A Year and a Half in Tokyo

SMUK is a lifestyle brand co-founded by me — originally from Taiwan — and a close friend from Singapore.

Why is SMUK based in Japan? The answer goes back to 2018, when I took a year-and-a-half leave of absence from my company in Singapore to live in Tokyo and study Japanese. As that journey came to its end, I found myself wanting to preserve the experience in some lasting form. Having always loved making accessories by hand, I decided to start SMUK.

My friend in Singapore felt the same resonance, and together we built the brand from the ground up.

Through Difficulty, Toward Japan

Not long after launching, SMUK was met with the unexpected impact of COVID-19. Global lockdowns and the suspension of international flights created serious challenges — at the time, we were shipping from Singapore, and suddenly that became impossible.

With the support of customers in Japan, we were able to navigate that period. In July 2023, SMUK was officially incorporated in Japan.

A Commitment to Natural Materials

SMUK focuses on jewellery made from natural materials — silver 925 and pure gold. We believe in accessories that hold genuine value, last a long time, and can be recycled — pieces that are worth keeping.

That is why we do not carry jewellery made from brass or medical-grade stainless steel. Regardless of whether someone has metal allergies, we believe deeply that jewellery should be kind to the body as well as beautiful to the eye.

Hand-Drawn Warmth & Love for the Ocean

You will find hand-drawn illustrations throughout the SMUK website. Drawing is something I have always loved — and behind these illustrations is a wish to bring a little human warmth to the faceless world of the internet.

Within those illustrations, you will also find the beautiful landscapes of this world — and our enduring commitment to protecting the ocean and the natural environment, a value that has been part of SMUK from the very beginning.

Where to Find SMUK

In addition to our official online store, SMUK jewellery is also available through the Choosebase Shibuya online store at Seibu Shibuya. Please visit the link below for more details.