ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑHISTORY
1921 – when it all began!
In the heart of Tokyo, Hirokazu Mizutani’s grandfather, Yorigi Mizutani, established a small workshop to manufacture hairdressing scissors. As a trained hairdresser, he was not satisfied with the quality of scissors available on the market at that time. Initially, he made scissors for himself, but his production quickly evolved into a small but fine scissor forge. “Mizutani Scissors” was born! Later, the grandfather handed the company over to his son, Motokazu Mizutani. Due to the high demand and the dominance of larger companies, Motokazu decided to work as a subcontractor for other firms. Although he could fully concentrate on the scissors and their quality, he soon lost the tight contact with hairdressers which Mizutani had before. That was when his eldest son, Hirokazu Mizutani, discovered his interest in his father’s craft business. He had been familiar with the production facility since childhood – it was his playground.
His interest grew day by day. At the age of 39, Hirokazu Mizutani took over his father’s company on one condition: he wanted to sell his products directly to hairdressers! His hunger for design and quality was enormous. Quickly, the small company became a scissor production facility that gained a reputation for quality scissors in Japan. Three years later (2001), we came into play. A mutual friend from Tokyo introduced us to Hirokazu Mizutani. By that time, his hairdressing scissors were already considered a secret tip in Japan.
Our friend visited us in Baden-Baden, together with Hirokazu Mizutani, with the intention to present his scissors. It was striking that the scissors were sold without brand names. In response to our surprise, Hirokazu Mizutani said, “Why do we need a brand? Our scissors are good enough on their own!” No branding – unthinkable nowadays! Furthermore, it was noticeable that the scissors were not suitable for the European market due to their proportions.
The cutting blades were too long, and the eyes were too small. The reason for this is that cutting is done differently in Japan. From the moment of the first meeting, a symbiosis emerged, and from then on, intensive communication was ongoing. We knew the hairdressing market in Europe well and knew what was in demand. After all, we could look back on 15 years of experience with Japanese hairdressing scissors already.
With the help of many hairdressers from Germany, such as Thorsten Hussfeld, Peter Hartmann, Christian Sieferlinger, Olaf Krebs, Klaus Späth, Marco Budzinski, K.D. Kaiser, and many others, the scissors were tested, inspected, and evaluated. Every little remark was taken seriously. The corresponding steel was sought and found, combined with forward-looking design. Even the desire for scissors made of high-quality rolled Damascus steel was jointly promoted. Mizutani’s scissors were now ready for the European market. The next years were characterized by constant innovation. Every challenge that Hirokazu Mizutani and we faced was met with great success by the Mizutani chief and his team. Meanwhile, Mizutani had received many industrial awards for quality and design in Japan. In Europe, we were still at the beginning, but we always thought outside the box and questioned our work. It was only a matter of time before Mizutani scissors also gained attention in Europe. In 2011, a collection of creative and innovative scissors set out to revolutionize the world for hairdressing scissors. The feedback from hairdressers in Germany was overwhelming and brought our scissors to first place at the Salonstar Awards 2011. The justified success was confirmed by another first place in the following year 2012. All expectations of Hirokazu Mizutani and us were exceeded. Now it is time to thank all those hairdressers who have made Mizutani one of the most sought-after brands for hair cutting scissors in Europe.
This interest grew from day to day. At the age of 39 Hirokazu Mizutani took over his father’s company under one condition: he wanted to sell his products to hairdressers himself! His hunger for design and quality was immense. Soon the small company became a scissors production, which has made a name for itself in Japan for quality scissors. Three years later – in 2001 – we joined the Mizutani Scissors World. A mutual friend from Tokyo drew our attention to Hirokazu Mizutani. At that time his hairdressing scissors were already an insider tip in Japan.
Our friend visited us together with Hirokazu Mizutani in Baden-Baden for a presentation of his scissors. It was noticeable that the scissors were sold without brand names. Hirokazu Mizutani responded to our surprise with “Why a brand? It is enough that our scissors are good!” Unthinkable nowadays! It was also noticed that the scissors were not suitable for the European market due to their proportions. The cutting blades were too long, the eyes too small. The reason for this is that cutting techniques are different in Japan. Our interest was aroused and Hirokazu Mizutani wanted to know everything. From now on there was constant communication. We knew the hairdressing market in Europe well and knew what was in demand, after all we could look back on 15 years of experience with Japanese hairdressing scissors.
With the help of many hairdressers from Germany, such as Thorsten Hussfeld, Peter Hartmann, Christian Sieferlinger, Olaf Krebs, Klaus Späth, Marco Budzinski, K.D. Kaiser and many more, we tested, checked, evaluated and criticized. Every comment, no matter how small, was taken seriously. The steel meeting our requirements was sought and found, forward-looking design was added. Even the wish of Edina Peterli for a pair of scissors made of noble rolled damascene steel was fulfilled. Mizutani scissors were now ready for the European market. The next years were characterized by constant innovation. Hirokazu Mizutani mastered every challenge we presented him with brilliance. In the meantime, Mizutani had received many industry awards for quality and design in Japan. In Germany, we were still in the early days, but we always thought laterally and questioned our work. So it was only a matter of time before people in this country also became aware of Mizutani scissors. In 2011 the time had come. A collection full of creative and innovative scissors set out to revolutionize the world market of hairdressing scissors. The thanks of the hairdressers in Germany were overwhelming and brought our scissors to the 1st place at the Salonstar 2011. That this victory was justified was confirmed by the renewed 1st place in the following year 2012. All expectations of Hirokazu Mizutani and us were exceeded. Now it is time to thank all those hairdressers who made Mizutani a star.