	Largest hair scissor factory in Japan, located in Iwate-machi.
Materials	Premium Japanese steel (e.g., Hitachi Steel) for durability.
Craftsmanship	Hand-finished by master artisans using advanced technology.
Quality Control	Strict standards ensure precision and customer satisfaction.

Global Presence

Joewell scissors are distributed in over 50 countries, making them a staple in salons and barbershops worldwide. The brand’s global success is driven by its ability to provide tools that meet the diverse needs of professionals. Authorized distributors, such as HairArt Inc. in the United States (HairArt Inc.), ensure authentic Joewell products are accessible to stylists. The brand’s reputation for quality and innovation has made it a trusted choice among top hairdressers globally.

Awards and Recognition

Joewell’s dedication to excellence has earned it numerous international accolades, reflecting its leadership in design and manufacturing:

• 2006-2009: Good Design Award for three consecutive years, recognizing outstanding product design.

• 2017: Good Design Award for the Joewell Classic series.

• 2018: iF GOLD AWARD for the Joewell SPM Series, celebrating innovative design.

• 2019: Red Dot Award for the Joewell SPM BT series, a testament to its aesthetic and functional excellence.

These awards underscore Joewell’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative tools that enhance the hairdressing experience (HairArt Awards).

Award Summary

Year	Award	Product/Series
2006-2009	Good Design Award	Various Joewell products
2017	Good Design Award	Classic Series
2018	iF GOLD AWARD	SPM Series
2019	Red Dot Award	SPM BT Series

Sustainability Initiatives

Joewell is committed to environmental and social responsibility, integrating sustainable practices into its operations:

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Transitioned from plastic to paper packaging to reduce environmental impact.

• Sharpening Services: Offers professional sharpening to extend the lifespan of scissors, promoting resource conservation.

• Local Collaboration: Partners with the urushi (lacquer) industry in Japan to use renewable, safe materials.

• Workplace Inclusivity: Maintains a supportive workplace with 25% female employees and policies allowing men to take childcare leave.

• Community Impact: Located in Iwate-machi, recognized as a “2020 SDGs Future City” by the Japanese government, reflecting its contribution to sustainable development.

• Educational Outreach: Accepts factory tours to pass on traditional skills and craftsmanship.

These initiatives highlight Joewell’s holistic approach to sustainability, balancing environmental stewardship with social responsibility (Joewell Company Profile).

Conclusion

Joewell hair scissors embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship, blending over a century of expertise with modern innovation. From its humble beginnings in 1917 to its current status as a global leader, Joewell has consistently delivered precision tools that empower hairdressers and barbers. With a diverse product range, award-winning designs, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Joewell remains a trusted partner for professionals worldwide. This report underscores the brand’s legacy and its ongoing dedication to excellence, making it an ideal resource for the company’s website information page.