NEW WORK: When our friends
@kiwametokyo released the latest watches from their new Mune Collection, they asked the Creative Services team
@wornandwound to help tell their story of unique Japanese craftsmanship. Around the same time, I met some new neighbors two doors down who own an incredible omakase sushi restaurant in Manhattan called
@sushiteru_nyc .
The word KIWAME (極) means to pursue something to its very limits, without compromise. Just like Masami Watanabe, founder of Kiwame Tokyo, is a master watchmaker—Chef Teru is a master craftsman in the traditional style of sushi known as Edomae, which is named after Edo, today known as Tokyo. We asked our stylish pal
@shanejoseph_ to join us as our model at the restaurant to help us juxtapose these two stunning forms of Japanese craftsmanship. I had the pleasure of concepting, producing, art directing, and writing this piece and I’m so totally enamored with the result.
Chef Teru’s knives and flawless slicing skills were of particular interest to me while on location. I asked him a few questions about them and his answers kinda blew my mind. After seeing how effortlessly his blades sliced through the different ingredients, I first asked him how often he sharpens his knives. He matter-of-factly replied with a smile, “Every night.” I then asked him how many knives he had in his collection. He said he had about 40 knives, all handcrafted in Japan. I quickly followed up asking if he had a favorite. He looked at me with a bit of surprise and confusion and explained each knife has a distinct and different purpose... each of them was his favorite for what they do.
If you’re into sushi, do not hesitate to check out Sushi Teru next time you’re in the city and try to wear a Kiwame Tokyo on-wrist if you can! Big thanks to
@spacedout.edc for being an outstanding triggerman behind the camera. Hit the link in my bio to read the full story.
