Hajime Asaoka is considered one of the greatest living watchmakers in the world today. His work is often compared to that of masters like Philippe Dufour but distinguished by a certain Japanese sensibility and approach.

Asaoka transitioned from industrial/product design to watchmaking entirely through self-study, driven by a fascination with mechanical complexity.

He began by disassembling and studying vintage watches, later teaching himself CAD software to design components. His first notable creation was a tourbillon wristwatch in 2009, a feat he achieved without formal training, but rather a self-taught effort of dedication and study of a copy of George Daniels’ Watchmaking which he purchased in the early 2000s. This project cemented his reputation as a prodigious talent in independent watchmaking.

His background in product design informs his ergonomic, minimalist approach. He cites Japanese aesthetics like "wabi-sabi" (imperfect beauty) and "shibui" (subtle elegance) as inspirations. Just as important is his belief in "kaizen" (continuous improvement) where every iteration of a watch he makes - whether Kurono Tokyo or atelier - is subtly improved generation to generation in construction, material quality and aesthetics.

His is a a rare fusion of artist, engineer, and philosopher. His watches are not just timekeepers but wearable narratives of Japanese culture and human ingenuity—a testament to what’s possible when tradition and innovation converge.

Born in 1965 in Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, Hajime Asaoka was raised in a household steeped in craftsmanship. Descended from generations of traditional Japanese swordsmiths (刀鍛冶), he grew up surrounded by beautifully forged swords, which left a lasting impression on his sense of design influences. As the family trade shifted from sword-making to ironworking, he became familiar with tools like lathes and milling machines, sparking an early fascination with both the art and mechanics of making things.

In his teenage years, he came across Amateur Yacht Building – New Edition (新ヨット工作法), a detailed guide to constructing a real sailing boat. Captivated by its content, he began building model boats based on its instructions. This hands-on experience deepened his appreciation for form, structure and design, laying the groundwork for his design philosophy and eventually leading him to study industrial design at Tokyo University of the Arts.

After graduating and working as a university research assistant in 1992, he emerged as a pioneer in Japan's early adoption of 3D rendering. From that point on, he took complete creative control over every aspect of the process, from photography and CG compositing to image checking, driven by his desire to maintain overall quality himself.

Hajime Asaoka’s significance lies in his ability to reconcile contradictions: tradition and innovation, machine precision and human imperfection, Western technique and Japanese soul. He represents a new paradigm in horology—one where craftsmanship is not just about technical mastery but cultural storytelling.

In a world increasingly dominated by homogenous luxury, Asaoka’s work is a reminder that true artistry thrives at the margins, driven by passion rather than profit. His watches are not merely timekeepers but cultural artifacts, bridging East and West while preserving the endangered art of handmade horology for future generations.

This is a key reason why he was named a 'Gendai no Meiko' - an award that recognizes artisans who demonstrate unparalleled skill, dedication, and innovation in their craft. His membership in the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) places him alongside Swiss legends, yet his work is unmistakably Japanese: restrained, poetic, and deeply human.

Kurono Tokyo matters because it disrupts the elitism of high-end watchmaking while preserving its soul. It proves that artistry need not be exhorbitant, and that cultural heritage can thrive in a modern, global context.

For Asaoka, the brand is both a tribute to his roots and a bold statement: great design should be experienced, not just admired from afar. Kurono delivers exceptional quality, rarity and an absolute attention to detail especially when it comes to dial work. To own a Kurono is to participate in a quiet revolution—one where desirabilty, beauty, precision, and accessibility coexist.

Kurono and Art Deco
From a design perspective, Kurono Tokyo reinterprets Art Deco for the modern era through Hajime Asaoka's eyes. By blending Deco’s geometric rigor with Japanese restraint, Asaoka creates timeless pieces that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The result is a collection that whispers Art Deco’s legacy while shouting innovation—a perfect union of two design philosophies separated by a century but united in their pursuit of beauty.

The Artisan’s Code:
Every Asaoka timepiece is a solo performance, even for his accessible Kurono Tokyo brand. Each Kurono is personally designed and prototyped by him. Dial paints and finishes are mixed by hand, fonts are individually created and lettered by him. Necessary movement modifications are prototyped on his toolbench. His watches are not tools but wearable poetry, blending precision with the soul of Japanese aesthetics.