Category: tK Blog

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:

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:

JUCIE Dealer Interview

― 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.

Date Posted:

My "One Club"

Hello, this is tK, the blog manager.
Suddenly, let's talk a little about my name first.
Originally, I intended to use "tk" as my name.
However, when starting the blog, Mr. Matsuyoshi suggested, "Wouldn't a capital 'K' like in 'tT' or 'tH' make it look more like a model name and be better?"
At that moment, I felt something "click" inside me.
"I see!!" I thought. I was truly delighted, feeling like I had become a member of JUCIE, and I really like it. Lately, my signature at golf courses has primarily become "tK", this is tK.

What is your "One Club"?
Today's theme is "My "One Club"".
When it comes to golf clubs, everyone has their own preferences and ways of enjoying the game, so there's no single "correct" answer. However, do you have "one club you absolutely trust"?
・When in trouble, you instinctively reach for this club.
・Even in tense situations, you feel confident it will perform.
・You rarely feel anxious with this particular club.
It's that kind of presence.
For some, it might be a driver, for others a utility club, or even a wedge or putter.
"With this one, I'll be fine."
Frankly, I believe that encountering such a club is a fortunate experience in itself.
There are also clubs that feel great at first but make you wonder "huh?" as you continue to use them, or clubs you quickly grow tired of.

My "One Club" is my first JUCIE.
My "One Club" is the club I first held, first used on the course, and first felt a "What is this...?" shock from.
That is the tH Wedge 6010K. While this model has been mentioned in other articles, its presence is special to me.
It is a club that could be described as "the first partner I truly loved."

An "indescribable sense of security" that flows in the moment you address the ball.
The moment I address the ball with the 6010K, there's a certain feeling...
It's a sensation of "I feel like it's going to go well."
Roundness. Gentleness.
Yet, an exquisite balance that isn't overly forgiving.
Perhaps the plating color also plays a role, but this club exudes an aura that seems to say, "You've got this."
A rare 60° wedge that "doesn't get wild."
When people hear "60-degree wedge," many might still have an image of it being "forgiving but lacking distance," "too high-flying and difficult to control," or "too much spin and unstable."
However, this 6010K is completely different.
It launches high, but not excessively so.
It flies well, but not too far.
It generates spin effectively, but not excessively.
The epitome of "just right."

It also provides the reassurance that even from thin lies or submerged positions, a simple "tap" will make the ball gently roll out.

The "high-dimensional sweet spot" within the sweet spot.
I've hit many wedges, and there are countless "safe" wedges out there.
Wedges that are "ordinarily usable."
But the 6010K possesses a "sweet spot" that transcends that ordinary level, a "high-dimensional sweet spot."
I believe this is truly a difficult achievement.

If it were a car, it would be a Mercedes-AMG or a BMW M series.
They drive normally for everyday use, but unleash their power when you step on the accelerator.
Yet, they are designed to feel "ordinarily manageable."
I believe the 6010K possesses that very essence.

Not extreme, yet extremely excellent.
Even when considering a swing, extreme movements are quite easy to visualize and execute.
・Hitting a drastic hook
・Hitting a drastic slice
・Being overly relaxed
・Being overly tense
Such "extreme" images are easy to conceive.
However, what is truly difficult is finding the "exquisite middle ground."
It's about executing an "ordinary shot" without leaning too far in either direction.
I believe the same applies to clubs.
The 6010K thoroughly embodies this "ultimate secret hidden within the ordinary."
This becomes apparent the more you use it.
You realize, "Ah, the balance is incredibly exceptional."

In Conclusion
Everyone surely has their "One Club."
More than just the club's performance, it's the memories and experiences that resurface the moment you hold it.
Such a "club with a story" is truly special, wouldn't you agree?
And if this 6010K ever becomes someone's "One Club," that alone would make me happy, and I'm sure Mr. Matsuyoshi would also quietly smile with delight.
That was the story of my "One Club," which I cherish deeply.

Date Posted:

Hello, this is tK, your blog correspondent.

This article is about 【New Irons】!
Just hearing these words is enough to generate excitement.
I am confident that all JUCIE fans share this sentiment.

―― The keyword is 'Reiwa Ikemen' (Handsome Man of the Reiwa Era).
It appears JUCIE is advancing the development of new irons!
As a fan, I can no longer keep silent. I want to share this with everyone!
However, much of the detail remains shrouded in secrecy.
Nevertheless, I was able to glean a small 'keyword' from Mr. Matsuyoshi this time,
and using that as a catalyst, I wish to write a little about what I personally felt and the expectations that have spontaneously grown within me.

First, regarding the current model, the 'tQ Iron'

The tQ Iron is renowned for its exquisite trajectory and the unparalleled sensation when the impact point perfectly aligns with the clubface and shaft axis. I believe few clubs convey such a profound sense of 'capturing the ball squarely on the face'.
Clubs 8-iron and below feature a pure muscle-back design. They offer the joy of ball manipulation, while 7-iron and above consistently propel the ball to significant distances.

The satisfaction of a well-struck shot is exceptional, and the sheer act of hitting them progressively enhances enjoyment.
However, conversely, there is little sense of the club providing significant assistance.

Rather, it's as if the club communicates, 'If you execute properly, I will perform with precision.'
――That is the profound message one perceives from this club.

This characteristic captivates seasoned golfers who have long wielded clubs with expertise.
However, for golfers accustomed to recent clubs replete with 'assist features',
they might dismiss it with a single phrase: 'It looks difficult.'

The narrative unfolds from a single comment by a student golfer

Amidst this, an incident reportedly occurred.
Mr. Matsuyoshi had the opportunity to introduce JUCIE to a student golfer representing Japan.

Mr. Matsuyoshi approached with absolute confidence in the tQ Iron.
However, after hitting a few balls, the student reportedly stated:
“I’m not a fan of this clubhead shape. I prefer clubs that appear easier to hit.”
Mr. Matsuyoshi was reportedly quite taken aback by that remark.

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.