Concept

“januka” is the jewelry brand, established in 2012 by Jo Nakamura who learned the product design in New York and Holland. “Slightly out of the paragon” to detach the conventional view point of materials and technique in jewelry is the concept.

Our design

We always call techniques and common sense that are faithful to the context of jewelry into question, and pursued design that the structure of jewelry become a part of the design and that is “a little bit different from basics”. To bring out the natural beauty of gemstones, pearls and metal to be tailored, we design them without overdecorating. Our aim is to create jewelry that is completed when it is put on your skin.

Our craftsmanship

Januka’s concepts ““Slightly out of the paragon” to detach the conventional view point of materials and technique in jewelry” are to create products without being bound by established ways of thinking and to adopt approaches that are different from existing and standard techniques. To embody these concepts and create novel but universal design, we combine the designers’ knowledge about product design with craftsmen’s profound knowledge and rich experiences, create design by trial and error, make improvements by checking the usability and strength of products, and repeat these steady and persistent works.

Designer profile

Jo Nakamura studied industrial design at Pratt Institute in New York and later earned a Master of Design from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands. After returning to Japan, he founded januka in 2012.

Designer's mind

januka pursues designs that bring surprise not only to ourselves but also to those who hold our creations in their hands. Rather than being constrained by the existing frameworks of jewelry, we strive to design entirely new "forms." Since the brand's establishment in 2012, we have adhered to the concept of being "slightly off the norm." By incorporating traditional techniques and materials while collaborating with artisans, we create pieces using unconventional methods, free from conventional norms. While we approach our work as "design" beyond the bounds of traditional jewelry design, we ultimately prioritize achieving forms that are elegant and comfortable to wear as jewelry. We firmly believe that every shape must carry meaning, and we avoid adding any meaningless embellishments. This may be an unconventional approach in the traditional context of decorative arts, but we believe that it is precisely what makes our designs stand out. In this era of abundance, we deeply value when someone resonates with januka's designs and philosophy, feels a sense of surprise or excitement, and chooses our creations because they feel "right." Through wearing januka, we hope individuals can sense their own unique existence, free from conventional values. With this aspiration, we will continue to create with passion and purpose.

Brand history

januka shop