-Please tell us what inspired you to open the store.

I’ve always been fascinated by grillz. I remember seeing them advertised in the Source Magazine or Slick Rick and Wu-Tang wearing them and wanted my own pair. When I was working with the jewelry design company I suggested that we make some, but they declined so I quit to start my own line. I sold them online at first, but since grillz were still uncommon in Japan at that time people wanted to see them in person. So I decided to open a location where customers could samples and place orders.

-What is the concept of the store?

It’s like an old style jewelry shop. The kind you might see in downtown New York. It’s not the high class atmosphere of the shops in Ginza. It’s more laid back and chill.

-What are your recommended items?

Definitely grillz. We do offer some necklaces and other items as well.

-Which grillz was most challenging to make so far?

Many artists have unique tastes and ask for specific designs that I wouldn’t normally come up with. KOHH always ask for something fresh. The most memorable is one I made with opal about 7 or 8 years ago. At that time most of the jewels used in grillz were diamonds, so that one really stood out.

-I agree, I get completely different impression from this opal ones compared to the ones using diamonds. Was this style kind of rare at that time internationally?

It’s more popular now, but at that time it was rare. Back then it was all about the bling factor. Opal doesn’t shine, but the color changes depending on the lighting. With any type of jewelry, everyone is always looking for something distinctive.

-You have clients from overseas too.

The first grillz I made for an international artist was A$AP Bari’s grillz with the images of Chinese pottery. I can’t paint that well, so I had another artist contribute. After that Bari told Rocky about me and I got an order from him. I was nervous because he was the most famous artist I had worked with at that point. I can be timid by nature so I had to be confident in my design decisions.

-Did you get any particular requests from Rocky as far as the design?

For the first set I came up with the flower concept. I showed him a sample and he liked it, so I put it together. The next time he asked me to make a set with an image of a flame. I had never seen a flame design that incorporated the top and bottom together, and I think the end result came out really good.

-So what is the craziest thing that happened at your store so far?

I think the craziest thing is that I was able to open up a grillz shop in Japan at a time when grillz were barely known here and still be in business 17 years later. When I first opened the store, I was expecting a lot of business. It took many years to build up and clientele and for the first 10 years I kept a part time job at night. But it was all worth it. The turning point was when YOU THE ROCK☆ came by and ordered a set on the spot. From that point on I started receiving a lot of orders via word of mouth, so I am very grateful to him.

-What a nice story! So reason you didn't quit was that you had passion and love for grillz?

It’s fascinating to me how the grillz change when you put them on. You don’t get that effect with rings and necklaces. Grillz become alive when they are attached to someone’s teeth and they project strong energy. They become unique to the individual who wears them and I love that.

-Tell us about the area near the store.

I had heard that there was a black market in Ameyoko that developed into a wholesale jewelry district in Okachimachi. There are many jewelry and gold wholesalers and craftsmen located here, so it’s the ideal place to have a jewelry shop. However, most of the existing stores were very traditional. That’s part of the reason I chose this location so I could help change that. Little by little more stores will open up that cater to youth culture.

-Please give a message to the customers who are thinking of visiting here for the first time.

You might feel intimidated to enter the store for the first time, but everyone is welcome. Please feel free to visit.

-You’re very polite lol.

I think my look and the atmosphere of the store may deter people who are unfamiliar with the culture.

-Lastly, could you tell us your favorite rapper?

That's a difficult question lol. There are so many, but I still think Sean Price is the best. I like his look and he influenced me to grow my beard like his. I still listen to him all the time.