Category: tK Blog

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 merits of the tQ irons, and the merits of these new irons.
Since each has its own distinct character, which one to use?
I'm looking forward to figuring out how to use them.

---

Finally,
We recommend trying this iron out firsthand rather than just looking at specs and performance numbers. And the final form, after its last fine-tuning before release, will arrive in your hands looking even better.
Reaching this stage means you should be able to try it out yourselves very soon.
Please experience a new facet of JUCIE for yourself.
We also look forward to sharing how it performs on the course.

Hello, this is tK, the blog manager.
This blog post is a follow-up on JUCIE's new irons.
We've been getting some questions from readers of the previous article, like:
"What exactly is a Reiwa Handsome Guy!?"
...Yes. It couldn't possibly end there.
After that, I kept making little reconnaissance trips to Mr. Matsuyoshi to gather "bits of information" bit by bit.
This time too, I'll share only what I've been permitted to disclose as a follow-up update.

---

"Reiwa Handsome" and "Traditional Style"
What really catches my attention, though...
As mentioned last time, the upcoming new JUCIE irons will feature:
• Traditional Style
• Reiwa Handsome
Models embodying these two distinct directions will coexist.
Now, here's the main point.
Honestly, I can't help but be intrigued by "Reiwa Handsome."
Truthfully, when I first heard that term, I thought, "Uh, yeah..."(laugh).

But the more I heard about it, the more I realized this wasn't just a catchy name—
—it was a project with a truly ambitious goal.

---

The evolution of irons has "milestone models"
The term "game changer," which carries significant ambition, emerged during our conversation with Mr. Matsuyoshi.

Looking back at the history of irons,
it seems there have been several models that marked a turning point.
Which manufacturers shifted to what philosophy, and when?
Those who have enjoyed clubs for a long time
probably understand this much more intuitively than someone like me.

And "Reiwa Ikemen" is being developed with the aim of becoming the next game-changer in the Reiwa era, building on that legacy.
...It sounds simple enough, but it's actually quite remarkable, isn't it?

---

Technical Fragments
One specific example mentioned was the moment of inertia value.
Despite being a one-piece soft iron forged club,
• The moment of inertia for the 7-iron is approximately 2800 g·cm² (among the largest for soft iron head sizes)
Anyone who immediately understands the significance of this number alone must be someone with a truly deep passion for the craft.

In recent years, advances in 3D scanning technology have made it possible to replicate shapes.
After JUCIE's release, various manufacturers have been copying Mr. Matsuyoshi's designs.
Honestly, if it's just the shape, they'll imitate it right away.

But according to Mr. Matsuyoshi,
• Achieving the "look" of a modern handsome man
• Maintaining the same center of gravity design continued from the tQ iron
Even if the shape can be imitated, he states that imitation while achieving both of these is nearly impossible.

This area has a unique feel that's exclusive to JUCIE, which is incredibly gratifying for fans.
The shape is a cavity back.
However, I sensed a slightly different nuance compared to what's commonly called a "forgiving cavity."

---

Personally, the most surprising thing was the "loft settings."
And,
The thing that made me go "Huh?" the most this time was the loft settings.
• Reiwa Handsome: 31° on the 7-iron
• Orthodox: 29° on the 7-iron
I had completely imagined the opposite.
Apparently, considering how the clubs are loaded and the image of players using them on tour, this setting naturally follows.In other words, these two models aren't just:
• Different looks
• Different characters
They also have distinctly different "intended striking styles."
While appearance is certainly one entry point, ultimately the model choice comes down to "how you want to strike the ball."
This approach feels similar to how you choose a wedge sole.

---

Game changers are met with skepticism at first.
Mr. Matsuyoshi's offhand remark left a lasting impression.

Game-changing models are never immediately accepted in any era.
But before you know it, they become "the norm."
"Reiwa Handsome Guys" will likely spark debate. But that's fine.
That's the kind of project JUCIE is.
Mr. Matsuyoshi, who spoke these words, had a subtly amused look on his face.

Development Progress
The demo head was originally scheduled to arrive around the end of last year,
but the machining process is quite complex, and they haven't yet reached a final form they're satisfied with.
The more I hear about it, the more I just keep thinking, "I want to see it soon!" "I want to hit it soon!!"
Honestly, I came home feeling restless.
That said, there's also the expectation that I'll likely get to touch the real thing before too long,
so this excitement looks set to continue a little longer.

We'll bring you further updates.
While we haven't uncovered the full picture this time either, the outline is gradually becoming clearer.
We'll deliver more updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Next time, we may be able to delve a bit deeper.
We appreciate your continued support.

― GOLF SHOP CHOICE (Tokyo) / Owner Mr. Yoshida

Hello, this is tK, the blog manager.
This time, we have an interview article with a JUCIE retailer.

We bring you stories straight from the "front lines" where we interact directly with customers.
The shop that kindly cooperated this time is " GOLF SHOP CHOICE " in Tokyo.

The owner is Mr. Yoshida. My first impression when I met him was
I had imagined a meticulous owner of a craft shop, but honestly thought, "He's a total cool dude..."
But actually talking to him, he's incredibly kind and very "mature"—including how he never pushes clubs on you.
I found that gap really charming.
Even listening to his conversations with customers, he has a good kind of "lack of salesmanship."
In a bad way... he's probably not very good at selling (lol).
But I think that's exactly why his shop is trusted.

---

■ The Criteria for Choosing Clubs: "The Faces of Regulars"
When I asked Mr. Yoshida about his "criteria for sourcing clubs," his response was remarkably simple.
"First, the faces of the customers come to mind."

Before the spec sheets,
Before the trends,
What comes to mind is "people."

"How would that person feel?"
"Would that person enjoy this club?"

……Isn't this wonderful?
Since it's a business, I think it's natural to choose products based on profit and trends.
But before that, the standard is "people."
How many shops like this are there, I wonder?

And another phrase that stuck with me:
"I won't stock anything I don't believe in myself."
Simple, yet profound.
I wouldn't recommend something I don't believe in.
I felt this was the core of CHOICE.

---

■ "Ease" and "Difficulty" Are Two Sides of the Same Coin
In golf, you often hear the term "easy club."
But Mr. Yoshida doesn't use that phrase much.

"With JUCIE, looking at the sole makes me picture a person."
This sole seems like it would suit that person's swing.
This sole would probably help that person when their angle of attack is off.
That's how they think about it.

"There are plenty of clubs for skilled players, but few truly understand the feelings of those who struggle. What constitutes 'kindness' varies for each person. Honestly, I'm grateful for JUCIE, which addresses this through sole designs and other features."
I felt the reason CHOICE is said to "walk alongside its customers" is encapsulated in these words:

---

■ To be honest... "I like the look"
While talking about JUCIE, Mr. Yoshida said this with a slight smile.
"To be completely honest... I like the look."
He apparently liked that "look" Mr. Matsuyoshi had created even before JUCIE.
And another thing that stood out was the talk about Furu Mild.
"You can get the same item delivered quickly and hand it to the customer."
Of course, there's charm in hand-carved "one-of-a-kind" pieces.
But sometimes, that excitement fades while waiting a month or two.
In that regard, JUCIE lets you get the same quality item immediately.
This is really powerful—it helps the store, and customers can use it sooner.
The result? Everyone's happy.

---

■ Customer reactions are "rarely unexpected"
When handing over clubs selected while picturing the sole and the user's face,
"Reactions completely opposite to expectations are almost nonexistent,"
he says.
Of course,
"Sometimes we hear things like 'too much spin.'"

But Mr. Yoshida casually remarks, "That's just basic performance."
No sugarcoating.
But not dismissive either.
I felt that conveying this "honesty" is where the skill of the retailer truly shines.

---

■ The JUCIE brand is "right in the middle"
When asked what image they have of the JUCIE brand,
Mr. Yoshida described it this way:
"A manufacturer that leans neither way—right in the middle."
Not overly flashy.
Not overly helpful either.
"It's like, 'No need for anything extra,' you know?"
This feeling of "not adding too many unnecessary things,"
feels very much aligned with the CHOICE store as well.

JUCIE stays true to itself. That's its greatest charm.
The JUCIE brand ultimately boils down to "It's Matsuyoshi-san, right?"
It never fully surrenders to fleeting trends.
I hope the simple beauty of single materials and the essence of JUCIE remain forever.
I hope the pride in design endures forever.

---

■ Editor's Note (by tK)
What struck me during this interview is that GOLF SHOP CHOICE isn't focused on "clubs"—it's focused on "people."
And JUCIE is a manufacturer that truly lives up to that vision.
It's not about whether it sells—it's about whether it connects.
If you're looking for a shop in Tokyo, please visit CHOICE.
I guarantee you won't just talk about clubs.

Hello, I'm tK, your blogger.
This is sudden, but let me start with a little bit about my name.
Originally I was going to call myself "tk".
But when I started the blog, Mr. Matsuyoshi suggested, "Wouldn't a capital "K" like "tT" or "tH" be more model-like?"
I thought it would be better to use a capital "K" like tT or tH.
At that moment, I felt something clicked inside me.
"I see! I was so happy to feel like a member of JUCIE, and I like it so much that my signature on the golf course is basically "tK" these days.

---

What is your "one bottle"?
Today's theme is "my one club".
When it comes to golf clubs, there is no right answer, as everyone has their own particular preferences and ways of enjoying golf, but do you have one club that you absolutely trust?
When I am in trouble, I choose this club for the time being.
・When I am in a nervous situation, I can handle it.
・This club is the one that I don't feel much anxiety about.

Depending on the person, it may be a driver, a utility, a wedge, or a putter.

I think it's a blessing to be able to find such a club in the first place.
I think it's a blessing to be able to find a club like that. I think I'm lucky to have found such a club.

---

My "one" is my first JUCIE
My "one" is the first club that I picked up, used on the course for the first time, and was shocked for the first time and said "What the heck...".
That was the tH Wedge 6010K. I have mentioned this model in other articles, but this baby is special to me.
It is the club that I should say "the first club that I seriously loved.

The moment you set up the 6010K, there is a sense of...
"I have a feeling that things are going to go well".
Roundness. Gentleness.
But it's exquisite and not too sweet.
The color of the plating may also have an effect, but this club has an atmosphere that tells you, "It's okay.
A rare 60° wedge that "doesn't go wild"
When you hear about a 60° wedge, you may think, "It's easy but doesn't go far," or "It goes up too high and is hard to handle," or "It just spins. It's too high and hard to handle," or "unstable with strong spin," are the images that many people have when they hear the word "60° wedge.
But this 6010K is totally different.
It rises, but not too much.
It flies well, but not too much.
Spin is effective, but not too much.
The ultimate in "middle of the road".

Even when the grass is thin or sunken in, the ball rolls with a "plop" just by hitting the ball.

In the middle of the "middle of the high dimension"
I've played a lot of wedges, and there are a lot of safe wedges in the world.
There are a lot of safe wedges out there that are at the level of "usable in general.
But the 6010K has a "middle ground" that is not at that level.
I think this is really difficult to achieve.

In cars, it is a Mercedes AMG or BMW M series.
Normally, they can be driven normally, but if you step on the gas pedal, they will turn on their fangs.
But the design makes it feel like it can be handled "normally.
I think the 6010K has that smell.

Extremes are not extreme, but the more extreme, the better.
Even when thinking about swinging, extreme movements are easy to visualize and simple.
It's easy to imagine the "extremes" of the swing: hitting the hook with all your might
- hitting the slice with all your might
- relaxing too much
- putting in too much effort
.
But what is really difficult is to find the "perfect middle ground.
It's really difficult to find the "perfect middle ground" and make a "normal shot" without being too much in either direction.
I think it is the same with clubs.
6010K has this "secret hidden in the ordinary" thoroughly in mind.
The more you use it, the more you understand it.
The more you use the club, the more you realize that the balance is extraordinary.

---

Finally,
I am sure you all have a "one" club in your life.
It is not so much the performance of the club, but the memories and experiences that come back to you the moment you hold it.
A club that has a story behind it is very special, don't you think?
And if this 6010K becomes someone's "one" someday, that alone would make me happy, and I am sure Mr. Matsuyoshi would be pleased as well, with a quiet grin on his face.
This is the story of my "beloved one".

This article is [about the new irons]!
This word alone makes me excited already.
I am sure all JUCIE fans feel the same way.

-- The keyword is "2021 handsome man"
I heard that JUCIE is developing new irons!
As a fan, I can't keep quiet anymore. I want to share it with you all!
Even though ......, much of it is still under wraps.
However, this time, I was able to hear just a few "key words" from Mr. Matsuyoshi,
so I would like to write a little about what I myself felt and the expectations I selfishly grew up with, triggered by his words.

---

First, about the current model "tQ Irons

The tQ irons are known for their beautiful trajectory and the pleasant sensation when the hitting point is perfectly aligned with the face and shaft axis. The clubs are designed to be used in a wide variety of conditions, including the following:
The clubs below No. 8 are complete muscle backs, and the clubs above No. 7 are designed to lead the ball far and wide. The ball is fun to control, and the 7 and above will lead the ball a long way.

The feeling when you hit it well is exceptional, and just hitting it becomes more and more enjoyable.
However, on the other hand, there is almost no atmosphere in which the club is there to help you.

Rather, "If you do it right, I'll do it exactly right."
-- I can almost feel such a message from the club.

These characteristics have won the hearts of experienced golfers who have held the club for a long time.
However, for golfers accustomed to the "help-filled" clubs of recent years,
they are sometimes dismissed with one word: "Looks difficult.

---

A single word from a student golfer sets the story in motion.

In the midst of all this, there was an incident.
Mr. Matsuyoshi had the opportunity to introduce JUCIE to one of Japan's leading student golfers.

Mr. Matsuyoshi was absolutely confident in his tQ irons.
However, after hitting a few balls, the student said, "I can't make this kind of face.
I'm not good at this kind of face. I like clubs that look easier."
Matsuyoshi was more than a little shocked by the student's words.

The tQ irons are a legitimate model designed for golfers who have held clubs for many years and feel comfortable with them.
However, in the student's eyes, these irons were "difficult to use.

It is a matter of taste, but at that moment, a switch flipped in Matsuyoshi's mind.
I think it would be better to change the "ease of posture" that the times demand, depending on one's style of play.

---

New keyword: "2021 handsome men

Thus, a new keyword was born.
It is called "2021 handsome.
In the past, the individuality of each manufacturer was strongly expressed in the face (i.e., the face design at address). Nowadays, the back face design and the brand's overall world view are more influential.
Under such circumstances, JUCIE began to search for the "face of 2021.

What's more, surprisingly, the next model will have two faces within the same iron:
"2021 handsome" and "orthodox"!
Two completely different personalities coexisting in one model.
It is truly amazing to see how easily they go beyond our imagination.

---

Deep design thinking to the point of perversity

When talking with Mr. Matsuyoshi, his design talk goes deeper and deeper, sometimes to the point of insanity....
Just when you think you finally understand one level, there are three more levels of deep thinking beyond that.
I get the impression that he is a man who is traveling in a world that no one else can enter.

Even so, the man himself is always soft-spoken and always willing to answer any questions you may have in a polite manner.
In an appearance on a program just the other day, he was described by his co-star as "perverted" (laughs).
In this industry, I think that is one of the biggest compliments you can get.

---

Finally.

The full details of the new irons have not yet been revealed.
However, the key word is "2021 handsome.
It is certain that we are about to create a club that makes you feel "now" the moment you put it in your stance.
What do you feel from these words?
What kind of "face" will JUCIE show us?
As a fan of JUCIE, I look forward to that moment with great anticipation.
Please look forward to further news.