The Journey of MOMOTARO International Hairsalon
Located in the heart of Manhattan, New York, right beside Rockefeller Center and Saks Fifth Avenue, stands MOMOTARO International Hairsalon. For many years, this salon has delivered Japanese beauty techniques and the spirit of hospitality to one of the world’s premier fashion cities.
Sammy Miyamoto’s New York Challenge
Founder Sammy Miyamoto hails from Shimane Prefecture. After gaining experience as a hairstylist in Japan, he moved to New York at a young age to test his skills on a larger stage.
After serving as branch manager for the local “momotaro salon” in 1972, he struck out on his own in 1977, founding MOMOTARO International Hairsalon.At a time when Japanese hairstylists were virtually nonexistent, he steadily built trust and grew the salon while overcoming cultural and language barriers.
In the 1970s, when the typical haircut in New York cost $2, Miyamoto boldly set his price at $7. Combining his precise cutting skills with meticulous shampooing and delicate massage, the exceptional quality earned him the New Yorkers’ praise of “Perfect”. Through such episodes, he widely established the value of Japanese hairstylists.
Miyamoto was not merely a hairstylist; he was also a cultural ambassador spreading “Japanese beauty” to the world. This very stance became a major pillar shaping MOMOTARO’s history.
Contributions to the Community
Miyamoto was instrumental in establishing the “New York Shimane Prefecture Association” in 1985 and served as its president from 2001 to 2009.
Furthermore, he continued activities deeply rooted in the local community and culture, such as donating peonies to Rockefeller State Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
For these achievements, he received commendations from the Consulate-General of Japan in New York, earning recognition beyond the beauty industry.
Pioneer of Technological Innovation
In 1986, MOMOTARO introduced Japanese Straightening to New York for the first time. This technique, virtually unknown in America at the time, gained attention as a “revolution that transforms hair beautifully from the roots,” spreading the salon’s name worldwide.
This innovative spirit continues today, evolving while maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation.
During this period, the salon also saw increasing internationalization of its staff.Centered around Japanese stylists, the salon gathered a diverse team including Americans and Brazilians, creating an environment where cultures and sensibilities intertwined.
A Training Ground for Young Talent
MOMOTARO is also a place where hairstylists aspiring to work globally can realize their dreams. Many young stylists gain experience in New York, learning world-class techniques and international sensibilities before eventually striking out on their own. The salon has served not just as a workplace, but as a gateway for nurturing talent who will shape the future.
Miyamoto particularly values the “meticulousness” and “precise technical skills” inherent in Japanese hairstylists. At the same time, he has emphasized the importance of acquiring the customer service skills demanded in the international community, as well as honing sensibilities through exposure to diverse arts like art and music.
Through this approach, he prioritizes cultivating not just technicians, but “hairstylists who can envision the future,” serving as a guiding light for the next generation.
Toward the Future
MOMOTARO International Hairsalon, built by Sammy Miyamoto, continues to embody “tradition” and “innovation” in the heart of New York City today. As an entity that connects people through beauty and continuously disseminates culture, its journey will never cease.
Timeline
1977 Established MOMOTARO International Hairsalon on East 55th Street, Manhattan, NY
1986 Introduced New York’s first Japanese Straightening treatment
Expanded to three locations in New York
1997 Relocated to Olympic Tower near Fifth Avenue
Expanded nationwide with locations in Atlanta and New Jersey, retaining one New York location
2017 Released original hair care series “Sammy NYC”
2024 Relocated to current New York location following business succession