Currently, Nissan has 30 shoes. It's run by family and 12 employees. My eldest daughter's daughter also started working here a little while ago. My son Massimo, who is here, is in charge of overseas business and internet operations.

(When asked if it would have been better to have him work as a craftsman, given that he was a descendant of Bonafe, Massimo slowly began to speak.)


Of course, at first I wanted to make shoes myself, but there's nothing I can do about it. Family businesses are all about teamwork. Sales and online operations are things only I can do.

(Bonafe briefly lowered his gaze to the table.)

This job is really tough. The income isn't stable either. That's why I was thinking of getting Massimo to do something else. That's why I sent him to university and had him study languages. But now he wants to take over the business... He says he was raised on shoemaking.

Looking back, even though I offered to take him to the beach during summer vacation, he showed absolutely no interest. He said he preferred smelling leather.

Massimo's daughter is still in elementary school, but I hope she'll help her dad when she grows up.


So, once again, I looked at various shoes in different stores. Finally, I'd like to share my impressions.

I don't think we're the best. But I also didn't think we were inferior. At the very least, we're not lying about shoemaking. That's something to be proud of. Of course, that's not something I could achieve alone. It's something that's possible because of Massimo and Guerini, who are here with us.

Years ago, when Reagan asked him about the appeal of Enzo Bonafe, he replied: "Moderately good hands, and utterly honest. That's Bonafe." Ah, Reagan is a former president of the United States. (Suddenly, his eyes well up with tears) Shoes are amore. That's all there is to it.

Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: Kei Takegawa

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