Japan’s jewelry industry is renowned for its precision, creativity, and dedication to monozukuri—the art of making things with care and passion. Techniques like mokume-gane and kintsugi highlight the country’s commitment to craftsmanship. At the forefront of this tradition is SJ Jewelry, a subsidiary of Sojitz Corporation, which combines Japan’s rich heritage with modern design to create jewelry that appeals to a global audience.
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
SJ Jewelry’s story begins in Ueno Okachimachi, a historic area in Tokyo known for its jewelry-making heritage. During the Edo Period, craftsmen in this region created ornamental pieces for hair and clothing. Today, that tradition lives on through SJ Jewelry, which has adapted these skills to produce Western-style jewelry.
“The craftsmanship from Ueno Okachimachi has been passed down through generations,” says Tadao Kawamura, President of SJ Jewelry. “Now, we blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary designs to create pieces that resonate worldwide.”
A Diverse Portfolio of Luxury Brands
SJ Jewelry offers a range of luxury brands, each with its own unique identity. Nina Ricci Prestige focuses on elegant bridal jewelry inspired by haute couture. Rugged Mind, on the other hand, features versatile designs that appeal to both men and women. Another standout, Romantic Blue, incorporates blue sapphires into bridal pieces, symbolizing love and happiness.
“Rugged Mind is particularly popular because it suits both genders,” Kawamura explains. “In Japan, men have traditionally been hesitant to wear jewelry, but younger generations are changing that. Women, too, are embracing more masculine styles.”
Quality Materials, Global Appeal
One of SJ Jewelry’s key strengths is its access to high-quality materials, thanks to its connection with Sojitz Corporation. As a major trading company, Sojitz ensures a steady supply of gold, diamonds, and other precious metals, even during market fluctuations.
“Sojitz’s resources allow us to secure the best materials,” Kawamura says. “For example, despite rising gold prices, we can maintain production without compromising quality.”
This advantage supports the creation of Kihei chains, a signature product of SJ Jewelry. Known for their durability and sleek design, these chains are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Finance for their 18k gold purity. This certification has made them especially popular in international markets like the Philippines.
“Our Kihei chains meet the highest standards,” Kawamura notes. “This quality assurance is why countries like the Philippines place large orders with us.”
Expanding Globally
SJ Jewelry is making waves beyond Japan, with growing markets in the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. Kawamura highlights the strong demand for Japanese craftsmanship abroad.
“Filipinos, in particular, love gold chains and appreciate the quality of Japanese-made products,” he says. “Our overseas sales are growing, and we see huge potential in markets like Singapore and Indonesia.”
The Rugged Mind brand is a key focus for international expansion. SJ Jewelry has been promoting it through collaborations with Italian celebrity Girolamo Panzetta and features in men’s magazines.
A Vision for the Future
Under Kawamura’s leadership, SJ Jewelry has seen significant growth, with sales increasing 2.5 times since he became president. The company’s success is driven by diversification and a strategic push into global markets.
“When I started, I never imagined our jewelry would be sold overseas,” Kawamura admits. “Now, we’re focused on accelerating our international expansion and creating a new era for Japanese jewelry.”
With its blend of tradition, innovation, and quality, SJ Jewelry is poised to bring Japanese craftsmanship to even more corners of the world.
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