The Japan Shoe Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization that works to provide and promote high-quality leather shoes that are suited to Japan's climate and the feet of Japanese people. We will explore the companies that participate in this organization, looking at their history, notable topics, and classic items.

This time, we feature "Tohritsu Seika," a long-established leather shoe manufacturer with a 60-year history. We'll introduce their original brand "Schoenheit," which is produced using an integrated system from cutting to finishing, as well as their pattern-order shoes, where you can freely combine lasts, designs, soles, and more.

The History of Toritsu Shoe Manufacturing

Toritsu Shoe Manufacturing was founded shortly after the war in Asakusa Yoshinocho (now Imado, Taito-ku, Tokyo), a thriving area for leather shoe businesses, as a "set shop" selling materials such as upper leather and leather soles used in leather shoes. In 1962, the company name was changed to "Toritsu Shoe Manufacturing." Subsequently, in order to focus on more specialized fields, "Yamagata Toritsu" was established in 1982 as a leather cutting and upper manufacturing division, and "Toritsu Enterprise" was established in 1987 as a shoe repair division. In 2003, the original brand "Schoenheit" was launched, and in 2004, it received the Chiba Prefecture Energetic Company Award for "Excellent Product/Service." In 2012, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary, and in 2016, the flagship store for Schonheit, "Schoenheit Order Salon," opened in Asakusa.

Topics of interest

This article introduces some noteworthy topics from the historic Toritsu Shoe Manufacturing Co., Ltd. We will explain their original brand "Schoenheit," which started in 2003, and the "Schoenheit Order Salon" in Asakusa, which opened in 2015 as the brand's flagship store.

Schönheit is an original brand that uses the Goodyear welt construction method.

Toritsu Shoe Manufacturing began manufacturing and selling its original brand "Schoenheit" in 2003. Schoenheit is a German word meaning "beautiful," and the brand was started with the desire to "provide beautiful shoes that support people's daily lives from their feet up." A distinctive feature is its integrated production system from cutting to finishing, and it mainly develops made-to-order products that make the most of its flexible production line. The brand's items use the "Goodyear welt construction" method, which involves sewing together thin strips of leather in a double stitching process, and allows for the replacement and repair of soles and heels. The leather used is made from raw hides from the Netherlands and processed by Sanyo, a long-established tannery in Himeji.

"Schoenheit Order Salon" - a shop where you can order custom-made items.

The Schönheit Order Salon, opened in 2015 in Asakusa, the birthplace of the company, is operated by appointment only, allowing customers to carefully select their shoes over time. Inside the store, customers can order custom-made Schönheit shoes while consulting with expert staff.

Recommended order examples for pattern-made shoes

Here are some recommended order examples for "Schoenheit Combination Order," a pattern-order shoe service where you can freely combine lasts, designs, soles, and more. Three types of lasts are available: the orthodox "British Trad," the casual "American Trad," and the smart-looking "Long Nose." Size and width can be finely adjusted, and choosing one that fits the shape of your foot is key to comfortable leather shoes. Designs can be selected from oxfords, bluchers, monk straps, chukka boots, and side-gore boots. Soles and heels can also be selected. As for detailed specifications, you can customize the color of the edge, the number of stitches, and even have your name engraved. Prices start from 33,000 yen. It takes about two months from ordering to completion and delivery.


Ready-made models using the "British Trad" shoe last.

Related Article ▶ "ISETAN Shoe Fair 2022" Announced! Popular limited-edition items and shoes that are sure to sell out will be on display. A powered-up 14 days are coming! [Updated September 14th (Wed)]

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