& Co.
Interview with
uka
uka
Kiho and Hiroyuki Watanabe, owners of Tokyo-based beauty brand uka, aim to help everyone achieve true beauty through natural, salon-tested products that build confidence and happiness. Central to their philosophy is the concept of “regenerative good,” creating products that benefit both personal well-being and the planet.
What’s your Eastern Zodiac Sign? And your Western? Which one resonates more with you?
Dragon and Aquarius. Eastern zodiac.
Fire Horse and Pisces. Eastern zodiac because each sign comes back after a 60 years cycle.
Can you share about your ethnic and generational background?
Born in Japan.
From Tokyo.
Superstition from your childhood that you still believe in today.
‘Those who believe will be saved’. If something has to be done, I try to enjoy it.
None.
What pivotal experiences guided you toward your current path? Was there a specific moment or individual that influenced you?
The death of my 21-year-old sister. Her death made me aware that our life is limited in time. LA-based hairstylist Yuki san I learned from him about the distance from the customer, in evolving beauty salon industry.
Meeting my wife Kiho. Our family business in beauty comes from her family side. Kazuo Nozaki, the coach and mentor of the American football team that I played in college. I learned sacrifice spirit from him. My position was quarterback, so I was in charge of the offense, and I was making play calls. In American football, every player dedicates the spirit of sacrifice to fulfilling the play call. He taught me the responsibility of being in such position. And finally, surfing. The sea, the tides, the wind, the swells. All the factors that cause waves are in the natural environment. The origin of life is also in the sea. Surfing taught me a lot from the ocean.
What dish from your childhood, lovingly prepared at home, holds a special place in your heart?
Gyoza!
It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
Hot-Pot to express gentleness, and steak to cheer up.
Vongole Bianco.
As you came of legal drinking age, what was your inaugural drink? And what’s your beverage of choice now?
My first drink was beer. I now enjoy tequila with soda.
Suntory Whiskey. I like 18 years Yamazaki whiskey with soda.
Who serves as your guiding light? Why?
I don’t have one person, I get a lot of strength from all of my friends who are doing their best, each of them having their own wonderful qualities.
Toru the guitarist of One OK Rock. He is successful around the world and has a good understanding of the soul of Japanese people.
Who are your ultimate dream collaborators?
I want to do a nail product collaboration with Marni or Jil Sanders.
Snoop Dogg. But maybe it’s okay to keep it as a dream lol
Which restaurant holds the title of your favorite at the moment?
Yakiniku restaurant Kinryūzan in Shirokane.
Restaurant Garance in Azabu.