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Pearls have for long fascinated human beings and there are many stories attached to how the pearls were made to how they were used. In ancient Rome pearls were said to be made by the Gods from the early morning dew of heaven, and Europeans until the 16th century widely accepted what is called the "raindrop theory." Japan also has long cherished its own mythology and mystique of the pearl. The ancients employed it not for personal decoration but as an eye lotion or heart medicine. The pearl was also worshipped at shrines around Ise to ensure bountiful hunting. But it was Kokichi Mikimoto who introduced the pearl culture industry in Japan. He also made what had long been prized as precious jewels widely available for the first time. Today, Mikimoto pearls are on sale in shops and top-class department stores throughout the world. The first Mikimoto Pearl Store was opened in Tokyo's Ginza district which is the latest Western fashion hub, at Yazaemoncho, today's Namiki-dori. Kokichi founded the pearl store in hope to enhance the understanding of pearls by making them more accessible. In 1906, it moved into a new building in Ginza 4-chome. The majority of the customers at the time were foreigners. Mikimoto Pearl Main Store Ginza Tokyo
4-5-5 Ginza
Chu-Ku Tokyo 104-8145
Japan
phone: (+81) 03-3535-4611
The Mikimoto Pearl Store, a two-story Western-style building made of white stone, was a remarkably new type of establishment, offering Kokichi's keen sense of contemporary fashion in the form of beautiful, high-quality items. Stylish young men in finely tailored high-collared three-piece suits waited on the customers and each month the store featured new displays conceived by expert designers. Kokichi put the utmost effort into decorating the showcases with jewelry representing the highest quality and most refined styles. The Mikimoto Pearl Store is a product of Kokichi's study of Western aesthetics and his own unique sense of style.
The first overseas Mikimoto Pearl Store was opened in London in 1913, followed by other establishments in Shanghai, Bombay, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. In 1929 a store was opened in Paris, the world's fashion center.
Kokichi Mikimoto was recognized by the Japanese Emperor as one of the 10 great Japanese inventors.
The Mikimoto Collection was created to represent the essence of Japanese jewelry culture. Not only white pearls but black are also cultivated at the Mikimoto pearl island. This premier brand, which represents the best of Mikimoto's experience and expertise in materials, design, and craftsmanship, is without equal anywhere in the world.
Mikimoto had embarked on a new beginning in 1972 when the company name was changed to K. Mikimoto & Co., Ltd. In 1974, it built a new building to house its main store, boasting a sales floor area that ranks it among the largest jewelry stores in the world. The interior was later to be completely redesigned by interior designer Roland De Leu, taking its present form.
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