BRAID KING NORI

Pursuit of Individuality and Beauty

My journey into the world of hairstyling began when I was a child, influenced by watching my mother and brother who work as hairstylists. While the power and expression of beauty fascinated me, it was their ability to send customers away with smiles that truly inspired me. I wanted to experience that same joy through my work.

From a young age, I had a strong interest in hairstyles, both my own and others’, so it was a natural decision for me to attend beauty school. During my time there, I was inspired by individuals with strong personalities and encouraged by friends who helped me embrace my unique style. After graduating, I started working at a salon in Harajuku called “upsy daisy”,” where I mainly performed assistant duties.

NORI as a hairdresser, September 2017 After just one year of training, I decided to open my own salon. During my student days, school regulations often restricted my ability to choose the hairstyles I liked, which stifled my self-expression. This restriction only fueled my desire to express myself even more.

Driven by a strong desire to create a space where everyone could freely express themselves through their hairstyles, I established “Hair Game Club” in the fashion hub of Harajuku. Since then, this salon has become a place where individuality and beauty are pursued with passion.

Respect for Black Culture

The term “cultural appropriation” is often used when the majority superficially adopts elements of minority cultures. While it generally carries a negative connotation, I see it as an opportunity for cultural understanding and respect. By incorporating Black cultural hairstyles, I aim to show respect for the culture and eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices.

At the “Kami Yuugi Club” in Harajuku with OZworld, both born on the same day. At “Hair Game Club”, we strive to eliminate biases against Black cultural hairstyles and create a society where people of all races can enjoy the hairstyles they love. Styles like cornrows and dreadlocks are still not well understood in Japan, so I focus on promoting their appeal. Through these styles, I hope to create a beautiful society where diverse cultures coexist harmoniously.

Hair Style by BRAID KING NORI for the [Official Music Video］”OZworld / Gear 5 feat. ACE COOL & Ralph (Prod. FOUX)” Interestingly, my fascination with Black hairstyles began with rapper OZworld, who shares the same birthday as me. As a fan, I visited the Okinawan salon where he gets his hair braided, and I was captivated by the intricacy and beauty of the braided Black hair.
Black cultural hairstyles offer a unique joy to customers that other styles cannot match. While a typical hairstyle might change someone’s look by about 50%, a Black hairstyle can transform it by 100%. There’s no other way to achieve such a dramatic change. This profound ability to completely reinvent a customer’s image is what makes Black hairstyles so special and compelling to me.

Turning Challenges into Growth

Another reason I decided to go independent was to see how my skills would fare in the current beauty industry. My parents were against my decision, encouraging me to become a company employee instead. However, I felt that wouldn’t allow me to live authentically or stylishly. So, I resolved, “I have to do this no matter what.” It’s been five years since I became independent, and the beginning was tough. Attracting customers was a struggle, and paying rent was challenging. But I was determined to do whatever it took. I reached out to Instagram influencers to help spread the word, gradually increasing my recognition.

I honed my braiding skills by practicing on wigs and my girlfriend’s hair. During my company days, I would work until around 9 PM and then practice in secret until the last train at midnight. Now, with experience creating hair art for over 10,000 customers, I can instantly envision and execute the perfect hairstyle by combining various elements such as the customer’s desired style, hair length, and head shape.

Like anyone else, my career has been filled with challenges, but I see them all as opportunities for growth. I firmly believe in the importance of continuing to challenge oneself without fear of failure. This mindset has been recognized and appreciated, gradually spreading my name. Today, I create hair art for many notable individuals.

Connecting a Diverse World Through Hairstyles

At “Hair Game Club”, we aim to respect and integrate diverse cultures and values into the beauty industry, striving to create a richer society. We provide styles that respect the individuality of customer from various backgrounds, fostering an environment that embraces and enhances their unique qualities.

I believe that beauty is not just about external appearance but also has a positive impact on people’s hearts and minds. The services offered at Kami-Yugi Club help customers express themselves and rediscover their value. My efforts are a significant step toward building a society where diversity is respected and everyone can enjoy self-expression through beauty.

Through offering diverse styles, we aim to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange. At “Hair Game Club”, we believe that when our customers express their roots and identities through their hairstyles, it not only broadens the scope of their communication with others but also deepens mutual understanding. While we incorporate the latest techniques and trends, we also cherish long-standing traditions and cultures, proposing styles that reflect individual values.

The Challenge and Determination of a Tattooed Hairstylist

When I decided to live my life as a hairstylist, I got a tattoo. It was a symbol of my commitment to the profession and my determination to stand up against the pressures from my family and society. My family is conservative, and my parents were particularly opposed to tattoos. However, despite their expectations and the weight of family tradition, I chose to get a tattoo to express my true self.

I used to dislike the my surname “Suzuki.” It wasn’t just the name but the strictness it symbolized within my family that made me feel stifled, causing me to lose sight of my individuality. By tattooing my family crest on my body, I transformed my negative feelings toward my surname. It allowed me to confront my roots and take pride in them.

Getting a tattoo also brought some critical looks from others, but I remained steadfast in my beliefs, undeterred by their reactions. I believe it’s crucial to act according to one’s convictions rather than being swayed by the fears and doubts of others. Through my tattoos, I have been able to strongly express my identity, and I hope that this expression can inspire others to find the courage to be themselves as well.

To be honest, I hope this interview will increase my recognition. I want artists and those on the cutting edge to know about my work. By widely recognizing my goal and style of promoting the allure of different cultures, we can bring positive change to the entire beauty industry.

With unwavering passion and skill, I plan to continue influencing many people. “Hair Game Club” is a place where the fusion of beauty and culture is realized, and it serves as a space for many to discover and express their true selves. My efforts will continue to bring smiles to the faces of many people, fostering a society that celebrates diversity and self-expression.