An Interview with Masayuki Kaneko

Mr. Kaneko is a uprising bespoke shoemaker from Japan, and he lives in Fukuoka. His shoes are extremely elegant, well proportioned and full of inspirations.

It is a great honor to talk with Mr. Kaneko.

Please tell us more about your childhood, education, hobbies, etc.

In the city where I was born, there was a bridge called the Chikugo River, which is rare in Japan. I could see them from the front of my house and I never tired of painting the landscape every day. When I think about it now, I may have had something like a fever to express something from around this time.

When I entered junior high school, I became absorbed in fashion. Every weekend I changed trains and buses and spent two hours going out to the city.

I couldn’t buy something every time, but I remember having a lot of fun seeing clothes at the store. Around this time, I started to be interested in shoes.

Who taught you about the final creation, and how do you develop your own signature at the end?

There are many teachings in my shoe making journey. One of them is Chihiro Yamaguchi of Guild of crafts. I learned a lot from him.

I am particular about design because of his teaching.

Why did you start a shoe making class? And how to apply for it?

Due to the influence of the coronavirus, this business is currently suspended.

Where do you get the inspiration for making patterns?

The inspiration for making patterns is in everyday life. I think it’s important not to overlook it. Always keep thinking so that you don’t overlook it. The design does not come down suddenly. Find a small hint and always think about it. It’s both when eating and when taking a bath.

Sometimes I think about the little hints little by little, inflate them, and collect the hints. That’s how you think for days and days. Only then is one design completed.

As a bespoke shoemaker, what do you think is most important?

It’s not because it’s made to order, but what I think is important is humility. You must always be in a learning position. Don’t feel like you understand. Be humble and flexible. There is no such thing in shoes that you have to do this. It is important to have the ability to accept everything.

Some shoe stores, like Yohei Fukuda, release custom-made shoe as well as MTO and RTW lines, while others insist on custom-made shoes. What do you think of these two paths?

I think $ 300 and $ 3000 shoes both can be the best shoes in the world for anyone. So whether you make a lot of shoes or only one shoes, both ways are the same in that you make the best shoes.

It’s just that he wants to be a manager or a craftsman.

Please say something to Chinese shoe lovers.

Hello everybody, When it comes to making things, I think that the person who designed the product can maximize the goodness of the product. Therefore, I do everything from importing materials to finishing by myself in order to deliver what I am satisfied with.

I hope that Chinese people will know about these shoes that I am particular about.