OMNIA KOKUTAN
Original HeadShell – HEADSHELL BLACK CSS-JHSB Cartridge – J44A 7 Tracking Force: 5.1-5.5g Stylus – N44 KOKUTAN NUDE Stylus specs Cantilever : Ebony / Diamond
JICO Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of a special collaboration model, “KOKUTAN (Ebony),” created in partnership with DJ SHARK. This model is the fourth release in the “MORITA Wood Carving Cantilever” series, which features wooden cantilevers. The Limited-Edition product will be available from April 6, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
※Please note that the order acceptance period is subject to change without prior notice.
The exclusive sales channels for this release will be:
JICO Kyoto Hanare Store, a specialty shop for record styli operated by JICO
JICO’s Official Online Stores, both Domestic and International
Note: Feel Records Kyoto Hanare Store
https://feelrecords.jp/kyoto-hanare/
DJ SHARK, a Kyoto-based DJ, currently serves as the manager of Feel Records Kyoto Hanare Store, operated by JICO. A devoted fan of the MORITA series, he currently uses the MORITA “KUROGAKI (Persimmon Wood)” model for his DJ performances.
Approximately ten years ago, DJ SHARK personally called JICO to express his desire for a signature model, directly negotiating his request. Now, in celebration of the first anniversary of Feel Records Kyoto Hanare Store, the MORITA series “Professional DJ KOKUTAN (Ebony)” has been brought to life.
Throughout the development process, DJ SHARK tested various types of wood before arriving at the perfect sound. We invite you to experience the result of this journey.
We are pleased to introduce two lineup options:
“KOKUTAN” (Ebony) Replacement Stylus – Compatible with 44 model cartridges, priced at USD288.00.
“OMNIA KOKUTAN” (Ebony) Cartridge Set – Includes a cartridge and headshell, priced at USD456.00.
Each stylus comes with a unique serial number.
KOKUTAN
DJ Shark model **Please be very cautious upon handling this product as it is extremely fragile compared to other materials such as Aluminum, which is
DJ SHARK Profile
Since the early 1990s, DJ SHARK has been active as a DJ and Turntablist, earning the title of West Coast Champion at the 1996 Japan DMC Battle.
He has contributed to the development of Technics turntables and mixers, playing a key role in the planning stages of Technics’ first HIP-HOP DJ mixer, the “SH-1200”.
Even today, he continues to be highly respected by DJs worldwide. (*The “SH” in SH-1200 is derived from “SHARK.”)
What is Ebony?
Ebony (KOKUTAN) is a prized hardwood widely distributed from South Asia to Africa.
It is commonly used in furniture and stringed instruments, known for its deep black color, high density, hardness, and exceptional durability.
Due to its scarcity in global markets today, ebony has become an extremely valuable material.
MORITA × DJ SHARK Special Interview
We present an exclusive interview with Kohtaro Morita, the master craftsman behind the MORITA series, and DJ SHARK. They discuss the unique characteristics of Ebony (KOKUTAN) and how it differs from previous MORITA series models.
(Interview participants: M = Kohtaro Morita, S = DJ Shark)
— The upcoming “KOKUTAN” release follows the three previous MORITA series models: “KUROGAKI”, “USHIKOROSHI” and “YURUSHI-IRO.” During the crafting process, did you notice any significant differences among these materials?
M: When actually carving the wood, the hardest material is definitely “YURUSHI-IRO” (Pink Ivory). Next is “KUROGAKI” (Black Persimmon) followed by “USHIKOROSHI”.
With “KOKUTAN” (Ebony), I didn’t feel that it was particularly hard, but it did have a slight stickiness to it. I’m not sure how much that affects the sound, though.
S: I usually use “KUROGAKI,” and compared to a regular aluminum cantilever, the wooden “KUROGAKI” has a deeper, fuller sound—especially in the low frequencies. Overall, it has a wider range as well.
Technically, scratching isn’t recommended with these styli, so I really shouldn’t be using it that way, but I love the sound of “KUROGAKI,” so I still do.
While experimenting with various woods beyond “KUROGAKI,” I found that “KOKUTAN” has an incredibly strong high-frequency response. Vocals, in particular, stand out with a crisp, clear presence. That’s why I ultimately chose “KOKUTAN.”
— How did you first meet JICO, DJ SHARK?
S: I was determined to create a stylus tailored to my own sound, so I started researching where to turn for help. That’s when I discovered JICO. Around 7 or 8 years ago, I called JICO and asked, “Would you be able to make a custom stylus for me?” At that time, they replied, “We don’t do that kind of thing.” However, now that my dream has been realized, I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
I first met President Nakagawa at an event where I was DJing. At that time, I was using other JICO styli, and that’s when they approached me. From there, I started trying out various styli, and they even visited my studio. About a year and a half ago, they invited me to open a store in Kyoto. The store would be a specialty shop for record styli with a café space, listening room, and even used record sales. I thought it was a fresh and exciting concept, so I decided to give it a try.
— What inspired you to start the MORITA series?
M: Cantilevers, whether made of metal or jewels, tend to resonate easily because of the materials. So I thought, what if we used a material softer than those to avoid resonance? That’s when I came up with the idea of using wood. From there, the actual process of crafting cantilevers using wood was the starting point.
S: The cantilevers are hand-carved, but does the thickness affect the sound?
M: Yes, I believe it does. Thicker cantilevers tend to produce a more stable sound.
In the standard MORITA series (KUROGAKI, USHIKOROSHI, YURUSHI-IRO), the body is tapered, gradually narrowing toward the tip. However, for this model, we worked closely with DJ SHARK, repeatedly creating samples, testing them, and refining the specifications through extensive listening and scratching.
Through this process, we determined that, unlike the other models, the “KOKUTAN“(Ebony) version features a straight design.
— A message for those who already own a MORITA series stylus and for those who are about to experience it.
S: The “KOKUTAN (Ebony)” release is something I definitely want DJs to try. Even though it’s a wooden cantilever, it’s designed so that it won’t skip when scratching. I think it’s great for sampling tracks from records with excellent sound quality.
As for the sound, we made sure that the low to mid frequencies come through with a solid punch, while the high frequencies, like snare drums and vocals, are crisp and clear. It’s the first model to feature my name, so please give it a listen!
M: I believe that everyone perceives sound differently based on personal preferences. That’s why, with the MORITA series, we’ve released three different models so far, and now we’ve added “KOKUTAN” to the lineup. I hope people will find the sound that suits them best and enjoy it to the fullest.
1st Anniversary of Feel Records Kyoto Hanare
To commemorate the First Anniversary of Feel Records Kyoto Hanare, operated by JICO, we are pleased to announce the Limited-Time release of a special edition.
As DJ SHARK himself mentioned in an interview, our first encounter was at an event where I saw his DJ performance. His movements were so fluid and refined that it felt as if he were playing the piano. Every motion was seamless, every touch delicate—each aspect showcased true mastery, embodying the essence of a professional.
Through multiple visits to his studio and countless discussions about sound and music, I was deeply impressed by his unwavering dedication and uncompromising spirit toward sound. Though he comes across as reserved and soft-spoken, once he steps in front of a turntable, he transforms into a true professional Turntablist—a sight to behold.
Now, I invite you to experience the unprecedented MORITA Sound, born from the collaboration between Morita and DJ SHARK.
Yukihiro Nakagawa
President of JICO
【DJ SHARK × JICO FACTORY】
What is a MORITA Wood Carving Cantilever?
“I wanted to hear the sound of a stylus with a wooden cantilever.“
This product was born from a simple statement made by the quiet record stylus craftsman, Kohtaro Morita. For nearly half a century, Morita worked tirelessly as an employee of JICO, focused solely on craftsmanship.
With the desire to preserve his spirit, skills, and achievements for future generations, we have created a product bearing his name and are proud to release it now.
A cantilever, known in Japanese as “KATAMOCHIBARI” (a type of cantilever beam), is a structural term similar to the diving board found at swimming pools. In the case of record styli, the material, suspension performance, and shape of the cantilever directly impact the sound quality.
Traditionally, materials such as aluminum are used, but because our cantilevers are made from natural wood, they must be carefully shaped. If the wood has knots or cracks, it becomes unusable.Taking full advantage of the unique qualities of wood, each stylus is assembled with great care and attention to detail.
The MORITA series was launched with the following models:
- November 2019: “KUROGAKI (Black Persimmon)”
- July 2020: “USHIKOROSHI (Kamatsuka)”
September 2023: “YURUSHI-IRO (Pink Ivory)”
Product Details
Usage Notes
If the stylus tip gets dirty with dust or other debris, please use a dry, soft brush to gently brush from the back to the front of the tip.
Never use wet cleaning methods or wipe it with damp cloths, as this can cause damage to the cantilever and lead to degradation.
Order Acceptance Period
April 6, 2025 10:00 AM – September 30, 2025 11:59 PM
OMNIA KOKUTAN
Original HeadShell – HEADSHELL BLACK CSS-JHSB Cartridge – J44A 7 Tracking Force: 5.1-5.5g Stylus – N44 KOKUTAN NUDE Stylus specs Cantilever : Ebony / Diamond
KOKUTAN
DJ Shark model **Please be very cautious upon handling this product as it is extremely fragile compared to other materials such as Aluminum, which is