Posted by: JUCIE

Date Posted:

First Impressions: Fastest Playtest of New Irons

Hello, this is tK, the blog manager.
Things have taken a sudden turn since the last blog post.
"The near-final version has arrived."
We received word from Mr. Matsuyoshi, and a little while ago, we were shown just the header.
Then, right at the deadline for this blog post, he called and asked, "Do you want to publish it?"
Of course I do!
"Please, let me publish it!"
I practically begged him, leaning forward eagerly.
Dear readers, I'm truly sorry.
I went ahead and published it a little early.

This time, it's the "Fastest Test Impression."
※ I believe Mr. Matsuyoshi will cover the deeper design aspects in future updates, so I'd like to share my impressions purely as a golfer (and as a self-proclaimed #1 fan in Japan).

First, the moment I saw them:
I threw everything from the 4-iron to the PW into my caddy bag for now.
The moment I removed all the iron covers and saw the new irons lined up as clubs again.
Yeah, they look awesome... tears.
They're not flashy. They're not over-the-top.
But they definitely have presence and a sense of luxury.
And above all, you instantly know, "These are JUCIE."

Differentiation in the backface isn't the focus of this model, but as a golfer, the appearance of the clubs lined up in my caddy bag is a crucial point that heightens my sense of ownership and satisfaction.
They've got that covered too—truly impressive.

This is apparently the near-final version, but they still plan to make adjustments before the final product.
After hearing the explanation, I thought, "They go that far, huh?"
I really felt there was absolutely no compromise.

Is the "Reiwa Handsome Guy" Really Handsome?
When I first heard the term " Reiwa Handsome Guy " and its concept, I was half excited and half anxious about what it would actually look like.
But the moment I saw it, I understood.
Compared to the heads commonly circulating now, it definitely has its quirks.
But those quirks actually become its charm.
You know how some actors are like that? They seem distinctive at first glance, but they have this aura and are incredibly cool.
It's that kind of vibe.

Moreover, when you hold it—
it gives you an incredible sense of reassurance.
I think the head size plays a part, and so does the balance of the facial features. Both factors combined made me feel a strong sense of "kindness" emanating from this face.
When placed next to the tQ iron, their characters are so different you'd never believe they're from the same brand.
I think if someone tried to copy this, it'd just end up looking like some kind of awkward knockoff.

The moment I hit it, something felt off.
When I swung lightly from the PW, I knew instantly.
"Whoa, the flight is different."
This compares to the tQ irons I'm currently using, but I've also compared them to other brands' high moment of inertia irons.

Compared to the tQ iron, I think the slightly steeper loft also plays a role,
The launch comes out a bit lower than I imagined—
Then it shoots straight up into the sky.
It's like there's an invisible rail up there, and the ball races up it.
You know how roller coasters have that initial slow climb? If you imagine a rail like that, it's pretty close.

And as you move up to the 9-iron, 8-iron, and 7-iron, it surges forward just the same.
What's more, the ball keeps getting "stronger" and stronger.
When you switch from a mid-iron to a long iron,
"Whoa, it really flies that far!?"
If you're used to the smooth, beautiful ball flight of tQ irons, the club number and the ball's momentum don't match up at first.
But it also feels different from what you'd call a distance-focused iron. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think you'll understand once you hit it.
And before I knew it—
By this point, the quirky face of the Reiwa-era heartthrob felt like it had always been there, and I didn't notice it at all anymore.

Distance and Feel
I verified the distance at a range with TrackMan.
I felt each club gained 5 to 10 yards.
It launches a bit lower, then soars up the rail, making it easy to gain distance.
It gives the impression of being relatively easy to hit with a trajectory like a tour ball.
And it feels great without compromising the feel.
The softness of the soft iron is definitely there.

Just hearing the term "high moment of inertia," I imagined the feel might suffer a bit, but I was completely wrong.
I feel this construction is only possible because JUCIE consistently uses FULL CNC machining.
It's like a high-end car with air suspension.
When you make clean contact,
it feels like the entire clubhead envelops the ball.
The deep center of gravity brings to mind a fairway wood.
It's mild yet has a solid core.
The "comfort" Mr. Matsuyoshi mentioned in his recent blog post.
Honestly, I could feel it was a perfect fit.

Not just easy to swing, but one that feels great when you let it work.
I think the "comfort" you feel can vary significantly depending on which shaft you choose.
Please enjoy imagining things like:
"Should I stick with the same shaft?"
"Or should I go for a slightly more forgiving spec to pursue comfort?"

I'm really looking forward to the course.
This time it's the driving range, so my impressions will be based on range balls.
But it reminded me.
Of the first time I used the tQ irons on the course.
I was mesmerized by the beauty of that ball flight.

I wonder what the new irons will be like.
I'm sure they'll bring a whole new kind of excitement.
Right now, imagining that is the most fun part.

The excellence of the tQ irons, and the distinct advantages of the new iron model. Given their unique characteristics, the choice of which to employ becomes a strategic decision. Such nuanced deployment offers an engaging experience.

In Conclusion
Rather than merely examining performance specifications or numerical data, we highly recommend experiencing this iron firsthand. The final iteration, released to the market after meticulous fine-tuning, will arrive in your hands with an even more refined aesthetic.
Given its current developmental stage, we anticipate that trial opportunities will be available to you in the near future.
We encourage you to experience this new facet of JUCIE.
We also intend to provide comprehensive insights into its on-course performance.

Date Posted:

Grateful for the opportunity to craft the club I truly desired.

In February 2026, Juicy Inc. celebrated its 8th anniversary. We are truly grateful to the many people who have supported us in advancing this "Juicy Project."

Golf clubs aren't just products!
Amidst this, I was very fortunate earlier this year to have an article featuring me as a club designer published in Golf Digest Japan. During that interview, I was asked, "What is your design philosophy?" I answered that I fundamentally aim to create tools that are easy for users to handle, always designing with the mindset that they are "tools for use," not "products for sale."
Afterwards, I took time to reflect anew on my own philosophy and what Juicy truly stands for.


We certainly aimed to create a comfortable club by incorporating as many thoughtful details as possible for our target users. However, as we prioritized clarity, we found ourselves unknowingly conforming to a product-centric categorization. Disliking this, I reaffirmed why I started the Juicy Project anew.
The pursuit of comfort has nothing to do with golf skill level. Ultimately, we want people to choose Juicy as their very first golf club.Rather than struggling with ill-fitting or difficult clubs during practice, I want people to enjoy comfortable golf from the very start. That's what I'm thinking about. And for professional golfers, comfort means reliability—the crucial balance of precision and performance. Golfers of all levels have their own individuality, and many seek high-quality comfort. My commitment with Juicy is to design golf clubs with new performance for precisely those people.

Comfortable Golfer
We came up with a new term to describe the golfer image Juicy aims for in a single phrase.
"Comfortable Golfer"
So, we immediately asked the AI, "What is a Comfortable Golfer?" The result was:
・It refers to a style of enjoying golf while valuing comfort, ease, and being true to oneself, or to the golfer who embodies that style.
・Choosing the right gear: Selecting clubs with appropriate weight and shafts that match your swing tempo and power.
・Mental and physical comfort: Playing with relaxed, natural movements (a comfortable swing) rather than forcing power.
・Enjoyment mindset: Enjoy the time spent amidst beautiful scenery and nature itself, not just chasing scores.
・Comfort in golf emphasizes not only skill improvement but also health, fashion, and mental fulfillment.
Summary
A Comfortable Golfer is someone who truly enjoys the sport of golf with comfortable equipment and a positive mental state.

That was the response. AI is amazing, isn't it? It provided a perspective that closely matches the image of a golfer I had in mind.

With 30 Years of Passion
As mentioned at the beginning, Juicy is entering its ninth year, and simultaneously, I am entering my 30th year of golf club design. Looking back, over these 30 years, I have designed over 60 different iron sets and over 50 different wedge series models.Since becoming Juicy, I've already designed over 10 iron models alone.
Among these, I've now designed an iron with performance characteristics I'd never been able to create before. It embodies the performance I genuinely desired before I understood the manufacturer's perspective. To put it simply, it's the performance needed by golfers who have "decently fast head speed but also make a lot of mistakes."Thirty years ago, such clubs existed to some extent. However, within the brands I worked for, this performance was deemed "unmarketable," and I never got the chance to pursue this dream.
Yet, in this Reiwa era, with new golfers increasing and even top pros using high-moment-of-inertia drivers, I firmly believe this performance will be accepted.
I re-examined every element from scratch, revisited and studied past great clubs, and ultimately created an iron with a significantly different face shape than anything I'd done before – a "Reiwa-era handsome guy" in my mind. It maintains a comfortable size for solid play on the course while achieving the maximum possible moment of inertia for that size. It's crafted in a juicy style, precision-machined from soft iron using FULL CNC.Truthfully, the concept was complete in my mind three years ago, but through deeper precision and physical analysis, it has finally achieved its beloved performance.
The ability to design clubs with the performance I personally desire, even if they might lack market appeal.
I am truly happy. Once again, please allow me to express my gratitude to those who love Juicy clubs, those who support the Juicy Project, and those who nurtured me. Please wait just a little longer for the new iron announcement!

Date Posted:

Further Updates on New Iron Models

Hello, this is tK, the blog administrator.
This blog post provides a follow-up on JUCIE's new iron series.
From readers of the previous article,
we have received several inquiries at JUCIE asking, 'What exactly is Reiwa Ikemen!?'
...Indeed. It's far from over.
Since then, I have been making frequent reconnaissance trips to Mr. Matsuyoshi, gathering 'fragments of information' piece by piece.
This time, I will share a follow-up report, limited to the information I have been authorized to disclose.

'Reiwa Ikemen' and 'Orthodox'
What particularly captures attention, of course, is...
As previously announced, JUCIE's upcoming new iron series will feature:
• Orthodox
• Reiwa Ikemen
Models embodying these two distinct design philosophies are slated for simultaneous release.
Now, to the main point.
Inevitably, the 'Reiwa Ikemen' model is what truly piques curiosity.
To be frank, when I first heard this term, my initial reaction was, 'Oh, really...?' (laughs).

However, the more I delved into the details, the clearer it became that this is not merely a catchy name,
but a project with extraordinarily ambitious objectives.

The Evolution of Irons Features 'Pivotal Models'
During my discussion with Mr. Matsuyoshi, the term emerged:
'Game Changer,' a phrase imbued with significant strategic intent.

Reflecting on the history of irons,
there have been several models that marked a distinct shift in design philosophy.
Which manufacturer, at what juncture, transitioned to which design ideology?
Those who have enjoyed golf clubs for an extended period
might possess a more intuitive understanding of these shifts than I do.

The 'Reiwa Ikemen' is reportedly being developed to follow this trajectory, aiming to become the 'next game changer' in the Reiwa era.
...While stated casually, this is, in fact, a remarkably ambitious undertaking.

Technical Fragmentary Information
Specifically, one point highlighted was the moment of inertia value.
Despite being a one-piece soft iron forging,
• The 7-iron boasts a moment of inertia of approximately 2800 g·cm² (among the largest for soft iron head sizes).
Individuals who immediately grasp the significance of this figure likely possess a profound dedication to golf equipment.

In recent years, advancements in 3D scanning technology have made it possible to replicate shapes with considerable accuracy.
Following JUCIE's product releases, various manufacturers have been closely observing Mr. Matsuyoshi's designs,
and frankly, they would likely imitate the shape almost immediately.

However, according to Mr. Matsuyoshi,
• Establishing a 'face' characteristic of Reiwa Ikemen
• Maintaining the same center of gravity design, a legacy from the tQ irons
Even if the shape could be replicated, imitating while simultaneously achieving both these objectives would be an almost impossible feat.

This aspect conveys a unique exclusivity to JUCIE, which is highly gratifying for enthusiasts.
The shape features a cavity back design.
However, I perceived a subtle distinction from what is typically referred to as a 'forgiving cavity back.'

The Most Unexpected Aspect: 'Loft Settings'
Furthermore,
what truly surprised me this time was the loft setting.
• Reiwa Ikemen: 31° for the 7-iron
• Orthodox: 29° for the 7-iron
I had anticipated the complete opposite.
This configuration, it is explained, naturally arises when considering the club delivery method and the profile of a tour player utilizing it. Consequently, these two models not only possess:
• Distinct aesthetics
• Different characteristics
but also feature a distinctly different 'impact methodology.'
While aesthetic appeal serves as an initial selection criterion, the ultimate choice of model is determined by 'how one intends to strike the ball.'
I found this approach to be analogous to the selection process for wedge sole designs.

Game Changers Are Initially Met with Skepticism
A remark Mr. Matsuyoshi casually made left a lasting impression on me.

Models that become game changers,
regardless of the era, are not immediately embraced.
However, before long, they become the 'new standard.'
The 'Reiwa Ikemen' will likely elicit both praise and criticism. But that is acceptable.
JUCIE undertakes such pioneering projects.
Mr. Matsuyoshi, as he spoke, wore a subtly amused expression.

Development Progress
The demo heads, initially anticipated by the end of last year,
are still undergoing refinement due to the intricate milling process, and have not yet reached their satisfactory final form.
The more I learned, the more my desire grew: 'I want to see it soon!' 'I want to hit it soon!!'
Frankly, I returned with an almost agonizing anticipation.
Nevertheless, there is an expectation of being able to experience the actual product in the not-too-distant future,
so this excitement is likely to persist for a while longer.

Further Updates to Follow
While this update does not reveal the complete picture, the contours are gradually becoming clearer.
We will provide further updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Next time, we may be able to delve into more in-depth discussions.
Please continue to follow our progress.

Date Posted:

Beyond 'Usable and Forgiving Clubs' - Part 2 -

As we enter 2026, I wish to continue from my previous entry, articulating my vision for Jucie's products and our future objectives.

Are Jucie Clubs Difficult to Play?
We are frequently asked if Jucie clubs are challenging to play. While I would prefer to answer no, I also understand why such an impression might arise. Since our inaugural model, we have released wedges with performance akin to professional personal models, and numerous professional golfers have utilized them to achieve multiple victories. While this naturally creates the perception of 'pro models,' my design philosophy and meticulous attention to detail differ slightly, which I intend to explain by drawing an analogy to automobile performance.

The paramount factor is superior fundamental performance.

Both automobiles and golf clubs are frequently categorized, and in my perception, sports cars are akin to professional models, while family cars resemble amateur models. Furthermore, our engagement with tour professionals evokes the image of participating in serious races, much like a works team. It's akin to racing with vehicles that are not street-legal. Consequently, one might conclude that while sports cars are appealing, they are unmanageable, or that since high speeds are not a priority, professional models would not be actively chosen.
However, Jucie's models are subtly different. They are comparable to rally cars competing in production-car-based races or the WRC. The crucial aspect is that the base vehicle is meticulously engineered for comfortable urban driving, yet possesses such high fundamental performance that, with tuning and driver skill, it can achieve extraordinary speeds. Examples include cars like the R32 GT-R, the first-generation Impreza, the Swift Sport, or, in the current era, the Yaris.
Jucie clubs are designed with a profound awareness that, when paired with the appropriate shaft and assembly, they offer comfortable performance even for the average golfer. Therefore, we encourage selection based on the principle of 'my model = easy to use,' rather than 'pro model = difficult.'
However, to achieve this level of performance, while it is essential for me to be a professional designer, the fundamental performance must also be discernible within the professional domains of tuning and user experience. Therefore, we intend to steadfastly continue our works team-like activities, constantly refining ourselves alongside professional golfers who play at the forefront, and aspire to continuously create clubs that bring joy to as many golfers as possible.

Should Vehicles Be Solely Purpose-Driven?
Automobiles are categorized by various objectives, not limited to speed, such as off-road capability, passenger and cargo capacity, or fuel efficiency prioritization. While Jucie's core philosophy is to 'aim for a rally car with high fundamental performance,' we also constantly ponder whether vehicles should solely be designed for speed.
Approximately 25 years ago, I drove a compact 4WD manual transmission sports car that boasted 180 horsepower from a 1600cc engine, a remarkable power-to-displacement ratio for its time. However, due to the inconvenience of daily use, I transitioned to a 3-door compact SUV, which was quite rare back then. That vehicle was marketed towards younger individuals with a snowboarder image, but I heard it sold exceptionally well among the senior demographic.
The reason for its popularity was that, at the time, the term 'SUV' was not yet established, and it fell into a category of vehicles focused on off-road capability, such as 'cross-country' models. However, its ease of entry and exit, higher eye-point, and effortless driving over minor obstacles were reportedly highly valued by seniors. Today, I believe there has been a significant increase in the number of seniors driving compact SUVs.

Clubs That Generate New Needs, Born from the Field
Similar phenomena occasionally occur in golf clubs. A recent example is a model introduced by a certain manufacturer, positioned as an intermediary club between a utility and a fairway wood (Fw). Upon evaluating its center of gravity performance, I observed that while its trajectory resembled that of an Fw, its influence on the swing was anticipated to be closer to an iron than an Fw. I felt it was optimally suited for users who prefer iron-type utility clubs and desire slightly more spin. Consequently, its usage increasingly aligned with this prediction, and I found it fascinating how, with each model revision, its specifications evolved to become progressively closer to those of an iron.
Just as the compact SUV evolved through the accumulation of evaluations that differed from its initial purpose, golf clubs, too, will establish new standards if their actual performance meets golfers' emerging needs, rather than being judged solely by category. Furthermore, we are committed to meticulously crafting clubs that are not specialized by category but offer a balanced ease of use—'performance that simply allows for enjoyable golf.' We also believe that wedges and utility clubs still possess significant potential for evolution and change. Therefore, we aim to adopt an even more field-oriented approach, relentlessly pursuing what clubs are truly needed by actual golfers.
We are also contemplating various new initiatives to effectively capture these evolving needs, so please look forward to them.