This is the same product as the collaboration model previously released with DJ SHARK.
This is the same product as the collaboration model previously released with DJ SHARK.
This is the same product as the collaboration model previously released with DJ SHARK.
This is the same product as the collaboration model previously released with DJ SHARK.
This is the same product as the collaboration model previously released with DJ SHARK.
All models in this series share the following specifications:
● Tip: Natural solid diamond, spherical (conical) stylus
● Tip diameter: 0.12 mm
● Tip size: 0.7 mil
The natural diamond tip ensures high durability and stable groove tracking, faithfully reproducing the record’s original sound quality.
Ebony (Kokutan) is a dense, highly durable hardwood widely found from South Asia to Africa. Traditionally used in fine furniture and string instruments, ebony is prized for its dark black coloration and hardness. Due to limited global supply, it is considered a rare and valuable material.
We are pleased to share a special interview with Kotaro Morita, the stylus craftsman and creator of the “MORITA – Wood Carving Cantilever
–” series. In this interview, he discusses the characteristics of KOKUTAN (Ebony) and how it differs from previous models in the MORITA series.
(From here on, M: Kotaro Morita)
— In this release, you are introducing “KOKUTAN,” alongside the previous MORITA series models “KUROGAKI,” “USHI-KOROSHI,” and “YURUSHI-IRO.” Did you notice any differences between them during the manufacturing process?
M: When I actually start carving the wood, the hardest material is “YURUSHI-IRO (Pink Ivory).” Next is “KUROGAKI,” and then “USHI-KOROSHI.”
With “KOKUTAN,” I didn’t particularly feel it was harder, but it did feel a bit more viscous or resistant while cutting. I’m not sure how much that will affect the sound, though.
M: Cantilevers, whether made from metal or gemstone materials, tend to be prone to resonance. That led me to wonder: what if we used a material that is softer than those
—something that could reduce resonance? That’s when I began considering wood. And the MORITA series began when I actually tried using wood as a cantilever material.
M: I believe each person hears and perceives sound differently, depending on their own preferences. That is why the MORITA
– Wood Carving Cantilever – series has offered three options so far, and now KOKUTAN has been added. I hope everyone can choose the sound that best suits them and enjoy it.
The MORITA – Wood Carving Cantilever – series began with a single, understated remark from Kotaro Morita, a man of few words. Morita has devoted nearly half a century to craftsmanship as a JICO employee, focusing solely on making high-quality products. With the intention of preserving his spirit, skill, and legacy for future generations, we have named this product series after him and are proud to introduce it today.
In Japanese, a cantilever is called “katamochibari” (a cantilever beam)—a structure similar to a diving board at a swimming pool. In a record stylus, the cantilever’s material, suspension properties, and shape all influence the sound. Traditionally, cantilevers are made from metal such as aluminum. However, the MORITA – Wood Carving Cantilever – series uses natural wood, which presents a unique challenge: after shaping the wood to the required size, any knots or cracks render it unusable.
To fully utilize the natural qualities of the wood, each cantilever is carefully and meticulously handcrafted, with extreme attention to detail at every step.
For the MORITA series, Morita himself is the sole standard and final quality authority. No matter how much time and effort goes into production, if Morita does not approve a piece with an “OK,” it will never be released. He reads the individuality of natural materials, performs precise machining, and oversees the final sound quality. Because every step is judged by Morita’s eyes and senses, the MORITA series truly carries a name that reflects its responsibility and craftsmanship.
This is how the MORITA brand has been built: as a brand that embodies the responsibility of carrying a name.
● November 2019: First release — “KUROGAKI (Black Persimmon Wood)”
● July 2020: Second release — “USHIKOROSHI (Christmas Berry Wood)”
● September 2023: Third release — “YURUSHI-IRO (Pink Ivory Wood)”
Order and Shipping Information
Orders Accepted From: Monday, March 2, 2026 Shipping Begins: Sequentially from Thursday, April 2, 2026 Shipping may be delayed depending on order volume.
Notes Product colors may slightly differ from images due to display or image quality.