Early life of Goro Takahashi

Goro Takahashi (1939–2013) developed an interest in leather carving during his teenage years. In Japan’s postwar era, he mastered leathercraft techniques and became recognized for his exceptional hand-carving skills. In 1956, he established GOROS, initially producing handcrafted leather belts, wallets, and bags from a small workshop in Tokyo.2

Evolution into silver jewelry

Throughout the 1960s, Takahashi expanded beyond leather goods by crafting custom brass buckles, hardware, and eventually sterling silver accessories. During this period, he maintained an atelier in Minami-Aoyama that served as a gathering place for many influential Japanese artists, designers, and musicians. His workshop functioned as a creative hub that helped shape Japan’s emerging fashion culture.3

Native American influence

A defining chapter in Goro Takahashi’s life was his deep admiration for Native American culture. Beginning in the late 1960s, he made repeated trips to the United States, eventually building a close relationship with members of the Lakota tribe in South Dakota. Through years of friendship and cultural exchange, he was ceremonially given the Native name Yellow Eagle. He also became the first known Japanese individual permitted to participate in the Lakota Sundance ceremony, demonstrating the significant trust he earned within the community.4

In Lakota culture, eagle feathers are sacred objects rather than everyday ornaments. Inspired by their symbolism and wishing to carry that meaning into daily life, Takahashi designed a silver interpretation of an eagle feather. This creation became the company’s defining design, and today the GOROS feather pendant is recognized as one of the most significant pieces in Japanese jewelry history.

Unlike mass-market jewelry companies, GOROS adheres to a distinct set of principles:

• Every piece is entirely handcrafted.
• Slight variations ensure each item is unique.
• Jewelry is intended to acquire character through years of wear.
• Materials include sterling silver, 18K gold, leather, turquoise, and natural stones.
• Pieces are meant to be collected gradually and worn together to tell the owner’s personal story.5

Some of the most iconic creations from GOROS include:

• Silver feather pendants
• Gold feather pendants
• Eagle pendants
• Eagle head pieces
• Medicine wheel pendants
• Claw pendants
• Sunburst motifs
• Silver bangles
• Rings
• Wallet chains
• Leather wallets
• Leather bags
• Belts
• Buckles
• Conchos

Many collectors build layered necklaces by combining feathers, wheels, beads, and eagle motifs into personalized arrangements.

GOROS pieces are distinguished by specific manufacturing characteristics:

• Hand-carved and hand-forged construction
• Individual finishing for every item
• Use of traditional silversmithing methods
• Influence from Native American jewelry techniques combined with Goro Takahashi’s unique artistic style6

The retail philosophy of GOROS is perhaps its most unusual aspect. The company operates only one official store, located on Omotesando in Harajuku, Tokyo. Historically, customers have often needed to queue or participate in entry systems before being admitted. Inventory is limited, and purchases may be restricted depending on availability and store policy. The brand maintains no official branches or general online sales, a stance that contributes significantly to its exclusivity.

Because production is intentionally limited and demand far exceeds supply, GOROS has become one of the most sought-after jewelry brands globally. Rare vintage pieces can command exceptionally high prices on the secondary market, particularly:

• Gold eagles
• Early feather designs
• Complete necklace sets
• One-of-a-kind custom works

Resale values are heavily influenced by authenticity, rarity, provenance, and condition.7

GOROS has had a profound influence on Japanese fashion, particularly within the Americana, motorcycle, and streetwear scenes. The brand has been worn or admired by numerous musicians, designers, and fashion enthusiasts, and its popularity has helped inspire other Japanese artisan jewelry makers. Discussions among collectors often describe it as a benchmark for handcrafted Japanese silver jewelry, although resale prices and availability remain major barriers for many enthusiasts.8

Goro Takahashi passed away in 2013, but the brand continues under the stewardship of the “Goro’s family,” comprising trusted family members and longtime staff chosen to preserve his methods and philosophy. According to official brand history, Takahashi deliberately chose not to franchise the business or establish multiple official shops. His legacy continues through the original Harajuku location, which remains the sole official GOROS store.9

1. Goro’s Harajuku Official
2. ゴローズ 公式サイト | goro’s official web site – The Legend of Harajuku Yellow Eagle
3. 伝説的ブランド「goro’s（ゴローズ）」の歴史とは？ | 66666-FiveSix-公式ブログ
4. pickups @ goro’s
5. Goro’s – EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki
6. The History of the Goros Brand – Native Feather | 日本のGoro’s専門店
7. Native American History Combined With Japanese Craft: A Look at the Legacy of Goro’s | Grailed
8. 夏といえばgoro’sですね！ | 66666-FiveSix-公式ブログ
9. Some Useful Links for You to Get Started – Goro’s Harajuku Official