Displaying the appeal of the old capital, Kyoto, through the beauty of guitars
Kyoto is a city with a rich history that symbolizes old Japan. Kyoto is also known for its numerous cherry blossom viewing spots, which constantly attract the attention of not only the Japanese people but also the world. The story of this guitar began with the acquisition of rare cherry wood from Kyoto Prefecture. In addition to the Kyoto-inspired design, we also collaborated with Tatenoya, a Kyoto textile company, to incorporate Headway’s original Kyoto textile design. Headway has been working with Sakura wood from all around Japan, so we hope you enjoy the Kyoto-inspired Sakura model we bring you today.
Displaying the appeal of the old capital, Kyoto, through the beauty of guitars
Kyoto is a city with a rich history that symbolizes old Japan. Kyoto is also known for its numerous cherry blossom viewing spots, which constantly attract the attention of not only the Japanese people but also the world. The story of this guitar began with the acquisition of rare cherry wood from Kyoto Prefecture. In addition to the Kyoto-inspired design, we also collaborated with Tatenoya, a Kyoto textile company, to incorporate Headway’s original Kyoto textile design. Headway has been working with Sakura wood from all around Japan, so we hope you enjoy the Kyoto-inspired Sakura model we bring you today.
MaterialMaterials
The Kyoto-grown cherry wood we were able to source this time features a natural grain pattern and produces a well-balanced, easy-to-play sound. One of its distinctive characteristics is that the wood has a whiter hue than typical mountain cherry, making it a type of cherry wood that embodies the gentle and refined image characteristic of Kyoto.
The Kyoto-grown cherry wood we were able to source this time features a natural grain pattern and produces a well-balanced, easy-to-play sound. One of its distinctive characteristics is that the wood has a whiter hue than typical mountain cherry, making it a type of cherry wood that embodies the gentle and refined image characteristic of Kyoto.
Certificate of Origin
A certificate of origin proving that this special wood is produced in Kyoto Prefecture. Among cherry woods, only the most exceptional varieties have their source, essentially their “hometown”, clearly indicated.
Tatinoya Kyoori
『Sakura Flower』
Headway × Tatinoya
『Sakura Flower』
Headway × Tatinoya
『Sakura Flower』
Headway × Tatinoya
Traditional craftsmanship infused with a modern sensibility
Upon hearing that Aska Workshop had received a shipment of cherry wood from Kyoto, we launched a project with the aim of sparking a reaction between Kyoto’s traditional culture and modern science. We were drawn to the creativity born from the playful spirit unique to “Kyoto-ori” weavers who utilize Nishijin-ori techniques; and resonated with their unconventional, free-thinking approach of “weaving anything that can be woven,” leading to this collaboration.
Traditional craftsmanship infused with a modern sensibility
Upon hearing that Aska Workshop had received a shipment of cherry wood from Kyoto, we launched a project with the aim of sparking a reaction between Kyoto’s traditional culture and modern science. We were drawn to the creativity born from the playful spirit unique to “Kyoto-ori” weavers who utilize Nishijin-ori techniques; and resonated with their unconventional, free-thinking approach of “weaving anything that can be woven,” leading to this collaboration.
“Kyori” is a new and free-spirited line of textiles created under the concept of “bringing textiles into everyday life”. It utilizes Nishijin-ori techniques to reinterpret traditional patterns with innovative color palettes, experiment with different materials, and reimagine ancient motifs.
Tatinoya WebsiteSoundhole Cover
The checkered pattern symbolizes prosperity because the design continues uninterrupted. Alongside it, an image depicting the flow of water represents the passage of time, symbolizing the journey of the Sakura model.
※Headway Models Only
Soundhole Label
This special limited-edition label features fabric from “Kyori”, a Kyoto-based textile brand that blends time-honored tradition with contemporary sensibilities. We have created a unique brand label exclusively for this model, featuring an original design created specifically for this collection and generously incorporating Kyori fabric.
※Headway / Sakura Ukulele Only
Headway
Design
Features
Elegant headstock design
The headstock design, which serves as the face of the guitar, features an elegant style that creates a striking contrast with the vibrant body. This design, which combines cherry blossoms and branches, is inspired by Kyoto; the more you look at it, the more details you’ll discover.
Kyoto’s cherry blossoms in full bloom along the river
When one thinks of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, images of riverside scenes—such as those along the Kamogawa River, come to mind. By carefully combining wood and acrylic materials, we’ve incorporated the flow of the river and the cherry blossoms into the design of the fingerboard.
A design featuring a woman with a Japanese umbrella walking under a weeping cherry tree in Kyoto
The design depicts a woman carrying a traditional Japanese umbrella walking through a blizzard of cherry blossoms in full bloom, evoking the image of weeping cherry trees in full bloom along the Kamogawa River. This scene, reminiscent of a vibrant spring moment, is brought to life through the masterful craftsmanship of intricate inlay work and painting techniques.
The Purple of Ancient Kyoto
We’ve applied a vertical gradient of “Kyoto Purple”, the exclusive color for the Kyoto cherry wood model, which is based on the ancient capital’s signature purple hue, to this batch of Kyoto cherry wood.
Expressing opulent splendor through traditional Japanese patterns
In addition to the purple body color, there is a luxurious gold finish that evokes the spirit of Kyoto. The pickguard features a delicate brass line depicting the traditional Japanese “Tachiumi” pattern. The design on the fingerboard depicts a river flowing to the sea, rising as mist, forming clouds, and returning to the river as rain—a cycle that symbolizes our hope for a long and joyful guitar-playing life.
Lineup
Lineup2026 Deviser Special Showcase
2024 One Day Guitar Show
2024 Deviser Special Showcase
SAKURA UKULELE
Design
Features
A woman holding a Japanese umbrella stands there
The headstock features a design of a woman holding a traditional Japanese umbrella amidst falling cherry blossoms. While maintaining an elegant aesthetic, the color scheme incorporates gold accents to evoke the essence of Kyoto. This traditional Japanese design, which complements the Sakura Ukulele logo—inspired by the hiragana characters for “sakura”—adds a striking touch to the headstock.
Cherry Blossom Inlay Design
The inlay design features a design of floating cherry blossoms, a signature motif of Sakura Ukulele, that blends seamlessly with the instrument. This gentle design reflects the Sakura Ukulele concept of being a gentle companion to the player.
Kyoto Purple body color
The body color incorporates the “Purple of the Ancient Capital,” which serves as the theme for this model crafted from Kyoto-grown cherry wood. The burst finish, which adds subtle variations to the small ukulele body, is a masterpiece created with meticulous care by our master lacquersmiths, from the color palette to the precision of the application. Another key feature of this model is its all-lacquer finish, designed to ensure a comfortable feel in the hand and a clear, resonant tone.
Wooden pickguard crafted from Kyoto-grown cherry wood
The pickguard is also crafted from Kyoto-grown cherry wood and finished in a natural color, allowing you to directly appreciate the wood’s inherent beauty. The design, engraved with leather carving, is a subtle accent that becomes apparent when viewed alongside the cherry blossoms featured in the Kyoto Cherry model.
Lineup
Lineup2026 Deviser Special Showcase
2025 One Day Guitar Show
Momose
Design
Features
Headstock featuring a woman holding a Japanese umbrella
The headstock features a subtle design depicting a woman holding a traditional Japanese umbrella. It is characterized by elegant, delicate lines that take full advantage of the benefits of silk coating.
Kyoto’s cherry blossoms in full bloom along the river
When people think of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, they often picture the riverside scenery, epitomized by the Kamogawa River. We’ve carefully combined wood and acrylic materials to capture the flow of the river and the cherry blossoms in the design of the fingerboard.
The Purple of Ancient Kyoto
We’ve applied a vertical gradient of “Kyoto Purple”—the exclusive color for the Kyoto cherry wood model, which is based on the ancient capital’s signature purple hue—to this batch of Kyoto cherry wood.
Expressing opulent splendor through traditional Japanese patterns
In addition to the purple body color, there is a luxurious gold finish that evokes the spirit of Kyoto. The pickguard features a traditional Japanese “tatsumugi” pattern created using resin. The design on the fingerboard depicts a river flowing to the sea, rising as mist, forming clouds, and returning to the river as rain—a cycle that symbolizes our hope for a long and joyful guitar-playing life.
