Mitsukoshi Isetan's Tomoyasu Tabata – Authentic sneakers embodying the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Kick THE CITY is a pop-up shop specializing in sneakers, located on the 6th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , in the Contemporary Casual section. Every season, it selects various sneaker brands from around the world and, unusually for a department store, proposes sneakers as a fashion item. Tomoyasu Tabata was appointed as the buyer in charge this April.

Tabata : "Kich THE CITY's selection started with the idea of considering sneakers as part of fashion items, so our lineup is very styling-focused. We're always looking for sneakers that customers can freely match with their outfits today, or that they'd like to have in their own shoe closet. To be honest, I didn't know much about Panther. It's true that the design goes against the trends, which piqued my interest as a buyer, but when I saw the product, I simply thought, 'That's good! That's cool!' I think that's probably a feeling that's close to what our customers feel."

Shoes that are recognized as a fashion item often end up gathering dust in shoe closets and eventually deteriorate once the trend passes. However, shoes that are comfortable, easy to wear, and maintain their condition for a long time are shoes you want to wear regardless of trends. Tabata, who has spent his career in men's shoes, says that such shoes are always made with care and attention to detail.


Tabata : "I really want more and more customers to know about truly great shoes. There is value and appeal in products that can properly express what can only be expressed through Japanese technology, and it's not simply a matter of anything being made in Japan being good enough. Panther is not just a reproduction of old shoes, but a product that uses current technology to embody both old-fashioned and modern elements, and that's what makes it so appealing."

"JAPAN SENSES," a collection of brand items showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese products, will launch at the entire Isetan Shinjuku store on Wednesday, October 19th. The Panther revival project is entering a new phase.

Tabata : "I don't think these are shoes that will sell like hotcakes just by being on the shelves, but they have enough appeal that I want to take on the challenge, in order to increase the options available to our customers. I also think they are shoes that won't be understood unless we explain them properly in person. That's why I want to make sure that the staff who sell them in stores understand the feelings that went into the Panther. I want customers to pick them up and buy them with confidence. I've encountered a shoe that I can proudly say has enough appeal to warrant that."

*All prices include tax.

Text: Ikeda Yasuyuki
Photo: Okada Natsuko

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Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor = Contemporary Casual
03-3352-1111 (main representative)