Asuka Saito
Owner & CEO
For over half a century, Miseki Jewelry has been a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Japantown, upholding the artistry and traditions of Japanese craftsmanship.
Now, under the leadership of its third owner, Asuka Saito, the legacy continues with a renewed vision for the future.
With over 15 years of experience, Asuka has cultivated deep expertise in Japanese craftsmanship, pearl selection, and jewelry design.
As the owner of a long-standing jewelry house in Japantown, she is dedicated to preserving tradition while creating new value that resonates with the modern era.
She is also deeply connected to the local community, having played an active role in the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Program for nearly a decade, designing and presenting the jewelry given to the First Princess.
Through this tradition, she remains committed to preserving Japanese cultural heritage and contributing to the local community.
Asuka, an award-winning jewelry designer, was invited as a guest to the New York Collection, one of the world’s four major fashion weeks. Her work has also been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ, with a full-page interview in Harper’s Bazaar, further cementing her industry recognition.
Since 2017, she has judged an international design competition in Italy, contributing to the industry’s growth and innovation.
Dedicated to ethical sourcing, she visited a Colombian gold mine to support responsible mining practices, reinforcing her commitment to sustainability.
Grateful for these opportunities, she shares her knowledge through Miseki Jewelry, blending Japanese craftsmanship with modern sophistication.
Under her leadership, Miseki Jewelry continues to evolve, offering timeless pieces that tell a story to be cherished for generations.
Tom Yamashita
Owner & COO
Since its founding in 1967, Miseki Jewelry has grown alongside the history of San Francisco’s Japantown, preserving and sharing the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and aesthetics.
As Owner and Communications Officer, Tom Yamashita plays a key role in continuing this legacy while incorporating modern storytelling to convey its value to a wider audience.
In addition to his role at Miseki, Tom is a multifaceted multimedia creator with extensive experience in commercial, fashion, culture, music, and television industries.
Collaborating with musicians, illustrators, and art directors, he has created compelling works using photography, 3D visualization, animation, and visual effects. His work has been featured in British Vogue, British GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar, earning him international recognition for his creative vision.
In recent years, his expertise and achievements have also led him to serve as a judge for an international design competition.
At Miseki Jewelry, Tom also oversees the watch division, carefully selecting exceptional Japanese timepieces that embody both design excellence and masterful craftsmanship.
In addition, his deep knowledge of pearls allows him to provide valuable insights on quality, selection, and care, ensuring customers find pieces that resonate with their style and legacy.
With a commitment to quality, storytelling, and innovation, Tom continues to contribute to Miseki Jewelry’s mission of being “a place where timeless value is passed down through generations.”
