Deep dive into Japanese brands! A tour of famous leather shoe stores with GENSEI & Nin [Otsuka Shoes Edition]

A recommended itinerary to enjoy Japanese leather shoes

To fully enjoy the world of Japanese leather shoes, this series will visit the directly managed stores of six companies: REGAL, HARUTA, Otsuka Shoes, Toritsu Shoes, Madras, and EIZO! In this memorable first installment, we will focus on the store of Otsuka Shoes, the oldest in Japan.

Experience 150 years of history at Shoe Manufacturers [Otsuka]

This time we visited Shoe Manufacturers [Otsuka], a store run by Otsuka Shoes in Roppongi Hills. Founded in 1872, Otsuka Shoes is a long-established brand with over 150 years of history, making it the oldest of the brands we visited this time. The store offers a wide range of products, from bespoke shoes and other custom-made items to ready-made shoes such as leather shoes and boots made using unique manufacturing methods.

Otsuka Shoes specializes in making leather shoes suitable for formal occasions such as business and parties, but in recent years, they have also seen an increase in demand for leather sneakers. Made using the same techniques as formal shoes, they are not disposable but can be repaired and worn for a long time, making them appealing. While they are comfortable like sneakers, they also have a clean silhouette that makes them a perfect match for a suit, which is unique to Otsuka Shoes.

staff:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the dress code for business settings has become more widespread, and we feel that demand for business wear is increasing. It is also popular for long-distance travel such as business trips, and we have many repeat customers and those who come to our store after hearing about it through word of mouth.

A diverse product lineup highlighting Japanese craftsmanship

Inside the store, there is a shoe gallery where you can experience the long history of the company, which spans over 150 years. You can choose from a wide range of ready-made shoes as well as custom-made shoes. The craftsmanship shines through in the fine details.

Ning:

The goldfish motif is so cute!

staff:

This is a non-sale item made for exhibition purposes, painted with maki-e by a Kanazawa craftsman. It has been well received by inbound customers, and we sometimes receive requests to sell it.

Gensei:

The inside of the leather sneakers is gold.

staff:

This model was created with the image of a gold medal in mind for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was so well-received that it continues to be sold even after the Olympics have concluded. It is extremely popular as "shoes that look good even after you take them off."

◆The shoes chosen by the two are here

GENSEI's choice: "OP-1003NA" (64,900 yen)

From the wide range of shoes available, GENSEI chose the full brogue with inner wing (OP-1003NA). The wingtip design with wing-like stitching on the upper makes this a pair of shoes that will elevate your everyday outfit to a classic style.

Ning chose the Bonstep lace-up shoes "5771" (34,980 yen).

Ning tried on the lace-up shoes "5771" from Bon Step, a women's walking shoe brand. The appeal of Bon Step, which was created with the aim of supporting the natural function of the foot, is above all its comfort. Designed to accommodate bunions (hallux valgus), which support the arch structure of the foot, it is said that "once you wear them, you won't be able to wear any other shoes."

■Shoe Manufactures [Otsuka]

Address: Roppongi Hills West Walk 4F, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business hours: 11:00-20:00 (open all year round)

Inquiries: 03-3497-1872

Otsuka Shoe Official Website ( https://www.otsuka-shoe.com/ )

■What is the Japan Shoe Manufacturers Association?

This non-profit organization aims to provide and popularize high-quality leather shoes that are suited to the Japanese climate and Japanese feet. They are involved in a wide range of activities, including providing information on the specifications and quality of leather shoes, formulating the Japanese Leather Shoe Standards (JIS), and addressing environmental issues that arise during the leather shoe manufacturing process. Their goal going forward is to further develop Japanese leather shoes amid increasingly fierce international competition.

Participating companies: Iwate Shoes, Eizo, Otsuka Shoes, Kyowa Kogyo, Chiyoda Shoes, Toritsu Shoes, Haruta, Madras, Miyagi Haruta Shoes, Regal Corporation (in alphabetical order)

Article reprinted from:

FASHIONSNAP Part 1 https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/jsma-vol-1/

FASHIONSNAP Part 2 https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/jsma-vol-2/