Joji Kojima

Jewelry designer


Joji Kojima was born in Sacramento, California, to a university professor mother and a civil engineer father. He moved to Japan during his early childhood and grew up in Kanagawa Prefecture.

His Japanese home was an artistic haven: his aunt was a harpsichordist, his uncle a traverso player, and his grandmother a master of embroidery who also taught the craft. Surrounded by their workshops, Joji was constantly exposed to creative pursuits. Additionally, his grandfather, a former banker who worked in the U.S. and Europe, had amassed a remarkable collection of exquisite glass and ceramic artworks from around the world. These objects formed a rich artistic environment where Joji naturally developed an appreciation for beauty and creativity.

Between the ages of six and eight, Joji spent significant time in Bangkok, Thailand, due to his father's work. The vibrant scents of spices, the cacophony of diverse languages, the striking forms and vivid colors of temples and mansions, unique crafts and performing arts, and the contrast between daytime vitality and nocturnal mystique—all of these elements left a profound impact on him and nurtured his unique aesthetic sensibility.

From a young age, Joji enjoyed drawing, and by the age of 15, he began creating jewelry and objects. Experimenting with materials like metal, glass, leather, and bone, he honed a wide array of techniques through playful exploration.

At 19, Joji entered Tama Art University in Tokyo, where he studied graphic design, photography, typography, and other disciplines, learning to solidify his artistic visions. During his time at university, he began showcasing his work, and at 22, he gained significant recognition when his masks were used in a photoshoot with Lady Gaga. This marked the start of his professional career.

Following a period of work in New York City, Joji is now based in Tokyo and Kanagawa, where he creates an array of works, including art masks, headpieces, rings, objects, and fine jewelry. His creations also extend into photography, where he captures and crystallizes the essence of his designs. While his oeuvre spans diverse genres, his works are unified by an otherworldly elegance and a sophisticated allure, which he describes as "graceful poison."