Kakuda Pearl

The history of Kakuda Pearl began in 1931 when the first generation Mr. Kazo Kakuda started pearl cultivation in Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture. Quickly noting the possibility of then-still-emerging cultured pearls — believing in pearl value even during difficult times of war and postwar — continuing the business. Restarting commerce using the few large pearls protected from war damage as capital — laying the foundation for subsequent growth.

In the 1930s, exports to Europe and North America began — expanding sales channels to Italy, Germany, Sweden, France, America, Canada. By trading with only one customer per country to avoid excessive competition — maintaining the policy of prospering together with customers. As a result, building such deep trust relationships that some overseas customers have continued business for over 80 years.

Postwar, established one of Japan's largest Akoya pearl cultivation farms in Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture, and also entered white-lip pearl cultivation in Australia and Indonesia. In Indonesia, succeeding ahead of others in establishing the artificial spat collection method for white-lip oysters — always challenging new techniques with a "pioneering spirit." The current head office building in Honmachi, Ise City, and the retail store in Oharai-machi in front of Ise Inner Shrine are also bases born within such development.

Under third-generation president Mr. Joji Kakuda, currently actively promoting industry-leading initiatives — establishing the pearl certification system, formulating Pearl Standard, promoting Japanese Akoya at the Hong Kong Show, and activities as chairman of the Mie Prefecture Pearl Promotion Council. With "quality and trust" as the motto, aiming to continue conveying the appeal of pearls and the wonder of Japan's cultivation techniques to people around the world.

Founded in 1931 — integrated maker handling cultivation to sales

Kakuda Pearl has performed everything from Akoya pearl cultivation to selection, processing, and sales within the group, since starting the pearl business in Ago Bay, Mie Prefecture in 1931. Overcoming postwar chaos and market fluctuations while expanding cultivation grounds — currently, as a comprehensive pearl maker with large cultivation bases and processing facilities domestically and abroad — handling pearls reaching 150 kan (about 562 kg) annually.

Global cultivation network connecting Ise-Shima, Amakusa, and Indonesia

Starting with "COVA KAKUDA" in Katada, Shima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture — Kyushu Pearl in Amakusa, Kumamoto, and white-lip pearl cultivation farms in Indonesia — the Kakuda group develops cultivation bases at home and abroad. Working on pearl oyster condition management and improvement of artificial spat collection techniques while considering the environment — achieving stable supply of pearls with thick nacre (maki) and good luster (teri).

Wide lineup from 3mm baby pearls to large pearls

In Akoya pearls — from 3mm baby pearls to about 9mm large pearls; in black-lip and white-lip pearls — abundantly assembling high-quality loose pearls and necklace materials. In addition to basic white Akoya necklaces — natural color, gray, gold series, and other rich variations — characterized by accommodating wide styling from formal to casual.

Directly-managed store "KAKUDA PEARLS" in Oharai-machi in front of Ise Inner Shrine

In Oharai-machi — the approach road to Ise Inner Shrine — there is the directly-managed shop "KAKUDA PEARLS" where you can actually pick up and choose carefully selected Ise-Shima pearl jewelry. From standard necklace and earring sets to baby pearl design jewelry, brooches, and rings — items suitable for gifts and anniversary pieces are assembled.

"How to choose" and "maintenance" taught by pearl pros

On the official site's "PEARL - How to Choose" and "Maintenance" content — pearl pros explain based on years of experience: size notation meanings, color and shape differences, how to read nacre thickness and luster, judgment criteria for blemishes, and home-care methods. With a system to receive aftercare like cleaning, polishing, and string replacement even after purchase — also focusing on information sharing to help customers enjoy pearls beautifully for a long time.

An industry-leading brand of "quality and trust"

As a family-managed corporate entity over three generations, the Kakuda group early opened export channels to Europe and America, and through a one-country-one-company system has maintained the stance of prospering together with customers. Currently playing central roles in organizations like the Japan Pearl Promotion Council, Japan Pearl Exporters' Association, and Mie Prefecture Pearl Promotion Council — continuing initiatives contributing to industry-wide development like the pearl certification system and the G7 Summit lapel pin project.