Interview with Japanese Hairstylist Takuma (拓磨) on Craft & Hair Transformation <3
A conversation with Takuma (拓磨), a Japanese hairstylist based in Toronto, on precision, craft, identity, and the quiet power of hands. From big hair transformations to techno, travel, and finding confidence through style, this interview explores what it means to refine a craft with intention.
FOREWORDS:
こんにちは、タクさん！あなたは私の～仲間のネットワーク～に最近加わったばかりですね。今回一緒にコラボレーションできることを嬉しく思っています。お時間を割いていただき、本当にありがとうございます！あなたのスケジュールはぎっしり詰まっていて忙しいと存じ上げていますので。
I wanted to start that in Japanese as Takuma ("Taku") is originally from Japan. But he has lived in Australia and seems to have had some cool ass experiences so far in life. I've only met him twice in person (via hair extensions) - but I can say him and his team at Reborn Salon in Toronto are absolute MASTERS with their hands in ways I've never seen. I had a short borderline buzz cut pixie and he was able to transform my manic-induced haircut and transform me into a long-haired princess I missed being! LOL.
I am due for a retouch on my extensions soon but let's discuss a couple things before our in-person appointment! Please answer the prompts in English, Japanese or a hybrid! I want a GLOBAL audience and I want my domestic audience to learn how to USE A TRANSLATOR! It's like subtitles for real-life! WOW! Technology!
INTERVIEW - LET’S GO!
FK: Takuma (拓真, 琢磨, etc.) is a Japanese masculine name meaning "pioneer," "expand," "open," "true," or "genuine. I got that from Google when I typed in what your name means. Do you resonate?
TK: Mine is actually written 拓磨. I know 拓 has that “to open up/pioneering” meaning, and that definitely resonates with me. 磨 is more like “polish/refine,” kind of shaping something by improving it. which also feels pretty accurate for what I do. I’ve never properly asked my parents the full story behind the name tho 😂
FK: How did you get into hair? Explain the journey in a couple of sentences.
K: I’ve always been more into fashion and style than most kids, and later I realized it’s kind of in my DNA since my parents worked in apparel and beauty. Growing up they were pretty strict(you know the Asian parents thing), so I couldn’t really go to the cool salons I wanted, which honestly frustrated me😂 But when I was like 14, I finally went to a fancy salon and got a haircut and styles I actually loved. It gave me real confidence, and I realized how powerful that feeling is. That’s what pushed me into hair✂︎
FK: You look like a Pirate. Is that intentional? (Editor’s note: I LOVE IT!)
K: Maybe a little bit intentional😂, but this is just me! Just tryna be cool and unique 🤙
FK: Do you think being Japanese has to do with how impressive of a wizard you are with hair?
K: Maybe a little. In Japan, people really care about details and being precise. Like super detail. But I think it’s not only because I’m Japanese. It’s more like experience, doing it many times, and really caring about the result.
FK: What has been your biggest hair fail with a client? How did you learn from it?
K: I had moments where the hair turned out good technically, but the client’s “image in their head” was different. That was my biggest lesson. Now I focus more on matching the goal first, like photos, words, and priorities, before we even start. And I check in during the service, so we stay on the same page🤙
FK: What do you like about Toronto?
K: The diversity. Everyone is different, hair types, vibes, cultures, everything. It keeps me inspired, and I’m always learning. And compared to Japan, the music scene here feels more active for the stuff I’m into⛓️
FK: What do you miss about Japan?
K: Convenience stores for sure, and trains being on time. Also onsen, and just that calm feeling in Japan. Simple things but I miss it🇯🇵
FK: Australia?
K: The beaches, the big sky, and that relaxed energy. People are chill, like “no worries” for real. It’s a nice balance, and love the accent c*nt mate🇦🇺
FK: What're you most excited for this year?
K: More big transformations, more collabs, and leveling up my skills. Also I’m really excited to travel, I’m planning Mexico and Europe this year and probably Japan too!
FK: How did your childhood shape who you are today? And also perhaps your work or approach to life.
K: I’ve always been the type to go all-in on what I like. If I’m into something, I’ll obsess a bit and keep pushing until I get better. But if I don’t like it.. I really don’t wanna do it lol.
FK: What are you listening to?
K: Pretty much all kinds of techno and house, and sometimes 90s–00s hip hop/rap like Snoop.
FK: Good eats in Toronto? Plug them! We need good food recommendations. Ideally ETHNIC food.
K:Tbh, I don’t eat out that much, but as a Japanese guy, if you’re looking for something affordable but it still tastes like real Japan, then I’d say Taro’s Fish, Kingyo Fisherman’s Market, SAKU, and Raijin
FK: What are you watching? If anything
K: Mostly documentaries about what’s happening around the world or music stuff and sometimes hair/beauty technique breakdown videos on YouTube or IG. I used to watch movies a lot more tho.
FK: You love techno it seems. Is it just the adrenaline and fun of dancing that gets you going?
K: The adrenaline is probably part of it, but it’s also the feeling of switching my brain off. When the music is loud, everything gets quiet in my head. So I’m ADHD😉. And ofc I love dancing and vibing with people who have the same vibes or energy🕺
FK: How do you stay healthy physically and mentally in such a fast-paced job?
K: I’m lucky, I actually love what I do, so my mind’s pretty chill. Work keeps me stable and mentally no problem. Physically, I go for massages or acupuncture a lot, like every 2-3 weeks🥹
FK: What's your favourite part about your day to day life?
K: At work, the best part is seeing my clients’ energy change and their confidence come back after the final result. Also first hit of Tim’s double double before work. And first hit of smoke after work is definitely a moment lol.
FK: What time do you wake up and how do you start the day?
K: On work days I wake up around 10, and on my days off around 11. I usually start with the double double, smoking cigarettes, checking msg and with good music🤙
FK: What time do you sleep and how do you wind down?
K: Usually pretty late, depends on the day. I wind down with a shower, some music or a chill YouTube, then sleep. If it’s a rave/party night, ofc I’m sleeping in the morning 🕺
FK: Where do you shop for clothes and accessories?
K: Lately it’s mostly online, I’m basically a slave to the algorithm lol. In Toronto, I like shopping around Kensington and Queen West. I still wear a lot of stuff I bought in Japan and Australia too. Also sometimes I wear stuff my friends made for me.
FK: How do you deal with language barriers? Especially in hair! Very sensitive thing for us ladies.
K: For work no problem. Cuz I’ve been working beauty industry with English about 6-7yrs. And I think more important things is sharing vibes. Anyway, we have a chat GPT now 🫰
FK: Next travel destination for you when you can find time off work?
K: Ultra Miami or awakening for the Netherlands 🕺🕺
FK: Anything you want to plug?
K: Honestly just grateful for everyone who supports me. If you’re in Toronto and want a change or a transformation, feel free to reach out. And if your friends are looking for hair, send them to me 🙏 Also if you’ve got friends who are into the same music, I’m always down to link up for a rave 😎🕺
Signed,
Frances with gratitude. S/o to TK for thisssssssss colllabbbooo <3
My Hair Transformation!
Hi, me again. This is the wizardry TK & team did for me.
THIS IS THE BEFORE. PIXIE. Scroll down for the aftaaaaa.
