Patent Secured for “Earrings that Don’t Attach to the Ears”: Interview with Mai Mizuno, CEO of Maiearrings

Maiearrings Co, Ltd. was founded by Mai Mizuno, who was an elementary school student at the time. The catalyst for starting her company was securing a patent for her “earrings that don’t attach to the ears.” Currently, she has also obtained trademark rights and sells them under the name “Maiearring®︎.”

“I was able to notice my own invention because I had people around me who could think about patents and entrepreneurship,” Mizuno shared. This time, we spoke with her about the background of the invention of the Maiearring®︎, her activities at the company, and the thoughts behind her endeavors.

Gaining Confidence through Recognition from Those Close to Her

Could you share the story behind the birth of Maiearring®︎?

The inspiration came when I admired the earrings my mother wore during kindergarten. However, I couldn’t have piercings, so I tried earrings and ended up with severe ear pain. That’s when I thought, “Then I’ll just make my own.”

Since I have always enjoyed crafts, I started making accessories in the second grade, treating it like a project. The key points I had in mind while creating were that it should be “made with things I have” and “easy to wear.” I decided to combine straws, yarn, beads, and hairpins, which were available to me at the time.

When I proudly showed my completed creation to my parents, saying, “Now I can wear accessories just like my mom,” my father told me, “This is a new invention.” It was a bit later that I actually secured the patent, but that comment from my father led to the patent acquisition.

You were in the second grade at the time, right? What did you think upon hearing about the “patent”?

At that time, I didn’t understand it at all. I had an image in my mind that “patents = adult work,” so I felt it was something that children couldn’t do. Moreover, I heard that a patent could only be obtained for “something new that doesn’t exist in the world,” and I thought something I could think of already existed out there.

In the second grade, we only joked about patents as a family, and it wasn’t until the fourth grade that we had a concrete discussion about it. That was when I had the opportunity to speak with a patent attorney who knew my father, and he also told me that obtaining a patent would be “a great idea.”

Since I enjoy talking to adults, it thrilled me to have my creation recognized by someone older. Of course, it feels great to be recognized by anyone, whether a child or an adult.

Initially, I didn’t think I could secure a patent, but gradually gaining confidence from those close to me made me think I could try for a patent. Also, I have trademarked the term and logo of Maiearring®︎. Once I obtained the patent and trademark rights, I felt that being able to assert “it’s mine” confidently to others was a significant advantage.

What is the background behind the name "Maiearrings®︎"?

Many people imagine the name is derived from my name, Mai, but it's not just that. It's also taken from the English word "my," reflecting my hope that children rejoice wearing them as "earrings for me". This feeling is part of why I named it Maiearrings®︎.

I consulted several times with the members of the company who have supported me, and ultimately, I decided on this name.

What was the motivation for starting the company?

It all started when those around me said, "Since you've acquired patents and trademarks, it would be great to create something out of it."

Initially, I didn't plan on starting my own company; I was considering selling products through a company owned by an acquaintance of my father and receiving licensing fees. However, I was encouraged to try starting my own company.

At that moment, I thought, "If I start a company, I can talk to many adults and meet various people." Additionally, I felt it was wonderful to be able to deliver the Maiearring®︎ by my own hands, which led me to decide to start a business.

However, I started this business when I was in the sixth grade (12 years old). To obtain the representative rights for a corporation, a seal registration is required, which can only be acquired by those 15 years and older. So, I still have not officially obtained it, and I am asking the members who assist me to take on the representative role. Becoming the official representative when I turn 15 has now become one of my goals.

Maiearring®︎: Matching Accessories for 3 Generations

Please tell us about the production process of the Maiearring®︎.

We create designs and seek advice on costs while collaborating with my family and company members.

I consider designs based on the materials available at the moment. While I expand on my ideal designs, it can become challenging to sell if the costs are too high, so I use this approach for designing to balance ideals and reality.

The core of product creation is to make “something everyone can wear easily.” Instead of forcing overly intricate designs, I aim for designs that can be integrated into daily life and that provide a touch of color. If I can't wear it myself, I can't convey its appeal to others, so I focus on creating items that I find appealing.

Please share the unique features of the Maiearring®︎.

The Maiearring®︎ can be worn like a hairpin, allowing it to be attached not only to hair but also to hats. Additionally, since they are less likely to get caught on masks, they are also less likely to be lost, and they can be easily put on and taken off.

I recently noticed that both earrings and ear clips typically require both hands to wear. However, Maiearrings®︎ can be managed with one hand. If it happens to drop off, it’s easy to put back on, which I consider a great feature.

Furthermore, while typical earrings and ear clips are usually about 2-3 cm in length, the Maiearring®︎ is around 5 cm long. They are lightweight, and their longer length allows for more movement, enhancing the presence of the accessories.

I also believe that the ability to be worn by three generations together is an attractive aspect. I think children are familiar with hairpins, so I hope they will wear them together with their families.

Do you have any memorable feedback from customers?

One customer with partial paralysis said, "I’m happy because I can dress stylishly by myself without asking others for help, since I can put it on with one hand." Another customer with metal allergies mentioned, "I had given up wearing accessories for years, but I can wear this one."

Initially, I was focused on children, so it was impressive that adults and peers also appreciated it. In any case, I am truly delighted to receive contact from customers.

Creating an Environment Where Children’s Ideas Can Take Shape

You are involved in various initiatives, collaborating with different companies and engaging in the i-IKU (i育) project.

I have collaborated with various entities, including the notable tweed fabric company “Linton” and the ladies' haute couture brand “Linolly,” as well as “All Nippon Airways” and the famous sauce maker “Otafuku Sauce.”

Additionally, I started selling collaboration products with Nagoya Grampus from this September. I believe partnerships with other brands are wonderful, so I am putting effort into these initiatives.

Currently, I often receive invitations to start collaborations. The team members who help in managing the company have other jobs, so they sometimes introduce acquaintances to me. It’s not something I can do alone, so I truly value every connection.

The i-IKU project promotes education that brings children’s ideas into reality. Recently started, this summer we held an event titled “Kodomo College” in Okinawa.

Having had valuable experiences before entering the workforce, I want to share what I’ve learned to help others feel closer to concepts like intellectual property and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to my family’s support, I’ve been able to gain various experiences, but I also had people around me with the capacity to think about patents and entrepreneurship, which helped me recognize my own inventions. I believe it’s essential to convey that one can develop various ideas from a single thought.

However, realizing what you want to do doesn’t necessarily require starting a business. I think that it’s best to first experience things that intrigue you, as this accumulation of experiences can connect to larger goals years down the line.

Taking on Broader Challenges Centered Around Maiearring®︎

You are managing a company while attending school. Is it challenging?

It’s not easy, but it’s not burdensome. I attend a school similar to a free school where I can choose my schedule, and I learn video editing and programming there. Because of this, I've been able to learn how to use online systems for the company, and I’ve met peers who understand and inspire each other.

Since I’ve chosen an environment that is balanced for me, I feel that I can manage both school and running the business.

There are times when you might hit a wall. Could you share your driving force, Mizuno?

I made two commitments when starting the company. The first is, "Ask anything you don’t understand." The second is, "Don’t take on all the responsibility myself."

When I was in elementary school, I often struggled to ask questions when I encountered problems in tutoring sessions, which led to my grades dropping, and I didn’t do well in my middle school entrance exams. It was then that I wanted to change myself. Since I was starting a company, I didn’t want to repeat similar regrets.

Not taking on too much responsibility means delegating or relying on others for things I can’t handle. I don’t cover all the startup costs or the expenses related to obtaining patents myself. Furthermore, there are various people involved in contracts and operations.

I’m a beginner in company management and don’t have prior working experience, so it’s normal not to understand many things. I make sure to rely on those around me. I believe I can proceed positively because I have people who acknowledge and support me.

Do you have any challenges you would like to take on in the future?

I want to bring Maiearrings®︎ to the world. Right now, I'm aiming to obtain an international patent. Also, since I love fashion, I would like to challenge myself to create clothing centered around Maiearrings®︎. In the long run, I hope to pursue that as well.

In addition to that, I am also conducting crowdfunding to deliver Maiearrings®︎ to children in pediatric wards. So far, I have only been able to deliver to one location, so I hope to reach many more children so they can experience the joy of fashion.