Toshihiko Katagiri, 31, a hairdresser at Basic Hair Katagiri in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, won the "classical cut and fashion" category at the national hairdressing championship in October, earning a Prime Minister's Award.

It was the first time since 1967 that a haircutter from Aichi Prefecture had won in the competition.

Katagiri embarked on a challenge to become the best hairdresser in Japan five years ago while he was working at a barbershop in Fuchu, western Tokyo.

He has taken part in the competition every year, finishing eighth in 2007 and 2008 and fourth last year.

Aiming for first place this year, he scoured his neighborhood looking for hair-cutting and styling models to practice on near Toyohashi Station.

Meanwhile his wife, Miho, 28, supported him by searching for people on the Internet, securing eight practice models.

Nearly every day, Katagiri trained hard at his home-cum-hair salon and at a relative's shop in Toyohashi after closing for the day. He has also polished his haircutting skills by participating in workshops featuring models in Toyota once a week and in Tokyo once a month.

At the national championship on Oct. 18 in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, 64 finalists, including Katagiri, who had gotten through the preliminary regional contests, competed to win the classical cut and fashion category, one of three segments at the contest.

In the 35-minute presentation, Katagiri's basic skills and hair design were highly evaluated, finally earning him the top prize.

"For a long time, I have been supported by many people, and I could finally repay them for their help. I am truly thankful for them. Now as the champion, I'm determined to work even harder," Katagiri said.

This section, appearing Saturdays, features topics and issues from the Chubu region covered by local daily Chunichi Shimbun. The original article was published Nov. 5.