The traditional Japanese boxwood comb shop, Yonoya, was originally established 300 years ago in the second year of Kyoho (1717 in the Western calendar). Originally located in modern-day Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, the shop was passed down as Yonoya in its present Asakusa location during the early Taisho era (1910s). This was at the height of the Genroku culture era, a time of remarkable economic, cultural and artistic advancement in Japan.
Yet at the time, combs were not commonly used. Only hairdresser specialists for women and professional men's stylists really had a need for them, and Yonoya had its beginnings as a wholesale enterprise selling combs to these businesses.