Hi, I’m Kenji.
I’m a hairstylist with over 23 years of experience, currently based in Tokyo with Monday sessions available in Yokohama.
I specialize in acid straightening (縮毛矯正), precision cuts, and color — with a particular focus on international clients and anyone whose hair has been difficult to manage, damaged, or left underwhelming by previous salon visits.
Every session is one-on-one, conducted entirely in English, from consultation through to finishing. I don’t hand off to assistants. I don’t rush. And I don’t apply the same technique to every client regardless of their individual hair.
My Background
I started my career in Yokohama’s Motomachi area — a neighborhood historically shaped by international culture and a diverse clientele. Working there gave me an early foundation in understanding different hair types and communicating with clients from varied backgrounds.
From there, I worked in Singapore — an experience that significantly expanded both my technical range and my understanding of how hair behaves differently across ethnicities, humidity levels, and lifestyle contexts. Straight, wavy, curly, coily, color-treated, bleached — I worked with all of it.
I’ve since returned to Japan and spent years developing my approach to acid straightening — a technique I believe produces results that traditional methods simply can’t match in terms of softness, natural movement, and long-term hair health.
In total, I’ve worked with over 30,000 clients.
What I Specialize In
Acid straightening (酸性ストレート / 縮毛矯正) This is what most of my clients come for. Acid straightening uses lower-pH chemistry than traditional Japanese straightening, producing a result that is smoother, softer, and more natural-looking — without the stiff, artificial finish that older methods are known for.
I customize the chemical selection, application technique, and iron work for every individual client based on their specific hair type, damage history, and desired outcome. No two heads of hair are the same, and I don’t treat them as if they are.
Precision cuts A good cut should work with your natural texture and grow out gracefully. I take time to understand how you wear your hair day to day before I start — and I cut accordingly.
Color and gray coverage Full color, highlights, or gray coverage. These can also be combined with acid straightening in the same session in most cases.
Hair and scalp consultation Not sure what your hair actually needs? I’m happy to give you an honest assessment — including what I’d recommend skipping.
Who I Work With
My clients are primarily international — expats living in Tokyo and Yokohama, visitors to Japan who want a quality treatment during their stay, and long-term residents who’ve been frustrated by communication barriers or inconsistent results at other salons.
I also work with clients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s whose hair has changed texture with age — becoming wavy, dry, or difficult to manage in ways it never used to be. Aging hair responds extremely well to acid straightening when it’s approached correctly.
Hair types I work with regularly include straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair — Asian, Caucasian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and mixed. I understand that these hair types require genuinely different approaches, not just variations on the same technique.
How I Work Differently
One-on-one from start to finish. I handle every step personally — consultation, chemical application, cut, and finishing. You always know who is responsible for your hair, and you can ask questions at any point in the process.
Consultation before commitment. Send me a photo of your hair and tell me what you’re looking for. I’ll give you an honest response — including whether I think the treatment is right for your hair — before you book anything.
Long-term thinking. My goal isn’t just a good result today. I’m thinking about where your hair will be in six months, a year, three years. The treatments I recommend, the home care I suggest, and the frequency I advise are all oriented toward hair that keeps improving over time — not just looks good immediately after the session.
Honest communication. If I don’t think a treatment is appropriate for your hair, I’ll say so. If your hair needs recovery time before it’s ready for straightening, I’ll tell you that and explain why. I’d rather have that conversation upfront than do a treatment that doesn’t serve you well.
What Clients Say
“I’ve lived in Japan for 6 years and Kenji is the only stylist who actually listened to what I wanted — and delivered it.”
“My hair is naturally curly and I was told by multiple stylists that straightening wasn’t possible. Kenji assessed it properly and the result was everything I’d hoped for.”
“The most comfortable salon experience I’ve had in Japan. English throughout, genuinely one-on-one, and my hair looked better than it ever has.”
“I came in with severely damaged bleached hair. Kenji was honest that full straightening wasn’t possible yet — gave me a recovery plan instead. Six months later the result was perfect.”
Available Locations
Tokyo (Ginza area) Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 – 18:30 (Exact address shared upon booking)
Yokohama Monday sessions — limited availability (Exact address shared upon booking)
Both locations are easily accessible by train from central Tokyo and Yokohama.
Book an Appointment
The easiest way to start is a message with a photo of your current hair and a description of what you’re hoping for. I’ll respond honestly and personally.
💬 WhatsApp (+81 80 9707 7119) or Instagram DM 📸 Instagram: @kenji_ginza_nhd 🕙 Hours: 9:00 – 18:30
I respond within 24 hours.
