Nearly a decade after revered Japanese celebrity hairstylist Shunji Matsuo’s passing, his legacy continues to shape Singapore’s beauty scene. Over coffee, our Column Editor, Angela May Tan, speaks with Eugene Tay, 43, the Singaporean successor personally appointed by Matsuo, on carrying that vision forward—through craft, community, and a new flagship at Scotts Road that reimagines the salon experience with purpose, care, and quiet resilience. Throughout the interview, Tay refers to him as “Shunji-san,” a Japanese honorific reflecting both respect and a close personal bond.

SGLS: Congratulations on the opening of your new flagship at 15 Scotts Road. What inspired you to carry forward the legacy of the late Shunji Matsuo into this new chapter? 

ET: Taking on this legacy comes from a deep respect for Shunji-san. He believed that everyone is unique, and that hair is a powerful expression of individuality—a philosophy that continues to guide everything we do today.

After his passing in 2017, we inherited not just a brand, but a responsibility. The years that followed were challenging, but what sustained us was the strength of our team and the community he built.

This flagship at 15 Scotts is more than a new space—it is a continuation of his legacy, carried forward with the same commitment to quality, care, and purpose.

SGLS: Shunji Matsuo left an indelible mark on the beauty and hair industry in Singapore. How do you honour his legacy while shaping your own vision for the brand’s future?

ET: Shunji-san didn’t just build a brand—he built a belief: that everyone is unique, and that hair is a powerful expression of identity.

That belief guides us today. At the studio, we mentor the next generation to see their craft as a way to uplift and connect.

Shunji-san’s “Makeover Magic” initiative also showed us that transformation goes beyond appearance—it’s about confidence and community.

Our new home at 15 Scotts reflects this vision. More than a flagship, it’s a space for beauty and positive energy.

We honour Shunji-san by carrying his legacy forward—quietly, and with intention.

SGLS: What sets this new flagship apart from your previous salons, and what can customers expect?

ET: This flagship reflects a more holistic direction—one that goes beyond hair to focus on restoration and overall well-being. Alongside our signature artistry, we are introducing curated wellness elements from Japan, including products and treatments that support rest and recovery. It’s designed to be more than a salon visit—it’s a reset.

We’ve also partnered with a professional nail artist to offer a more complete grooming experience in one space. Looking ahead, we hope to evolve the space into a platform for more intimate, community-led experiences, so our clients leave Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio feeling not just refined, but restored.

SGLS: Your background brings a unique perspective. Could you share your journey and relationship with the late Shunji Matsuo?

ET: I graduated in Computer Science, but soon realised I found more meaning in working with people. That led me to Japanese bookstore chain, Books Kinokuniya, where I met Shunji-san. I had no initial interest in the hair industry, but I was struck by his sincerity and passion—how he spoke about his team, the next generation, and his charitable work. I eventually joined as his General Manager.

Two years later, he was diagnosed with terminal-stage cancer. At 34, I was unexpectedly asked to helm the business. I was terrified! But he told me: “Eugene, always think positive. When you have positive energy, good luck will follow.”

Over time, I came to understand the weight of his words. They shaped how I faced every challenge—with belief, resilience, and the determination to keep going.

SGLS: As the beauty industry evolves, how do you keep the Shunji Matsuo brand relevant—and what is your vision for the future?

ET: Relevance, for us, comes from staying true to one principle: prioritising the client’s hair and scalp health, and overall experience. We don’t chase trends—we adopt only what genuinely improves our craft. That’s how we’ve evolved. Even during the pandemic, we chose to invest in quality products rather than compromise.

Our team continues to learn, improve, and reinvent, ensuring our standards stay ahead of the curve.

Looking ahead, we see the Scotts Road flagship as more than a salon—a space shaped by Shunji-san’s spirit, where beauty, care, and purpose come together to inspire the next generation and carry his legacy forward.

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Shunji Matsuo’s New Flagship Hair Studio is located at 15 Scotts Road, Singapore 228218.

Discover their Experience Bundle Promos here.

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Interview by Angela May Tan, Column Editor, SG Lifestyle Singapore.