The Hair Care Line from "uka" Has Been Revamped, Focusing on the "Kuromoji" Plant Familiar in Toothpicks

"Kuromoji," familiarly found in the toothpicks that accompany Japanese sweets, has recently gained attention as a beauty ingredient.

"In fact, kuromoji is also gaining attention as a plant contributing to environmental conservation," says Hiroyuki Watanabe, CEO of uka inc.
 
This July, uka launched the "Regenerative Good" series, releasing the "uka IZU Shampoo" and "uka IZU Conditioner," both containing kuromoji water. We spoke to Watanabe about the effects of kuromoji and why it contributes to environmental conservation.

Tell us about uka.

uka was founded as a barber shop in 1946. Previously, it was branded as "Excel," but when we launched nail oil, we changed the name to "uka" with the hope of helping people transform as a chrysalis becomes a butterfly.
 
We also create products from our total beauty salon, with the concept of "making you, me, and the Earth more beautiful and happier," ensuring environmental friendliness.

The newly released items have kuromoji as a key ingredient, but what exactly is kuromoji?

The branches and leaves of kuromoji, known as "Usho," are used as medicinal herbs. They calm the nerves, promote good sleep, have skin conditioning properties, and help to suppress phlegm and coughing. The main component of kuromoji, linalool, is also known for its antibacterial properties.

Why did you choose to use kuromoji this time?

At uka, we have previously focused on the antibacterial properties of kuromoji, using Kyoto-sourced kuromoji in products like the "Anti-Itch Shampoo" specifically for itchiness. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, trends such as high-tone colors and bleaching have risen, leading to more customers damaging their scalps and hair.

Maintaining healthy hair starts with conditioning the scalp. We found that kuromoji's antibacterial and antioxidant effects are effective for irritated scalps, which is why we decided to make it a key ingredient.
 
Kuromoji's scent also has a relaxing effect. Our new products contain 10% kuromoji water, allowing you to enjoy its floral fragrance, and we have also included essential oils like cypress and cedarwood to create a woody rose scent reminiscent of Izu's rain, soil, forests, and sea.
 
Additionally, we are currently advocating the slogan "Regenerative Good," and kuromoji is a plant beneficial to environmental conservation. We wanted to use kuromoji not only to condition the scalp but also to preserve the environment.

The Regenerative Power of Kuromoji to Restore Mountainous Areas

"Regenerative" is being promoted worldwide as the next step after sustainability, meaning restoration. How does kuromoji contribute to environmental conservation?

I originally became interested in marine conservation through my hobby of surfing. During that time, I met Professor Nobuo Sato, a former professional surfer, oceanographer, and kuromoji cultivator in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. During our discussions, I was shocked to learn about the current situation of "desertification of the sea."

What does the desertification of the sea mean?

During Japan's high-growth period, reforestation projects for cedar and cypress were promoted due to the construction boom. However, as demand waned, many of these plantations were neglected and no longer thinned.

Without thinning, trees became densely packed, creating "dark forests" where sunlight couldn't reach the ground. As a result, plants and flowers couldn't grow, and leaf mold was not produced.
 
This led to mineral-deficient, impoverished soil, prone to landslides during heavy rains or flash floods. The sediment from these landslides would flow into rivers and the sea, covering beaches and negatively impacting the marine ecosystem.

So, Dr. Sato personally went into the mountains to promote thinning. Through these activities, he discovered that kuromoji trees start to grow once sunlight reaches the forest floor. Kuromoji trees help other trees grow, indicating a well-maintained natural environment.