"JAPAN Shoe Expo 2015" – Aiming to be "the most fun shoe shopping in the world"! A shoe expo has begun, with participation from everyone involved with shoes, from designers to students. WWD Japan interviews some of the featured designers.

Aiming to be "the most fun shoe shopping in the world"! "JAPAN Shoe Expo 2015" opens.

Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building will be hosting "JAPAN Shoe Fair 2015" from Wednesday, October 28th to Tuesday, November 10th, on the B1 floor (men's shoes). The goal is to create "the most fun shoe shopping experience in the world"! A lineup of special shoes, full of originality and excitement, created with the utmost dedication by designers, will be gathered in one place.

The participants include a stellar lineup of Japan's leading shoe designers, excellent factory brands, and bespoke brands. Shoe manufacturers such as "REGAL" will be presenting exceptional items that are completely different from their usual products, and a pair of shoes made by a student aspiring to become a shoe designer will also be featured. The diverse lineup is truly a shoe "expo"! WWD Japan interviewed three notable brands this time to hear about the thoughts and points of focus that went into the products they are offering at "JAPAN Shoe Expo 2015".

These shoes from "MIHARA YASUHIRO" are the "ultimate straight-tip." They are finished using the Norwegian welt construction method, designer Yasuhiro Mihara's favorite. ¥216,000

—This product is described as the "ultimate straight-tip shoe," but specifically, what makes it "ultimate"?

These are simple straight-tip shoes, but the leather from Ilccia, Italy, has been layered with multiple colors. The inner lacing is made from a single piece of leather, and the view from the heel is truly beautiful. The heel extends beyond the edge of the sole, which is a free expression by the shoemaker. It is also a testament to the craftsman's skill.

—What are the advantages of the Norwegian molten process? What makes it superior to other methods?

I devised this manufacturing method about 10 years ago in Italy. It's a modification of the Norwegian method. The Norwegian method is a technique used for ski boots and other footwear to prevent water from entering, by carefully treating the outer and inner leather, insole, and outsole. Now it's a high-end manufacturing method that involves meticulous hand-stitching. Even the most skilled craftsman can only make about two and a half pairs of hand-stitched shoes a day. But I think that's a luxury. Also, the leather used for the upper is specially tanned. It was devised by a scientist who is knowledgeable about dry cleaning and fixes the leather fibers during the tanning process. This makes the leather strong and stable even if water soaks in. It also helps to increase the strength. However, this tanning method is not very efficient. But shoes that rely heavily on the craftsman's intuition are finished as products, resulting in a pair of shoes that are truly human.

The shoes from "H? Katsukawa from Tokyo" are "shoes that return to the earth," made with carefully selected nibe leather. They come in a special coffin-shaped box. 248,400 yen

—So, what exactly are "shoes that return to the earth"?

I am a shoemaker. Even I often ponder the problems of the world. And after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that the root of the world's fundamental problems lies in things and events that cannot return to the earth. In this world, things and events that cannot return to the earth continue to cause problems. Over the past 100 years, humanity has gained many things, but lost many things as a result. What has been lost can never be recovered. That is why, as a shoemaker, I have decided to wear shoes that return to the earth. When I one day return to the earth, both I and my shoes will return completely to the earth. That is what I can do. Shoes made from natural materials will return to the earth.

—I heard that after the event, the "shoes that return to the earth" will be going overseas.

After the event, the same shoes will be acquired by a museum in Northampton, England. This will be the first time in history that Western-style shoes made by Japanese people have been acquired for this purpose.

Shoes from "HIROSHI TSUBOUCHI" blend glam rock and traditional styles to create a "glam-trad" look! Left: ¥60,480 (tax included) Right: ¥62,640 (tax included)

──How did you arrive at the concept of "Glam Trad"?

My inspiration comes from the styles of the 1960s and early 70s that I experienced. I still respect that era, and I hope to connect its spirit to the present day. It was a very creative time. I was influenced by Ivy League and traditional styles when I was in middle and high school, as well as the subsequent hippie movement and London glam rock. I wanted to mix the standard appeal of Ivy League and traditional styles, which are easy for anyone to wear, with the impact and message of glam rock. The style is a mix of classic, modern, and futuristic images. You'll be surprised how easy they are to wear once you try them on.

Event Information

"JAPAN Shoe Expo 2015"
□October 28th (Wednesday) - November 10th (Tuesday), 2015
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes
03-3352-1111 (main representative)