What makes some of these local or global creatives tick? In this weekly column, co-owner and managing director of Pearl FALCO, Maiko Makito shares her favourite things.
1. Akoya Pearls: Akoya Pearls are definitely the first on my list! Akoya pearls have the highest luster among pearls. Unfortunately, the production of Akoya pearls has been decreasing due to global warming. This drives me to work extra hard to pass the shine of Akoya pearls, the great tradition and art of Japan to the rest of the world.
2. Ise Shima National Park: This is my hometown with beautiful nature, great tradition and culture. Ise Shima is also the birthplace of cultured pearls! When I see this photo, it inspires me to protect this nature for future generations.
3. Her Family: Since I became a mother, I could understand my parents’ love and devotion for my sister and me. There is nothing more important than my family.
4. Her Road Trip to The Silk Road: I was fortunate to have the opportunities to travel and learn about cultural amalgamation from those travels. I have travelled from Asia to Europe by land on three different routes. This inspired me to launch programs like “Pearl of Hope ” that helps underserved children gain access to education.
5. Himalayan Villages: It was me, the local villagers and the great nature beneath the sky. All of our feelings — happiness or sadness — are proof that we live. I always enjoy my road trips, whether it’s staying in the villages or even feeling the wind while hitching a ride from the locals. Life is just like a trip!
6. A Praying Lady: I saw this lady on my road trip. She had prayed for many hours without rest. Everyone has their own woes. I believe that all humans are the same and recognise that my worries are small matters, and I am not alone.
7. A Monk: Even in this fast-paced, modern world that we live in, life is very simple to them. I’ve learned so much from them and there’s definitely more to learn to become closer to them. Nature and people I meet across cultures have always acted as the core of my inspiration in all things I do.
8. Zanskar – Phuktar Gompa: Being self-reliant, I backpacked across different territories since I was a student and learned so much about communities and culture that I would’ve never been able to. I grew up in a time when technology was not as prevalent as it is today. I won’t forget what I saw, learned and felt in my trip and it became a foundation of myself.
9. SHIZUKU Sketch: This pendant is part of the SHIZUKU series of Pearl FALCO. I love this design and it’s a must-have piece for my daily wear. The Ancient Romans were passionate about pearls and described a pearl as a “Moon Drop” . Like a raindrop falling into a river and flowing to the ocean, we wish to deliver drops of pearls born in Ise Shima to the world. The SHIZUKU series shows love by having a pearl dewdrop in a moon shape like a mother cuddling her baby or a mother oyster cultivating its pearl for years just like we humans do.
Once you’re done with this story about Maiko Makito of Pearl FALCO’s obsessions, click here to catch up with our September 2021 issue!
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