When it comes time for a haircut, where do you usually go? A salon? A barbershop? This time, I wondered, “What would happen if I let Kumamoto’s oldest barber cut my hair how they wanted?” So, I set out to find such a barber and asked for just that.

Barbershop “Ichiumi” In Oyano

Riding my scooter to work on a freezing cold morning, I almost got treated like a dangerous intruder when I walked into the office without removing my neck warmer and with my hair all over the place – you could only see my eyes.

So, I really wanted to get a haircut, but I’m quite clueless about what type of hairstyle suits me.

That’s when I thought, “What if an experienced, much older barber could work their magic on me?” With the help of the Kumamoto Prefectural Barber and Beauty Association, I went looking for the oldest barber in Kumamoto.

I found barbers in their 90s and late 80s, but most only served locals or regulars.

However, I eventually found a barber willing to collaborate for this adventure!

I ended up at “Barber Shop Ichiumi” in Oyano, Kamiamakusa City.

Yes, I traveled 50 km from Kumamoto City to Oyano, by scooter, just for a haircut.

At 80 years young, Mr. Ikkai Takesaki, who graciously took on the task of cutting my hair, is spirited beyond his years. With a boisterous laugh that belies his age, an easygoing nature that draws you in, and a kindness that warms your heart, he’s the epitome of a delightful grandfather.

“You think I’m old? There are plenty out there in the barbershop business who’ve got years on me. In the world of barbers, I’m practically a spring chicken,”

“Spring chicken at 80? Now that’s something! I’m all yours, please make my hair look its best!”

“Alrighty, park yourself right there!”

Getting My Hair Cut

Let’s be honest: my hair was a mess. It had been so long since my last haircut that even my boss likened me to a shaggy Golden Retriever.

The anticipation of what Mr. Takesaki could do was sky-high.

“What style do you have in mind?”

“I’ll leave it entirely up to you!”

“Short or long?”

“That’s up to you as well! Aim for maximum coolness, please!”

“See, when cutting hair, I think about the person’s job, the reason for their haircut, and then I start picturing a style that fits. If they’re an office worker, I give them something suitable for that; if it’s for an interview, I match the style to that occasion. Give me something to work with here.”

“How about we go with a scenario where I’m about to meet my significant other’s dad for the first time?”

“Scenario, huh? Alright, I’ll cut with that in mind.”

“You seem to have been skimping on haircuts for quite a while, haven’t you? How long’s it been?”

“Truthfully, I can’t remember. Please, have your way with it!”

“Let’s aim for a look that brings out a bright impression, better to have more of your face showing. Yeah, I’ve got it.”

“You’re quite thin on the top for someone your age.”

“It’s genetic, so nothing much I can do there.”

“Let’s try to give it a bit more volume, lift it a bit.”

Getting my haircut by Mr. Takesaki, I couldn’t help but notice his firm yet gentle touch. It felt reassuring, almost like having a grandfather pat your head. And true to his reputation as a veteran, his skill and efficiency were evident.

“It’s amazing that you’re still working at 80.”

“Haha, I already told you, I’m still just a spring chicken. Assuming I stay healthy, I reckon I could keep this up for another decade.”

“That would put you at 90! Incredible!”

“Sure, my eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be, but I can still judge hair length just by touch, so no issues there.”

The Quintessential Barbershop Experience

Post-haircut, it’s time for my favorite part at the barber’s: the shave.

In Japan, the shave is not just limited to your beard. Most barbers will carefully shave your whole face, from your cheekbones to your forehead, and even shape your eyebrows for you!

Ever since a high school mishap left me eyebrow-less, I’ve steered clear of razors, making a professional shave feel like an ultimate treat.

“I love getting a shave at the barber’s. It’s something you just don’t get at hair salons. It really sets barbers apart from stylists, doesn’t it?”

“That perception is strong now, but back in the day, it was even more distinct.”

“So, what separates barbers from a stylists?”

“Well, barbery is all about ‘maintaining appearances’ for cleanliness. Beauty salons, on the other hand, focus on ‘enhancing beauty.”

“Aha, that’s an easy way to put it! People often tell me to ‘look cleaner,’ so this is right up my alley. “

Next up, the beard. My dense beard, which dulls razor blades in no time, was smoothly taken care of.

“You might be thinning on top, but your beard is another story.”

“Tell me about it. If only they could swap…”

“How about a single mustache line?”

“…I’ll leave it up to you.”

“Um, sorry, but we’re not going for a pompadour, are we?”

“Making it a pompadour would mean setting it in place just like this. We lift for volume at first, and then we’ll style it down in a minute.”

“Alright, how’s this?”

The Before And After Of My Shaggy Head!

From a disheveled mop, I was transformed into…

A far more refined version of myself. Quite the change!

“What do you think? “

“I was bracing for a buzz cut! But this is refreshingly stylish!”

“Given your ‘meeting the girlfriend’s dad’ scenario, a bright, open face is best. You’ve got nice eyebrows, so showing them off is a good move.”

“Oh, right, that was the scenario.”

“I left a line for the mustache, but it’s barely noticeable.”

“Wow, you actually did!”

“Want me to draw it on with eyebrow dye? Or use a burnt matchstick head like in the old days?”

 “I think I’ll pass!”

A Calm Feeling During the Cut: The Craftsmanship Goes Beyond Just Cutting

And that’s how I got my haircut from Mr. Ikkai Takesaki at “Barber Shop Ichiumi.” Unlike salons aimed at beautification, this barber shop brought my unkempt look back to presentable cleanliness.

“How long have you been in the trade?”

“I started barber school at 16 and began working a year later, so it’s been 59 years. Opened my shop at 20 with the goal to be the community’s top choice. Now, in the twilight of my career, it’s time for giving back to the community that supported me.”

He shared this with a beaming smile. Still cutting hair at 80, Mr. Takesaki believes in a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. “I think that the best barbershops are the ones that are unintimidating, anyone young and old can feel it’s easy to pop in and ask for whatever kind of cut they like.”

 

Although “Barber Shop Ichiumi” will soon have to relocate due to construction of a new highway to Amakusa, he plans to continue his craft nearby, with his son eventually taking over the legacy.

 

A visit to a longstanding community barber shop can be an amazing experience. If you ever find yourself in need of a clean-up, head to Kamiamakusa!