About us

Things and scenes that are shaped by using hands and tools.

TEKOTE aims to be a presence that connects people's thoughts and skills, by going back and forth between these realms.

The founder, who has accumulated experience as a hairstylist in diverse cities like Paris, London, and New York, where various cultures and ethnicities intersect, will strive to engage in activities that gently reach the small cracks in each person's heart, based on her sensibilities and unique perspective.

Curiosity that suddenly sprouts in everyday life—

Beyond that lies a landscape with a sense of nostalgia.
So that we can arrive at such a new place.

To everyone who protects something and creates something in their daily lives—

The origin of the name

TEKOTE is born from Te (hand) and Kote (tool).
We believe in the warmth carried by hands, and in the quiet power of what they create. That warmth — we wish to pass on to the next generation.
“TEKOTE” also holds many layers of meaning: Te-ko-te — from hand to hand. Te-ko-te — from one to another. Te-ko — a small force that moves something greater.
Each meaning overlaps softly, reminding us of what our hands and hearts once knew — that kindness can be silent, and care can be simple.
TEKOTE is a quiet brand, born to connect warmth across generations.

Founder’s Story

Tetsuya was born in Fukuoka, Japan.
After finishing junior high school, he started working as an assistant in a hair salon
while studying through a correspondence beauty school.
Back then, all he could rely on were his hands — learning little by little, day by day.

At 18, he moved to Tokyo.
At 19, he debuted as a stylist.
One day, while looking through Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar at the salon,
he saw hair textures he couldn’t yet create.
Natural, effortless — as if it had always been that way.
That feeling made him think, “If I want to understand this, I need to go.”
So he went to Paris — almost simply on instinct.

Paris brought many encounters.
There, he learned that hair is not only about technique,
but about sensitivity, distance, and where the heart is placed.

From Paris to London, then to New York —
he spent nearly twenty years working abroad.
Designers, artists, actors, musicians —
Different cultures, different values,
and yet the feeling of caring for someone through your hands was always the same.

Throughout his work, one thought remained:
What touches the hair touches the skin too.
So it should feel natural, gentle, and safe.
Not a scent that takes over,
but a soft presence that quietly blends into everyday life.

Something that can be shared —
with family, friends, children,
and even small animals.

Looking back, his hands and his tools have always supported him.
They don’t need to be special or loud — just honest.

When my daughters grow up,
I hope they’ll look back and think,
“I’m glad this existed.”
So I’ll keep going.

— Tetsuya