MAKANAI

MAKANAI combines refined aesthetics and time-honored ingredients to create a ritual that brings out your skin’s natural radiance.

A black and white photo of a person wearing a striped kimono carefully handling traditional Japanese metalworking tools. The tools rest on a board covered in foil, capturing a quiet, artisanal moment.

BORN FROM A SENSE OF BEAUTY IN THE CRAFT OF GOLD LEAF

MAKANAI was born in 2004 as a tribute to the Yoshitaka Gold Leaf Foundry, established in Kanazawa in 1899. In the extreme heat and dryness of the foundry, women artisans spent their days pounding gold into delicate sheets. Despite the harsh conditions, their hands remained remarkably soft and youthful. The secret lay in a natural fermented paste used to make washi paper, combined with their constant touch of gold. Over time, these women began creating their own skincare from the materials at hand, passing the knowledge from mother to daughter. After a century of refinement, this secret recipe became the foundation of MAKANAI.

THE NEW GOLD STANDARD
FOR CONSCIOUS J-BEAUTY

For MAKANAI, skincare is more than a routine — it’s a mindful ritual rooted in purity, tradition, and respect. Each formula reflects a belief that true beauty is both refined and responsible: luxurious yet sustainable, innovative yet deeply connected to heritage.

Born from the traditional art of gold leaf making in Kanazawa, MAKANAI combines the renewing power of gold with the KaESS Complex — a patented blend of natural ingredients that helps restore balance, clarity, and radiance to the skin. Crafted with 100% naturally derived ingredients, cruelty-free practices, and full transparency, MAKANAI represents a modern, conscious approach to J-Beauty — where care for the skin goes hand in hand with care for people and the planet.

A person’s hands holding an open jar of Makanai Face Cream with a small amount of product on their fingertip. The jar is clear with white cream inside and minimal branding on the front.

Founder

Mayumi Tachikawa

As a descendant of the Yoshitaka gold leaf family, Mayumi Tachikawa grew up surrounded by the artistry and heritage of Kanazawa. Inspired by the remarkable discovery of how craft could also nurture beauty, she set out to transform this legacy into modern skincare. With MAKANAI, she pays tribute to the tradition of refinement and purity while reimagining it for today’s world. Her vision is simple yet profound: to share the secret of KaESS Complex and the renewing power of gold leaf through sustainable, mindful beauty rituals that honor both people and planet.

KEY INGREDIENTS of makanai

The KaESS Complex is MAKANAI’s signature skin-reviving formula — effective across multiple skin types and concerns. Inspired by the paste once used to make washi gold leaf paper, it combines three key ingredients:

Persimmon Leaf (Ka-ki): Minimizes pores, calms irritation, and restores clarity.
Eggshell Membrane (E): Deeply hydrates and improves elasticity.
Soybean Sterol (SS): Reduces wrinkles and dark spots while supporting renewal.