ABOUT IMAYO

INTRO

Bringing Genuine Brilliance
to the World Since 1861

Founded in 1861, as Japan was entering its era of modernity, in the flourishing Gojo-Sakaimachi district of Kyoto, Imayo has, from the first, been guided by Omoshiro no Hanakazari, a philosophy that regards the things that enchant the heart as the font of creation. Personal things that are elegant, authentically true to their Japanese beginning, and in the end, a simple delight to see and to hold.

Over 160 Years of
Adorning Women in Elegance

Imayo began with traditional combs, kanzashi hair ornaments, and obi clasps for kimono, before becoming known for its finely-crafted jewelry. As times changed, this work came to include pieces that grace Western dress with equal elegance. Today, we oversee every stage of creation: from sourcing stones directly, through design and crafting, to the moment a piece reaches your hands. Within each small treasure, the luminance of nature and the mastery of the artisan are brought together; delivering what is, above all else, genuine and beautiful.

FEATURE

Japan’s Defining Jewelry Maker

Kyoto served as Japan’s capital for 1,200 years. With sensibilities refined over centuries and a rich traditional culture, innovation continues to breathe life into the city, and it is constantly evolving. From our base in Kyoto, we deliver jewelry of true authenticity whose beauty won’t fade over time. Jewelry made to be passed on from generation to generation; in Japan and around the world.

  • In Pursuit of Ultimate Beauty

    Japan, wrapped in the ever-changing tableau of four seasons, interwoven with a sensibility born of nature's abundance. An aesthetic resulting from centuries of unbroken cultural lineage. We unite the sensibility nurtured by this land with a contemporary refinement grounded in mastery of craft — and so we shall continue, in pursuit of jewelry that is at once new and transcendent.

  • The Century Standard

    To create things that span a century… This guiding principle, first articulated by the founding director of Imayo Studio, has been handed down to every generation of artisans that has created under its roof. We eagerly embrace the newest technologies, yet never cease to pursue the beauty that does not change, the integrity of true craft. Born of a serene, far-seeing spirit, the radiance of what we create remains undiminished by the passage of time.

  • An Experience That Fills the Heart

    A moment of luxury in a place apart; a feeling that touches all the senses. In our regard for our guests, our patrons, we hew to the precept ichi-go ichi-e, the understanding that every encounter and each moment is granted to us but once. It fosters a level of hospitality that belongs only to the Imayo customer experience.

QUALITY

An Integrated Manufacturing and Sales System for the Finest Quality Jewelry
  • 01
    Our Gems

    Working in cooperation with overseas sites established during our more than 160 years in the jewelry business, we are consistently able to obtain high-quality loose gemstones from the world’s top suppliers. In addition, our buyers, who have spent years cultivating their professional expertise, use the group’s own network of professional associations to source loose stones directly from their points of origin worldwide.

  • 02
    Design

    With an affinity for traditional culture inspired by our Kyoto roots, we seek to create innovative designs that combine tradition with contemporary fashion.

  • 03
    Manufacturing

    While embracing the latest technology we never lose sight of the warmth that hand-crafting expresses; and to that end we complete every piece in our studio with the image of its wearer's smile in mind, and hold each to our Century Standard.

  • 04
    To the Trade

    We participate in a broad variety of commercial activities, having created OEM products and original products for department stores and jewelry stores all over Japan. Each year the studio reveals its Karyo-ten annual collection in a different, celebrated location.

  • 05
    Direct to Clients

    In the abiding spirit of “an experience that enriches the heart”, we bring our original brand and curated collections to customers through directly operated boutiques and retail sales locations, both in Japan and abroad.

HISTORY

  • 1861
  • 1867
    〜
  • 1966
  • 1972
    〜
  • 2010
    〜
  • 2025
  • Founded in Gojo-Sakaimachi, Kyoto

    Our founder, Imanishi Yohei, had apprenticed at Fujiya, a 17th-generation sundries merchant near Toji Temple in Kyoto. In time, he came to run the shop, and in 1861, at age 26, he opened a wholesale general store in Gojo-Sakaimachi. Despite the roiling changes taking place in Kyoto at the close of the Edo era and the start of the Meiji era’s introduction of modern reforms, Yohei refused to be swept away by the shifting currents. He stood fast, establishing the firm and enduring principles that still define Imayo today.

  • Expanding Across Japan

    Having established popularity across generations, the studio began working in precious jade, coral, and pearls. Focusing on jewelry and accessories, with a discerning eye for artistry informed by a refined Kyoto sensibility, the studio’s work was viewed as novel and was exceedingly well-received. On this strength, Imayo expanded its trade to encompass Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

  • Imayo Co. Ltd. is Established

    The company began full-scale, direct sourcing of diamonds and emeralds from overseas, and simultaneously established the studio’s permanent manufacturing division. Revitalizing and stabilizing the company allowed it to achieve significant growth during Japan’s economic expansion.

  • Becoming a Production Workshop

    Implementation of full-scale casting processes allowed Imayo to begin producing multiple pieces at once. From this technology the small studio developed a unique style, fusing traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art casting techniques. This distinctive approach advanced Imayo’s profile still further as a prominent manufacturer and purveyor of fine jewelry.

  • The Launch of Original Brands

    In addition to its high-profile Kagayoi line, Imayo developed other original brands, such as the cutting-edge Hyacca series, the wedding and anniversary line ICHAROI, and SHINCA, a brand devoted to lab-grown diamonds.

  • Winner of the Grand Prix and Prime Minister’s Award — JJA Design Awards 2025

    Black & White — Seeing the Unseen, the recent collection from Kagayoi, was awarded both the Grand Prix and the Prime Minister's Award at the JJA Jewelry Design Awards 2025, hosted by the Japan Jewelry Association.

DRAG
SINCE
1861