If you tickle the soles of its feet, please replant it (lol) -- Shunji Yamaguchi

I was born and raised in a naturally rich area of Shizuoka where wild boars roam. I used to cycle 50 minutes to high school. When I came to Tokyo to study shoes, I realized there was a lack of greenery. That's why I decided to create shoes with green as the theme.


While sketching several rough drafts, the idea that came to me was to hollow out a part of the sole and plant a seedling there. Easier said than done; it was really difficult to turn the idea into reality while also ensuring the functionality of the footwear. For two weeks, I spent all my class time carving the stacks of wood.

Beautiful flowers should bloom soon. Oh, the name of the flower? I've forgotten it, but it's not a weed.

I've always been involved in sports, and I enrolled at Hiko because I wanted to work in a sports-related field. I initially thought of spikes and sneakers, but I've discovered that leather shoes are also fascinating and have a lot of depth. In the future, even after retiring from competitive sports, I hope to live a life where I can make shoes by myself at home.

From left to right: Katsura Yinhu, Yamaguchi Shunji, and Kushino Jouen.

 

These are the student works that were selected this time.
From left to right: "The vision of a dragonfly" by Yukina Makita, and "Stacking Sandals" by Jouen Kushino.
"Ryokuka" by Shunji Yamaguchi, and "One step shoe" by Yinhu Katsura

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Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College

Founded 49 years ago, Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College is a specialized school focusing on items that adorn the body. It offers a wide range of training in jewelry, shoes, bags, and watches, from traditional techniques to innovative methods of expression. With campuses located in Shibuya, Harajuku, and Aoyama—cities that lead fashion and culture—students aim to become creators and technicians who will shape the future of the industry.

□ 5-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 ※ 9-minute walk from Shibuya/Harajuku Station □ 0120-00-3389 (Direct line to Admissions Office)
□ http://hikohiko.jp

Text: Takegawa Kei
Photo: Fujii Taku

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