Asakusa in Tokyo is considered the birthplace of leather processing and shoemaking in Japan. In recent years, many up-and-coming shoe manufacturers have emerged, and the area is once again attracting attention as a "city of leather shoes." This is the second part of our special feature introducing the craftsmen with exceptional skills who are playing a key role in this trend!

NO.5 Arch Kerry

Pop-up shop: September 21st (Wed) - October 4th (Tue)
Vintage American shoe enthusiasts will be captivated and pour their hearts into these shoes.

After quitting the shoe store where he had worked since his student days and going independent, Eiji Shimizukawa has spent 16 years selling shoes and has finally arrived at his ideal world: Arch Kelly.

"While working in shoe sales and interacting with various products, I became strongly drawn to the beauty of vintage shoes. The beauty of vintage shoes lies in things like the fine texture of the leather, the meticulous stitching, and the presence they have when all of these elements come together. For example, a tan cap-toe shoe made in America in the 1950s. It's just the best, isn't it? I thought that if I wanted to live a more intimate life with that kind of worldview, I had no choice but to start my own brand."

Then, in the summer of 2020, Arch Kelly, a bespoke brand whose production is handled by shoemaker Atsushi Tate, who has a workshop in Asakusa, was launched. Following its success, a line of ready-made shoes was launched in December of the following year, 2021.
"Our popular wingtip design, which was previously only available by order, will be released as a ready-to-wear shoe for the first time, and will be available for pre-sale at this shoe fair. The material used is cordovan leather from Horween."


We cherish the world of classic American shoes.

NO.6 DOUBLE FOOT WEAR

Pop-up shop: September 28th (Wed) - October 4th (Tue)

Simple yet sophisticated, these suede shoes are soft and comfortable to wear.

Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Inspired by these profound words, Takashi Nakahara of Double Footwear has constantly asked himself this question.

"After thinking and agonizing over something incredibly complex, I finally arrive at the conclusion, 'Wow, it was something this simple!' I believe that's the essence of creativity." The shoes he creates are indeed simple. He has been making seven models since the brand's inception. The uppers are exclusively made of suede, and the look, featuring a crepe sole, has become a signature.

"At this shoe fair, we will be taking custom orders for two specific styles. In addition to being able to choose the upper color, we will also be offering soles that are not usually available." This highly skilled craftsman, who once made semi-custom work boots, now handcrafts simple yet tasteful suede shoes that are comfortable to wear. He vows to put his heart and soul into the orders at this shoe fair.





We will continue to diligently make shoes, rooted in the Asakusa area.

NO.7 BROTHER BRIDGE

Pop-up shop: September 21st (Wed) - 27th (Tue)

The secret to leather shoes you can cherish for a lifetime lies in their exquisite blend of materials.

Founded in 2012 as an OEM factory, the original brand Brotherbridge was launched two years later. Initially, they mainly produced rugged boots, but in 2016, Hideaki Suzuki became the director.

Since shifting its focus to casual leather shoes with the theme of "everyday shoes for adults," the brand has quickly become well-known. The secret to its popularity lies in Mr. Suzuki's exquisite sense of balance in blending three categories: "traditional," "military & work," and "sports." "In order for customers to cherish the shoes I make for a long time, I believe that instead of sticking to one style, they need to enjoy changing how they wear and combine the shoes themselves with a flexible mix of styles. I would be happy if even a little of that way of thinking could be conveyed to everyone through Brotherbridge."

At the shoe fair, the brand will be selling limited edition colors of its signature model, [Henry], and unveiling the new [Hunter] model. In addition, popular standard models will be gathered in one place, making it the perfect opportunity to experience the world of Brotherbridge.



We are a small, highly skilled team working together in our own factory to create shoes!

NO.8 The Ruttshoes & Co.

September 21st (Wednesday) - 27th (Tuesday)
Custom-made cordovan shoes crafted from scratch using leather.

Rad Shoes, originating in Asakusa, has gained popularity as a brand of authentic shoes that combines workwear, military, and modern elements with a dress shoe base. In addition to its standard ready-made models, the brand has been quietly creating a buzz since 2021 with a limited number of special projects. "The Five Count" is a custom order service limited to 5 people per month, where the buyer can select one of seven cordovan leather sheets to create their own unique pair of shoes.

"Even within the same color, Horween cordovan leather varies in depth, hue, and texture. How it's cut and used results in a subtly different look for each pair of shoes."
The real appeal of this service lies in the ability to enjoy creating your own personalized shoes while consulting with director Kawamura throughout the process. Furthermore, the craftsmen and parts used in each stage of shoemaking are carefully selected only from people, materials, and workshops that meet Kawamura's standards. It's important to note that even though it's "from Asakusa," it has a completely unique style. At this year's shoe fair, you can experience "The Five Count" at a special booth in Isetan Shinjuku.





Made with premium leather and crafted by skilled artisans, this item is worth more than its price!

■Click here for Part 1!
・Exploring the Craftsmanship of Asakusa Artisans [Part 1] NO.1-NO.4 | ISETAN Shoe Fair 2022