EXPERT ENGINEERING

As Japanese manufacturer, URAWA, gets set to celebrate 70 years of E-file engineering, ALEX FOX shares the brand’s story & future focuses

I n September 2025, the URAWA Corporation, a maker of high-performance E-files, will celebrate the impressive milestone of 70 years in business. Founded in 1955 in Urawa City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, URAWA started with a mission that sounds as fresh today as it did then: to build tools with precision, creativity and care, for people worldwide. What began as a manufacturer with a vision for high-quality micromotors has grown into a global enterprise driven by young minds, fresh ideas and a commitment to technical innovation.

Long before the nail industry was captivated by E-files, URAWA was making waves in the field of dentistry. In 1966, the company launched the world’s first micro grinder for dental use, setting a gold standard in accuracy and durability. From there, business boomed, with the brand developing more than 50 models for medical, industrial and beauty applications.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s, just as L&P acrylic nails were gaining popularity in the USA, that nail techs began searching for smarter, faster ways to work. URAWA, already exporting dental micro grinders to the USA, saw an opportunity and seized it. The team modified its lab machines for nail salon use and a game-changing chapter in nail tool history was born.

Today, URAWA E-files are essential tools in many salons and competition arenas across the world, known for their quiet motors, vibration-free control and stunning Japanese craftsmanship. The company’s ongoing mission, to develop even higher-quality tools that contribute to society and keep industries moving forward, is as true today for nails as it was for dentistry seven decades ago.

The best bits

“At URAWA, we take pride in crafting E-file machines that are whisper-quiet, ultra-smooth and incredibly precise – even at low speeds,” shares Mitsue Sakaguchi, URAWA international sales director. “Every handpiece is carefully assembled by our skilled craftsmen, one by one, to ensure perfection in every detail. From the UP200 ‘purple machine’ to our top-tier G5 and portable G3, each model reflects our commitment to durability, stability and exceptional Japanese engineering. We don’t just make tools – we create machines that nail artists can trust, year after year.”

Testament to this perspective is having international nail expert, educator & judge, David Fowler, on the company’s US-based education team. Citing why he’s drawn to the brand, David shares: “When I began my career in the nail industry, and particularly when I started educating internationally, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many different electric files. But if I’m honest, it was always a love/hate relationship until I discovered URAWA.

David Fowler

“I loved how E-files could speed up my work and open up new teaching possibilities, but I hated the downsides: poor-quality machines with heavy vibration, unbalanced handpieces, constant breakdowns and high costs to replace. It was frustrating and exhausting. That all changed in 2005 when I was introduced to the URAWA G5 at trade event, Beauty Düsseldorf. It was the first time I’d experienced a love/love relationship with an E-file.

“Our mission is to support nail artists at every level by making our technology more accessible, investing in education and continuing to lead with innovation.”

“I’ll never forget setting it up with the foot pedal and trying it for the first time. When I pushed the pedal, I thought nothing was happening, until I realised the machine was already at work. At a top speed of 28,000 RPM, the handpiece was silent, perfectly balanced and had zero vibration. I remember not wanting to stop giving demos that day. I had finally found the E-file I would use for the rest of my career – and 20 years later, that same machine still runs like new.

“Since March 2005, I’ve introduced the G5 (desktop model) and the G3 (portable model) to every class I’ve taught. Now, after two decades, I work with the brand as a consultant – and my loyalty to URAWA is stronger than ever.”

Building a reliable brand and appealing to nail professionals has long been a priority for URAWA. However, Mitsue Sakaguchi acknowledges that the company may not have fully fine-tuned its educational approach and accessibility in the past. As a result, its message hasn’t always reached nail technicians who are eager to elevate their skills and confidently enter the world of E-files.

By bringing David Fowler onto the USA team, URAWA is taking clear steps towards bridging the gap between manufacturer and nail artist, to ensure that the right knowledge gets into the right hands. “When first establishing our nail machine business in Japan, URAWA worked closely with nail professionals and created a guidebook that explained how to use E-files effectively in salon settings to grow their businesses,” explains Mitsue Sakaguchi. “However, I must admit that over time, we didn’t continue investing in the necessary resources to properly educate users about our machines: from their correct use to care and potential. As a manufacturer, we now recognise that gap.

David Fowler with URAWA owner, Mr. Koyama.

“Today, many manicurists, both professional and amateur, share tips online about using E-files. Unfortunately, not all of this content is accurate. That’s why we’re developing an up-to-date textbook focused on the proper use of URAWA E-files, which is tailored to today’s nail world. We plan to launch seminars using this guide later in the year, with online education and a certification programme to follow. And of course, we’ve asked David Fowler to lead and supervise the development of this programme.”

The next chapter

With distributors in the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia and beyond, URAWA has firmly established itself as a trusted global brand in the E-file nail machine market. To give professionals confidence in their investment, every URAWA machine comes with a one-year warranty and authorised distributors around the world provide maintenance and repair support.

“While E-files are essential tools in modern nailcare, some techs remain hesitant to use them, often due to fear of misuse or damaging the natural nail,” surmises Mitsue Sakaguchi. “URAWA acknowledges this barrier and is committed to lowering it through education, product design and community engagement. Our goal is to make E-files more accessible and less intimidating for every level of nail professional.

“As a brand with decades of experience, URAWA continues to refine its core technologies daily, with new models already in development for release in the near future. While other machines on the market may boast higher specifications in terms of speed or weight, URAWA stands apart in overall balance, stability and craftsmanship, presenting qualities that can’t be fully appreciated through catalogue comparisons alone.

“We want professionals to feel the difference for themselves,” Mitsue Sakaguchi continues. “Our machines are built not just for performance, but for confidence. As we enter our next decade, our mission is to support nail artists at every level by making our technology more accessible, investing in education and continuing to lead with innovation. URAWA is not just a tool in your salon; it’s a partner in your craft.”

www.urawa.co.jp/en