MIKIMOTO to Launch Special Content 'The Layers of Light' Featuring Yuta Jinguji on May 20
MIKIMOTO will launch a special content titled 'The Layers of Light' on May 20, 2026, featuring Yuta Jinguji of Number_i experiencing a custom high jewelry order. The video highlights MIKIMOTO's craftsmanship through a visit to its private atelier.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 20:00
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MIKIMOTO (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Yasuhiko Hashimoto) will launch a special content titled 'The Layers of Light' on a dedicated website starting Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
This content features Yuta Jinguji of Number_i, who has a partnership agreement with MIKIMOTO, experiencing a special high jewelry order.
We will also deliver a movie capturing Mr. Jinguji reliving the process of how a single piece of jewelry is made, visiting an atelier that is normally inaccessible, and encountering MIKIMOTO's craftsmanship that has been passed down for over a century.
Special Site: https://mypearls.mikimoto.com/thelayersoflight *Scheduled to open at 11:00 on May 20 (Wed)
Movie: https://youtu.be/7eiY3ftbMFE *Scheduled to open at 11:00 on May 20 (Wed)
'The Layers of Light'
In this project, Mr. Jinguji participated from the conception of the ring. Based on the sketches he drew himself, he shaped the design through repeated dialogues with jewelry designers, elevating it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry along with carefully selected gems. Furthermore, by visiting the atelier and experiencing the handiwork of skilled craftsmen up close, he encountered the precise techniques and aesthetic sense that MIKIMOTO has inherited.
The video depicts the trajectory of how an idea takes shape and eventually harbors a unique brilliance. The creative process was captured in a space breathing with the handiwork of craftsmen. Narration by Mr. Jinguji himself is also added, deeply conveying the thoughts put into the jewelry and the trajectory of its production.
The completed ring features a design where Mr. Jinguji's initials and delicately pavé-set sapphires are layered behind a portrait-cut aquamarine. Black-lipped pearls and alexandrite are set on the sides. The initials beautifully emerge within the translucent blue of the aquamarine.
Within the theme of 'layering' for this ring production resides MIKIMOTO's unique aesthetic sense and master craftsmanship, which continue to evolve today. Together with Mr. Jinguji, please experience the essence of MIKIMOTO's craftsmanship, where various thoughts overlap.
*The atelier is closed to the public.
*We do not normally accept original jewelry orders.
[Comments from Yuta Jinguji]
We interviewed Mr. Jinguji after the filming.
Q. This time, for the first time, you designed and shaped 'jewelry just for yourself' together with MIKIMOTO. What was your impression when you faced the completed ring again?
I was at a loss for words due to the surprise and emotion when I opened the box. Afterwards, when I came to my senses, I unintentionally let out a loud voice (laughs). An amazing piece that far exceeded my imagination was completed, and there were many 'moments of being drawn in' where I wanted to keep looking at it during the shoot. I feel very honored to have been given such an opportunity.
Q. What kind of presence do you think this ring will become for you?
I think this ring will definitely become like an amulet for me. Originally, there was no idea to include my initials in the sketches I drew, but by receiving the suggestion from the designer, I felt that this ring became even more 'only mine'. By including the initials, it becomes a special one-and-only presence, and I think opportunities to naturally look at my hand will increase from now on.
Q. You also visited the MIKIMOTO atelier for the first time. Were there any feelings you had through dialogues with the craftsmen and observing the jewelry production process?
Visiting the MIKIMOTO atelier and seeing the actual site where jewelry is produced was very impressive. I was surprised when I heard that jewelry is carefully made by human hands, and by actually seeing the process of craftsmen setting diamonds and cutting out initials by hand, I realized that many manual tasks are layered into a single piece of jewelry. Once again, I felt that high technology and overlapping thoughts are put into MIKIMOTO's jewelry.
Q. Are there any parts where you felt MIKIMOTO's technical capabilities?
This ring was produced based on the theme of 'layering'. Aquamarine is on top, initials shaped in platinum are below it, and delicately set sapphires are layered further below, creating a design where you can feel the beauty of the layers. I learned about the portrait cut of aquamarine for the first time, but the refreshing blue color and the clear brilliance that highlights the lower layers are very attractive. And even though gems are used luxuriously, I also feel the outstanding technical capabilities in the point that each complements the other without waste.
[Profile of Yuta Jinguji]
Born on October 30, 1997.
In October 2023, he formed Number_i with Sho Hirano and Yuta Kishi.
In January 2024, they released their first single 'GOAT' and made their debut.
He is expanding his range of activities mainly in music.
[Profile of Video Director Shotaro Endo]
Starting his career in movies, he expanded his activities into advertising and documentary videos. The documentary film 'TSUKIJI WONDERLAND' won the Documentary Award at the Japan Movie Critics Award in 2019. It was officially selected for 9 international film festivals, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival and the Montreal World Film Festival. It set a box-office record for documentary films in Thailand and attracted attention both domestically and internationally. He also conducts lecture activities in Western countries upon invitation from Harvard University, the Japan Foundation, etc.
[About MIKIMOTO]
In 1893, MIKIMOTO's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, succeeded in culturing pearls for the first time in the world. Since then, with a fully integrated system from production to sales that can be said to be the only one of its kind in the world, the company has provided high-quality jewelry with reliable quality, excellent design, and outstanding technology for over a century. Inheriting the founder's desire to 'adorn women around the world with pearls', as a top jeweler representing Japan, it has opened stores in various locations, including the main store in Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo, Place Vendome in Paris, Fifth Avenue in New York, and New Bond Street in London. It also operates stores widely in Asia, including China, Singapore, and Thailand.
This content features Yuta Jinguji of Number_i, who has a partnership agreement with MIKIMOTO, experiencing a special high jewelry order.
We will also deliver a movie capturing Mr. Jinguji reliving the process of how a single piece of jewelry is made, visiting an atelier that is normally inaccessible, and encountering MIKIMOTO's craftsmanship that has been passed down for over a century.
Special Site: https://mypearls.mikimoto.com/thelayersoflight *Scheduled to open at 11:00 on May 20 (Wed)
Movie: https://youtu.be/7eiY3ftbMFE *Scheduled to open at 11:00 on May 20 (Wed)
'The Layers of Light'
In this project, Mr. Jinguji participated from the conception of the ring. Based on the sketches he drew himself, he shaped the design through repeated dialogues with jewelry designers, elevating it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry along with carefully selected gems. Furthermore, by visiting the atelier and experiencing the handiwork of skilled craftsmen up close, he encountered the precise techniques and aesthetic sense that MIKIMOTO has inherited.
The video depicts the trajectory of how an idea takes shape and eventually harbors a unique brilliance. The creative process was captured in a space breathing with the handiwork of craftsmen. Narration by Mr. Jinguji himself is also added, deeply conveying the thoughts put into the jewelry and the trajectory of its production.
The completed ring features a design where Mr. Jinguji's initials and delicately pavé-set sapphires are layered behind a portrait-cut aquamarine. Black-lipped pearls and alexandrite are set on the sides. The initials beautifully emerge within the translucent blue of the aquamarine.
Within the theme of 'layering' for this ring production resides MIKIMOTO's unique aesthetic sense and master craftsmanship, which continue to evolve today. Together with Mr. Jinguji, please experience the essence of MIKIMOTO's craftsmanship, where various thoughts overlap.
*The atelier is closed to the public.
*We do not normally accept original jewelry orders.
[Comments from Yuta Jinguji]
We interviewed Mr. Jinguji after the filming.
Q. This time, for the first time, you designed and shaped 'jewelry just for yourself' together with MIKIMOTO. What was your impression when you faced the completed ring again?
I was at a loss for words due to the surprise and emotion when I opened the box. Afterwards, when I came to my senses, I unintentionally let out a loud voice (laughs). An amazing piece that far exceeded my imagination was completed, and there were many 'moments of being drawn in' where I wanted to keep looking at it during the shoot. I feel very honored to have been given such an opportunity.
Q. What kind of presence do you think this ring will become for you?
I think this ring will definitely become like an amulet for me. Originally, there was no idea to include my initials in the sketches I drew, but by receiving the suggestion from the designer, I felt that this ring became even more 'only mine'. By including the initials, it becomes a special one-and-only presence, and I think opportunities to naturally look at my hand will increase from now on.
Q. You also visited the MIKIMOTO atelier for the first time. Were there any feelings you had through dialogues with the craftsmen and observing the jewelry production process?
Visiting the MIKIMOTO atelier and seeing the actual site where jewelry is produced was very impressive. I was surprised when I heard that jewelry is carefully made by human hands, and by actually seeing the process of craftsmen setting diamonds and cutting out initials by hand, I realized that many manual tasks are layered into a single piece of jewelry. Once again, I felt that high technology and overlapping thoughts are put into MIKIMOTO's jewelry.
Q. Are there any parts where you felt MIKIMOTO's technical capabilities?
This ring was produced based on the theme of 'layering'. Aquamarine is on top, initials shaped in platinum are below it, and delicately set sapphires are layered further below, creating a design where you can feel the beauty of the layers. I learned about the portrait cut of aquamarine for the first time, but the refreshing blue color and the clear brilliance that highlights the lower layers are very attractive. And even though gems are used luxuriously, I also feel the outstanding technical capabilities in the point that each complements the other without waste.
[Profile of Yuta Jinguji]
Born on October 30, 1997.
In October 2023, he formed Number_i with Sho Hirano and Yuta Kishi.
In January 2024, they released their first single 'GOAT' and made their debut.
He is expanding his range of activities mainly in music.
[Profile of Video Director Shotaro Endo]
Starting his career in movies, he expanded his activities into advertising and documentary videos. The documentary film 'TSUKIJI WONDERLAND' won the Documentary Award at the Japan Movie Critics Award in 2019. It was officially selected for 9 international film festivals, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival and the Montreal World Film Festival. It set a box-office record for documentary films in Thailand and attracted attention both domestically and internationally. He also conducts lecture activities in Western countries upon invitation from Harvard University, the Japan Foundation, etc.
[About MIKIMOTO]
In 1893, MIKIMOTO's founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, succeeded in culturing pearls for the first time in the world. Since then, with a fully integrated system from production to sales that can be said to be the only one of its kind in the world, the company has provided high-quality jewelry with reliable quality, excellent design, and outstanding technology for over a century. Inheriting the founder's desire to 'adorn women around the world with pearls', as a top jeweler representing Japan, it has opened stores in various locations, including the main store in Ginza 4-chome, Tokyo, Place Vendome in Paris, Fifth Avenue in New York, and New Bond Street in London. It also operates stores widely in Asia, including China, Singapore, and Thailand.
FAQ
When can I watch MIKIMOTO's 'The Layers of Light'?
It is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM on MIKIMOTO's special website and YouTube.
Can I purchase the original ring designed by Yuta Jinguji?
No, MIKIMOTO does not typically accept custom orders for original jewelry.
Can the public visit the MIKIMOTO atelier?
No, the atelier is closed to the public. The production process can only be seen through this special video.