Hello, I’m Koga Tanaka, the owner of LOWONIDA hair design here in Himeji.
I’ve been updating information about the salon for a while, but I realised I’d never properly introduced myself—so here it is.
I’m originally from Takatsuki in Osaka.
I grew up practising competitive gymnastics and even entered high school on a gymnastics recommendation.
However, in my second year, my interest in fashion grew stronger and I made the decision to leave both the club and school.
I even slipped out of the dormitory without permission to pursue a career in hairdressing.
(Thanks to many people who supported me afterwards, I did manage to graduate from high school!)
I trained at salons in the Umeda–Toyonaka area of Osaka and had the chance to take part in many competitions.
After about three years, I found myself wanting to work in London.
Even though I couldn’t speak English and didn’t have a work visa, I flew there anyway. With the help of Google Translate, I managed to join a top salon as a trainee and began my journey as a hairstylist in London.
During my seven years there, I worked not only in the salon but also backstage at London and Paris Fashion Week, as well as for various hair and fashion magazines.
It was an incredibly stimulating and fulfilling time, but I began to feel that life in Japan might be just as exciting.
I told myself that if it didn’t suit me, I could always go back—so I returned.
I first rented a chair at a salon in Kobe, but that salon eventually closed.
Around the same time, I had the opportunity to work in London again for two weeks.
Seeing my friends there growing, pushing themselves, and taking on new challenges inspired me deeply.
It made me want to challenge myself once more.
Once I returned to Japan, I immediately started looking for a space.
Fortunately, many clients were coming from Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Okayama and Hiroshima, so I didn’t limit myself to Kobe.
When I found a great property in Himeji, I knew it was the one.
Or rather—it was the only property I viewed!
As you can probably tell by now, I’m someone who acts quickly when I feel strongly about something.
I value my instincts and believe that following them with conviction allows me to put my full passion into whatever I do.
From the moment I decided to open my own salon, it took just three months to bring LOWONIDA to life.
I truly love being a hairstylist, and I’ve spent years refining my skills with constant experimentation and dedication.
I’m confident that every client who visits will receive high-quality, carefully crafted hair design.
To everyone in and around Himeji, I would be delighted to welcome you to LOWONIDA hair design.
Thank you for your support.
