The Marche region in eastern Italy is known as the mecca of shoemaking. Premiata is a factory founded in 1885 in Montegranaro, Marche. Initially, it was a factory producing elegant, typically Italian dress shoes, but under the sixth generation owner, Graziano Mazza, production of the sneaker line Premiata White began. In recent years, with its distinctive looks, such as printed soles and washed uppers, and its supreme comfort, the sneaker collection has been captivating the world at a pace that rivals that of its leather shoes.

Beyond its stylish design, the comfort of these shoes is another reason why they are loved by so many people. It's well known that many celebrities are also avid wearers. This time, we've invited former Major League Baseball player Hisashi Iwakuma, a loyal wearer, to speak with us. Our interviewer is Sota Miyashita, a men's shoe buyer Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , who also has experience playing in the Koshien baseball tournament. Iwakuma shared how he first encountered Premiata shoes, their appeal, and his thoughts on his new chapter in life.

View Premiata products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

The comfort of Premiata White shoes, which I discovered after retirement.

Miyashita : I was a baseball fan as a boy, so Iwakuma was someone I admired.


Thank you, Iwakuma . I hear Miyashita-san has experience playing in the Koshien tournament.

Miyashita participated in the Spring and Summer tournaments of 2008 and the Spring tournament of 2009 as a representative of Kanagawa Prefecture. I remember it very well; during a game in the Spring tournament of 2009, I was in the dugout when the stands erupted in cheers, even though the field was being prepared. It was the moment Ichiro hit the game-winning RBI in the WBC, in which Iwakuma was playing. It seems everyone was watching it on their smartphones.

Iwakuma: Oh, really? (laughs)

Miyashita was a pitcher during his time at junior high school, so he even tried to imitate Iwakuma's two-stage pitching motion (laughs). I'd love to talk about baseball, but today I'd like to ask you about the Premiata White, which is why you've come here.

Iwakuma: That's right.

When did Miyashita first learn about the Premiata White?

I don't remember exactly when it was during the Iwakuma era, but I liked reading fashion magazines, so I think it was quite a while ago. I actually got my hands on it about a year ago.


Miyashita: What kind of shoes were you wearing before that?

Because of his contract with Iwakuma , he wore shoes from a certain sports manufacturer both on and off the field. He also wore shoes from luxury brands.

Miyashita 's luxury shoes tend to have quite unique designs, don't they?

Iwakuma likes Italian fashion with its playful designs. However, she always tried to choose more understated shoes. That's when she found Premiata White's distinctive designs—not too flashy, not too plain—which was just right.

The model that Mr. Miyashita and Mr. Iwakuma use is "LUCY."

These sneakers feature a combination of Iwakuma gray nylon and suede, and the printed pattern on the side of the sole adds a playful touch. I instantly fell in love with them because you don't see sneakers with this kind of design anywhere else.


Miyashita , what did you think of them after actually trying them on?

Iwakuma: It felt completely different from the sports brand sneakers I'd been wearing up until then. The softness of the upper and the cushioning of the sole made it really easy to walk in.

Miyashita Premiata is a brand with a history spanning over 100 years. Located in the Marche region of Italy, it benefits from an environment where high-quality leather is readily available, and its products are made using traditional handcrafting techniques and a deep understanding of human walking characteristics.

These shoes are so comfortable, they could even be worn as training shoes by Iwakuma during baseball practice. When I wear them, I feel like my feet are lighter and more able to move forward.

Miyashita : I hear that a lot from customers. They say that when they wear them, their feet naturally start to move forward.

During my playing days, I mainly went back and forth between home and the stadium, but since retiring, I've been going to a lot more different places. Both for work and in my private life, the Premiata White bag is incredibly useful.

The versatility of Premiata White, which can be coordinated for a variety of everyday occasions.

Since retiring, Mr. Iwakuma has been active as a special coach for the Seattle Mariners, where he played for six years from 2012, and also as a baseball commentator. Last year, he launched a new project, which has led to him going out to various events more often. His fashion sense has also changed from the uniforms and training wear he used to wear to a style that mixes dresses and casual wear. Today, Isetan Shinjuku store attendant Sekikawa has proposed a total coordination for Mr. Iwakuma. Let's experience how Premiata White suits a wide range of styles.




For a casual shopping trip, I've chosen the "STEVEN" line from Premiata White's premium collection. The top is an open-collar shirt from ssstein , and the black denim is a Gurkha-style design from Dalcore. The rayon-polyester shirt has an elegant sheen. The "STEVEN" side logo also has a glossy, glass-finished leather look, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the casual style to a luxurious level.




As an athlete, going to the gym is part of his daily routine. The casual military blouson from blurhms , made with a silk blend, evokes Iwakuma's superstar aura. The T-shirt and shorts are also blurhmsROOTSTOCK . Wearing them in one tone tones down the military feel, giving a sense of quality to his everyday wear. Every item is carefully selected from the material development stage, and they become more comfortable the more you wear and wash them. The reliable feel of Premiata White's classic "MICK" sneakers elevates the styling.




For lunch at a stylish restaurant, pairing a jacket with Premiata White sneakers is a trendy and fashionable choice. The jacket and trousers are from CORNELIANI , and paired with a LUIGI BORRELLI linen shirt. Even with a monochromatic look, varying the materials—a jacquard knit jacket, linen shirt, and cotton chinos—adds depth and character. Eyewear, worn in the breast pocket instead of a pocket square, also serves as an accent. The sneakers are "Eric." While black sneakers can often look plain, the playful touch of Premiata White adds character to the look, giving the jacket style a sophisticated and polished feel.

As your lifestyle changes, so do your clothes and shoes.

What did you think of Miyashita's styling suggestions?

Iwakuma: I've always liked fashion magazines and enjoyed looking at them, but I never thought I'd be doing something like modeling myself (laughs). I don't usually experiment much with clothes, so I made some new discoveries, from everyday wear to work clothes.

Miyashita is 191cm tall with a well-proportioned physique, so jacket styles suit him very well.

I used to think that leather shoes were the only thing to wear with Iwakuma's suits and jackets, but lately that doesn't seem to be the case. I've discovered that pairing them with Premiata White shoes can give a fresh take on a casual jacket style, so I'll keep that in mind.


Miyashita has retired from active competition, and her work has changed significantly. Has her style of dress also changed?

During my time as a player, I mainly wore my uniform and training wear, and for press conferences and commentary work, I wore a suit. Looking back, my casual private wear tends to be the same style all the time, so it's important to change my clothes to suit the occasion. Just like when I was a player, it's very important to be able to switch gears. I think fashion can be helpful in that regard.

I certainly believe that Miyashita 's clothing can change your mood. There are occasions where you should wear a suit and tie, and other occasions where a casual shirt and jacket are appropriate. I think it's important to dress appropriately for each place, with the people you're with, and the situation, as this is a matter of adult etiquette.

I've always wondered about this, even before Iwakuma , but baseball managers are the only ones who wear their uniforms in the dugout, right? In soccer and basketball, all the managers wear suits.

Miyashita : Now that you mention it, you are indeed wearing a suit. Why is that?


Iwakuma is a strange character, isn't he? (laughs) I've also started running a baseball team this year. When I go to practice, sometimes I wear a jersey, but sometimes I wear a jacket. In those cases, a jacket and sneakers style is easy to move around in, and it also shows the courtesy and dignity of representing the team. I think I'll go dressed like this from now on.

My new life is about giving back to baseball and nurturing the next generation of baseball players.

What kind of baseball team is Aoyama Tokyo Boys, founded by Mr. Miyashita Iwakuma?

Iwakuma: This is a new junior high school hardball baseball team that will break down the conventional wisdom of hardball baseball in many ways. In recent years, it has been said that the number of people playing baseball has been declining, and while I was thinking about what I could do, I founded this team as a way of giving back to the baseball world in which I grew up.

In what ways is Miyashita new?

It is said that the number of youth baseball players in Iwakuma has decreased by 100,000 in the past 10 years. While the declining birthrate and increased attention on sports other than baseball are contributing factors, I believe we have entered an era where we must change things from the perspective of player development.


Miyashita: Is there also a desire to break away from outdated, purely spiritualistic approaches?

Iwakuma: While becoming a skilled baseball player is important, I think it's really a place for character development. What we learn there has a big impact on us later on, hasn't it?

Miyashita : That's true. I've learned everything from baseball, too.

If we consider Iwakuma Baseball's educational environment as a place for the healthy development of children, then I believe it must be a place that everyone involved with the team, from the management to the children themselves and their parents, can enjoy.

Miyashita: Back in the day , things were pretty strict. We were made to run all the time (laughs). Having to drive our parents around and make tea was a real burden too.

Iwakuma: I think the burden on parents in particular was immense. It would definitely be better to alleviate those burdens while efficiently securing practice time.

Miyashita : Was there a particular trigger that led you to that conclusion?

Iwakuma : My experience in Major League Baseball was definitely a big factor. The players there truly enjoy playing baseball from the bottom of their hearts. Japanese players, even if they're somewhat relaxed during practice, tend to get really fired up when it comes to games. I was often made to realize things like, "You're trying too hard," by my teammates.

Miyashita : When I was a kid, baseball was so much fun, but it's true that it gradually became a tough thing for me.

It gets tough around the time you're in middle school, doesn't it? The practice time gets longer too. Your concentration starts to wane, but the practice time seems to go on forever.

Miyashita's been practicing for a long time (laughs). He was swinging the bat until late at night.

Iwakuma: Junior high school students whose bodies aren't fully developed can't concentrate that much. They gradually lose their sharpness. So it's better to practice efficiently with short bursts of concentration at the baseball field and spend the rest of the time on other things like basic training. We're trying to change the way we run the baseball team, including dividing the players into groups according to their skill level before practice. Pitchers can finish their practice in just two hours a day.


Miyashita used to do it more often, right?

Iwakuma worked from 8 a.m. until 5 or 6 p.m.

Miyashita, have you ever thought about quitting ?

Iwakuma : Yes, I have a similar experience. When I was in junior high school, I started to think that baseball was boring. But after thinking about it a lot, I decided to continue until high school. However, there were times when I didn't practice for about six months in high school. After that, I started to attract attention from professional teams, which boosted the team's morale. I went pro and have continued playing ever since.

Miyashita went from NPB to Major League Baseball, and even achieved a no-hitter before returning to Japan. A new chapter in his life began last year.

Since I took off the Iwakuma uniform, I've met so many people and had so many different experiences. Like today, where I got to be a model (laughs).

Miyashita : I suppose you could call it TPO (Time, Place, Occasion), but I think there are more opportunities to choose clothes according to each situation. Not just uniforms, suits, and jerseys, but also jackets that are sporty, or casual and relaxed but still have a sense of dignity.

Iwakuma: I recently shopped at Isetan for an outfit for an interview. I'd also like to thank Sekikawa-san for helping me with my outfit today.

Miyashita: I think I'll continue to add more clothes and shoes to my wardrobe, but I hope you've seen today how Premiata White suits a wide range of styles.

Iwakuma: Next time I go to practice, I'm thinking of going in a jacket and sneakers. I want to take the lead in showing a new image of myself as a baseball player.

View Premiata products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Men's shoes Instagram: @isetanmens_shoes

*Please note that due to various circumstances, the event may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
Please note that the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store is operating as usual.

Styling: Akihiko Sekigawa (Instagram: @akihikosekigawa )
Text: Yasuyuki Ikeda
Photo: Naoto Date