Meet the Japanese shoemaker who doesn't want his shoes to stand out | Remarkable Living
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มี.ค. 2019
- Tokyo bespoke shoemaker Shoji Kawaguchi believes that the focus of a man's attire should be on his clothing, not his shoes. However, his shoes must be of a certain quality in order to pass muster. cna.asia/2JJoLki
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Man, I love the Japanese. I feel there's a culture of doing things whole-heartedly, and with such passion and integrity.
Like occupying other countries in such a way that they still hate them nowadays...
@@veduci22 uhm it's war so..
@@veduci22 doesn't change the fact that they do things whole heartedly. Even if it means cutting your own belly for being a disgrace or crashing down your plane on enemy ships as a last resort on inflicting more damage.
It’s so peaceful to watch Japanese at work completely immersed and mastering each aspect with utmost dedication and zen like patience . Be it the Sushi masters or the fountain pen one..
What you observe is very true and likely to do with a concept in Japanese culture called 生き甲斐 (ikigai).
I love how his demeanor is so humble. I did some research and his bespoke shoe costs around 3.5K dollars, and there is an insane waiting time, so he must be very skilled at what he does. But to appear so humble and soft spoken like that, it might be a Japanese thing but still
70 to 80 pair a year @ around 3.5k each is a gross income of 245,000 to 280,000 USD a year. Good for that guy.
The Japanese are an endlessly fascinating people.
@@benm5913 Yes, but he does have a staff of 5, and overhead costs, so he's not getting rich anytime soon--nor do I sense that he is even remotely interested in making so much.
@@tomggabin5838 Oh that's disappointing for him. I saw one guy and figured it was an apprentice. Yeah, that's not great for 5 people and additional overhead.
That's very surprising as 3.5k dollars, I assume USD, is very affordable for bespoke shoes!
*That doesn't mean machines are bad or anything*
I like this guy.
I have a pair of handmade shoes my husband bought me when we first married, 21 years later I still have them and I cherish them very much. I would love another pair, but circumstances change, I admire this man very much
Jeez, you're old af, lady.
Kronos no not really got married when I was 16 so I’m not that old
@@dottieland7061 ouch, that sounds like a mistake.
@@TheDarthJesus Clearly not. She's still married.
@@lauren2882 Married at 16? Clearly a bad decision
Japanese people are something else... also having your own business, even if its a small one, will bring you more joy than working for a huge soulless firm
dont belive too much for their bullshit... he cost 3500 and 18 month waiting list...
@@campkira You obviously don't get the point!! Well-made things look and last long, and hence less waste. There is a reason why they cost so much but then again you will only need one of those for many years. Its about quality.
Quality above the quantity
And yet working for s soulless corporation as a salaryman is the dream of Japanese people more than anywhere else in the world. Yep, they are certainly something else.
@@leeza205 $3500 might ensure good quality, but that's not the same as value.
If a normal factory produced pair of shoes cost $35, then you'd have to get as much use out of the quality pair of shoes as 350 normal pairs of shoes.
I'm not saying that's impossible, but even if the normal shoes only lasted a month each, that's still 29 years worth of shoes.
The point about waste, on the other hand, is clearly true.
i feel like its more worthy to spend your money on this than LV, Gucci, chanel shoes
Obviously. But prices might surprise you. I dont know his pricing but i know more or less the cost of something like that in Europe and man is it expensive...
I doubt id never buy bespoke, but its great to see.
Of course. The brands you've mentioned are mass produced garbage compared to this. There is no heart placed in a Gucci or a LV item, it's all about reaching as many african american singers, spoiled white kids, and Instagram ass models, as soon as possible - just stamp the Gucci- or LV logo on it and nobody will care that it's made in a poor asian- or european country in a slave-like environment and sold for 100 times the cost of labour and materials.
@@davidtatelo He charges €3100 for bespoke shoes, slightly lower than Italian, Spanish and English makers that start at €3500-5000. French makers start at €5000.
@jason lul Dude that's not even a rational response to any of the previous comments. You just sound like a really sad and low person. I think you need to check yourself and look into seeing someone about your problems.
@jason lul There is definitely enough people doing that.
Thanks so much. My father was a shoemaker, who promised to make me his apprentice, but died. Not having had the opportunity to learn from him is still my greatest regret. Reading this man's words is like listening to my father talk about his work all over again. 😢😊
I sincerely hope u will meet another master who will teach u the art of shoemaking
Why can't TH-cam suggest more videos like this?
This was heartwarming.
I’m not a man with the funds to consider such shoes , but were I able to make a purchase , then this is a man I’d go too . He has such a warm and engaging character , & a clear passion to create , dare I say it , works of art for the feet . Though understated in design, they stand out in quality and the love that has been put into them . He is a master of his craft and his art , who everyday , relishes the chance to create better and better products , that his customers may enjoy for many years to come . In today’s throw away society , he is a rare gem amongst the cheap paste diamonds of the high street clothing industry.
You are a person of rich soul and passion, hence you recognize the craftsman. You don't need funds to appreciate, people with money will never be able to recognize the importance of craftsmanship. People with lots of money care only for profit they can earn on somebody's hardships in shortest possible time. I salute your recognition!!!!
You can still afford more economical but carefully produced products. Buy from the many local, small, organic farmers supplying farmers markets.
He’s so cute, doing something that he really love, I’m really happy
I play video game and i love this.
@Hueborn attractive in the pretty kind of way I should have said*
@@DeepBlue1882Don't mind him, he must've had a bad day. I think he is cute as well.
@Hueborn why are you talking politics in a shoe video, go get some help
I only liked this comment cuz u are pretty
Worth every penny. Impressive gentleman. Nice manner and work ethic. Beautiful, quality footwear. 18 months waiting list...
piayu gamer do u know he charges 350,000 of those pennies.. $3500 usd to start
@@haroldlee6923 Still better than gucci
Kyaiaia Kyaiaia Gucci is garbage in comparison, and charges likewise, Gucci’s priced 475 to 1200, much less then these..
@@haroldlee6923 hence, it a indoor shoe... you don't wear it to the train..
@@haroldlee6923 just buy what you lke...
"There are things that machine cant express."
Machines can express in greater detail at times but there's not many hand tailored services left slowly drifting from the cultures trend
Unless it is art that distorts reality in a subtle way. I believe machines can do better than human in any engineering task. Talking about making comfortable shoes, machines can offer 100x more accuracy than human.
@@mytube2013 machines can't express culture and stories which are subjective in nature.
@@RahulKumar-ng2gh Or can they? Maybe if AI can create its own music, literature and art then it can.
@@john3260 doesnt sound natural to me.
As a craftsman of Handshaped Surfboards since 1993 and art since 2000 I am inspired by this time capsule of handmade shoes. Thank you for sharing the journey for all those that appreciate the art and beauty of human handmade.
Thank God for pure craftsmen like this.
Amazing! He really love his job, he pays attention to the smallest details and think way beyond his customers! 😍😍😍😍😍
I think it is more than shoe making. He gives his best to ensure your comfort and relability. Respect from Pakistan
I hope one day, I will be able to buy a pair from him. The shoes looks like will survive for many, many years. I'm not so fond of having dozens of shoes. I'm fond of "multi-purpose" shoes like these pairs. I would want to have a pair someday.
You cant wear the same shoes everyday anyway. Sweat is collected and wears them down you need atleast 3 pairs. And then there is winter shoes too:)
@@in3audio932 For over the last decade I have been buying SAS shoes, around $200 a pair, and I use them everywhere ie, hiking, business meetings, weddings, they usually last close to 2.5 years. I am sure if I had another pair and alternate between them it could double their life span.
Every 4 or 5 months I use water repellent spray
@@in3audio932 yeah, that's a good thing to do.
@@in3audio932 my mother wore a pair from hush puppies everyday. it lasted for 3-4yrs.
Heart warming video. Machines simply cannot replace the spirit of human work. Wishes and God bless.
its beautiful how truly happy and fulfilled this man is
I think it comes from what many kids and adults lack now adays and that is pride in your own work and accomplishments. It may be a shoe but its a shoe I made.
@@brandona.deimel5155 +1
@@brandona.deimel5155 where you see that at? almost every artist I see talk are in love with their own work and tries to push their own creativity.
Isn't it just so wonderful to see someone find their passion? I don't even speak his language yet I can hear his enthusiasm.
I always love old, traditional, humble and genuine crafting professions such as these where in people are so passionate and focus on longevity and quality. Something like watch making too.
Handwork is art from hands.
I would like to buy a pair from him one day. But for now, I will repeat this video to just appreciate his passion. Whew. It is like ASMR...
The older I get the more I admire and appreciate top quality, understated craftsmanship.
maybe cause you now got the money to waste?
What a lot of craftsmen missing nowadays is the amalgation of
sensivity, Manor, Grace, Feeling, and Dignity to create
Things like that.
Thanks to Japans Culture.
For the amount of work that he puts into those beautiful shoes he deserves everything he asked for. ...$4000 if you want quality you'll pay.
prices for his shoes START at $4000 :)))))) In some parts of the world you can buy a house with that much money(like Bulgaria).
@@dncviorel true, but buying cheap homes in Bulgaria is risky. I've read it's easy to falsely purchase already owned or disputed property there.
@@dncviorel You can buy a house in Detroit with $4k too, probably.
@@animerocks2468 :)))))) Now that is even more risky than buying a house in Bulgaria. haha
@@animerocks2468 I do restorative carpentry on 150 year old blighted houses that the City sells for cheap.. You might buy them for $500-$5,000, but you put another 100k+ in to make them livable
It is such a privilege to have been given a glimpse into this man's world, so reassuring to know it still exists.
They start at $3,500 in case you're wondering, slightly less than half of what John Lobb's bespokes cost.
I just love how in Japan there are ways for people to make a living out of whatever their passion is. That kind of opportunity is simply not available in every country, whether it be for economic or social reasons.
Bespoke shoemakers and tailors have existed for centuries, outside of Japan, both in Europe and North America. Unless you live in places Somalia or Venezuela your comment just reeks of thumb-ups whoring.
@@user-iu1ru1qz7u Sorry I'm not from a rich country like you. I come from the Caribbean and no one has the money or the training to handmake shoes. Go pedal your first world problems elsewhere.
@@zxb995511 lol you don't know where I'm from gtfo
There is something so damn inspiring about this video... gives me hope that I can make what I WANT out of life and forge my own path through genuine passion and pride in my work.
That is an Eye Candy.
I am very happy with the respect people like you have with your occupation, also happy to see how much respect your customers have and wait for your product.
I love wearing handmade shoes because because the the stitches looks so natural and comfort is extraordinary.
I admire all shoemakers.
Much respect to him and everyone else in the trades working hard for the passion you find
Never limit yourself. Keep designing. Thank you for sharing
🙏☺
His craftsmanship is so good.
Now this is true artisans work, with passion from the inception to placing the finished product into individual bags. I could never afford hand made shows, but I truly respect the work and detail that goes into them. Respect from England.
Its fulfilling to see someone find their passion in life.
Meanwhile in America we have idiots paying $600 for a pair of Yeezys that are made in China for $10 🤣🤣🤔
lol,, not me,,, haha
People like paying for the name more than the quality here lol!
I've seen ugly shoes but not like yezzy .
Savage 😂😂
pay attention. Bespoke shoes are also made in America.
A product of true value. Supporting quality craftmanship is worth it.
Bought some really beautiful n special design shoes in the 80’s from Italy. When I wore them, I felt so grateful to the maker of those shoes. Then when I send them to have it repair, the cobbler in my country was so impressed by the workmanship. Now with fast fashion, you can’t get them anymore.
This is one of the definitions of LIFE...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Life begins when work ends...
Life begins when work ends...
To see this type of business is still running and make money make me happy. care and passion is the key 👏👍❤
The dedication and his will make this story stand out.
I admire people who value real craftsmanship!
People who can't read nor speak Japanese and still watch quality shoes being made is the reason why you'll always stay in business.
Sneaker heads understand quality, it may not be hype but it's guaranteed workmanship that speaks for itself not matter the language barrier.
"sneaker heads" collect "limited" (fabricated limitation in numbers) sneakers in generic material and fabrication for thousands of dollars. They "know" nothing of shoes and shoemaking other than when a certain Nike model was produced, in how many numbers and what its median selling price is. IE, they collect by numbers in all its definition. Imho worth less.
as an artist/creator in the industry i feel like my heart connected with his lol. Like, i feel your passion bro. Feel it.
He's so cute! It's so nice to see someone who cherishes and does what they do well.
Admirable...his passion is to do what he loves and not how much profit he’ll make. My hero.
Japan always surprised me in many way :) That is why i love visiting japan 🇯🇵
Tbh if someone kicked me with this shoes I wouldn't even be mad, would feel more honored
LMAO! I just bought a brand new pair. Shall we meet and have a cup of tea.
@@uthoshantm 😂😂😂😂😂 best reply ever
Tarik Al-Hoshan HAHAHAHA
For people with unusual feet size/shape, a dedicated bespoke shoe maker are their only hope & their best friend. I understand this so well because mass produced shoes are hard to fit & broken so easily, the ones that are pretty (because men also have interest in great & pretty shoes that would match their outfit) are usually not available in your size, or won't be comfortable :( this amazing dedication for details are amazing!
Always wonderful to watch a craftsman at work. Exquisite workmanship always comes at a price but what you get lasts a lifetime. I have always had classic styles made in London and have some that I bought fifty years ago that still look as good as new. Keep the tradition going Sir. Domo arigato
His apartment smells of rich mahogany, and he has many leather-bound books
some rudolf magic here
But his shop just smells of old shoes 😐
?? haha,, you been there,,??? hahaha
I'm not a man to indulge in luxury items, but if you are then custom-fit shoes seems like a pretty reasonable way to spend your money compared to a lot of other things.
Comfort is king - and if you can have style and comfort in one via a custom fit that's worthwhile.
You wouldn't believe how many people have straight-up deformed feet (mainly toes) due to years of wearing nice-looking but improperly fit shoes. Especially women.
Gotta love the way the Japanese work-ethic and devotion to their craft. It's no coincidence why Japan produces some of the best stuff if you have the budget for it. They are essentially the Germans of Asia :)
"The Germans of Asia"
that explains Japan being sided with the axis powers 😂
The true beauty of enjoying what you do for “work”
It's like he's putting a small piece of his soul into every pair ❤.
Everything begins with the shoe, with the foot, it makes you stand in a certain way, walk in a certain way and gives you posture and personality. With a good shoe you can wear rags and still be chic. The most beautiful couture or suit with bad shoes is terrible and destracting. I always say spend on shoes and then improvise with the clothes. Buy or have made two pairs a year and as they last for years you build up a collection and that is power. I have shoes that are 20 years old and still going strong. Lovely video
The maker of your shoes Stephanie Murray? What was the average cost of your shoes? I am curious. Thanks for sharing your story.
@@jenniferj6580 Well when I was younger I would buy two pairs of Stephan Kelian shoes a year back when they were a great brand and these shoes just looked better over the years. During the last year I have retired from 'civilisation' and buried myself in the country so now I wear rubber boots in the garden and Converse shoes when walking to the shops. I worked in haute couture in Paris most of my life so I was always around the best quality couture but I quickly realised that the look was in the accessories and clothes played second role to them. I once bought 50 pairs of Maud Frisson shoes in a couture sale, exquisite shoes they were. I gave them to friends here and there as gifts. I think I paid 5 euros a pair then and they were new. I have some great shoes bought second hand but cannot tell you the maker as they are in storage. When I made dresses for clients they would innevitably ask me what shoes to wear and I would say, wear comfortable at a party as the pain on new shoes will show on your face and distract from a good time. Before I retired I made a floor length gown for a Royal personage and I did the same, she had several pairs of the same shoes and I told her to wear the oldest and most comfortable of them. I have arthritis in one foot so new shoes are a terror to me now. I used to be in awe of a collegue who had a pair of hand made crocodile 'escarpins' made each year, amazing shoes. That was before I looked into how crocodile skins were harvested, a real horror story.
@@TheFiown What great stories you have. Thank you so much for sharing with me. I love fashion and am drawn to shoes and purses! Everything I desire is out of my price range but pursuing Vogue monthly gives me such joy, it's hard for people to understand. I bought my first pair of real leather loafers in my early 30s! I always chose comfort over everything. The shoes felt simply incredible, of course, I never bought cheap shoes again (except for gym shoes). Always believed in comfort first, it's why my feet look and feel normal today, no disfigurement! So sewing was your passion, tell me what type of material is your favorite for a suit or dress? I am curious about your choice. A friend of mine who sewed and/or bought exquisite clothing used to give me clothes she tired of. I wore them for 25 plus years, still have a couple items. She taught me about fabric, what to look for (french seams), what to avoid. She dressed the way I imagined myself dressing, classic. Anyway, I could go on but I won't. All the best to you.
@@jenniferj6580 Yes I worked for over 40 years in fashion, even had my own label when I lived in Brazil. I did quite a bit of costume for theatre also and many wedding dresses. Today my tastes are simple, I love comfort and quality materials. I am currently making a sewing room in the attic that has just been insulated and am looking forward to making some simple dresses and tops in some of the amazing fabrics I've collected over the years, mostly from famous couture houses. A friend jsut gave me some old woody rose coloured linen that will make a wonderful dress, it will be a v-neck, sleevless and have at least one patch pocket. Many years ago before it became fashionable I began collecting purses and sometimes the dealers would just give them to me as no one wanted them. I once counted over 500, many in crocodile, lizard and some in silks. I also have quite a few in hand embroidered tapestry and another big box of small evening back embroidered from the 19th century onwards. One day I will put these on the wall. I had to throw away quite a few that were damaged by damp in storage but there is still a lot. Maybe one day I will sell or give them away but at the moment I am busy planting the garden, doing up the courtyard before the weather gets too hot ( south of France ) and then have to paint the four attic rooms, put up shelves and then fill them with boxes on one side and sewing stuff on the other, plus a nursery themed guest room. Busy busy ! Take care you too.
Just observe the humble nature mixed with skills, it makes a human so attraktive.
In a world lost in consumerism, originality is costly.
"attraktive"
@@benjyyy4168 Clearly you dont the message!
What a beautiful expression of words. Thank you
@CLOUT Cliche? Yes in your perception and i will give you the right be master of your view. However you are focused on the shoemaker rather than the message i want to deliver. The Japanese culture is all about being humble and presentable to others. To dignify yourself and your image. This are characters that never existed in the western mind hence your unaware judgement for my message. And yes i am very aware of the Japanese evil its a topic for an other page!
@@darodarius5196 Ignore the Ignorance 😉
I love geeks, their enthusiasm is so wholesome. He's adorable. I really respect the craftsmanship - I love how his eyes light up when he talks about the incongruous place of Northampton! It's wonderful to have a moment of seeing the world through those eyes.
Why is Northampton incongruous?
Listen this man look so sweet I wanna give him a hug
These are legit handcrafted omg some signature leader shoes nowadays are robotics made and assembled but leader is a complicated material to work with and the only thing to ensure high qual made is through handcraft.
Waaahh... such magical hands...
those shoes.. I love the designs...
How I wish one day I can buy some of his works..
There's nothing more happier than a man who found his passion. People should realize that self filfullment in life is subjective and a matter of perspective.
His love of his art touches my heart.
Those shoes are beautiful art pieces.
Those shoes he was boxing up at the end looked SICK!!!!!! That color of brown was smooth as hell!!!
Just a man with his passion. I wish I have half of his spirit.
A humble and proud man, who loves his trade.
I would love to have a pair of custom boots made by him, gotta love his passion! How many of us have a passion for our profession? I dont, i just have a job but im still grateful 🙏
I love the passion and the commitment to quality!
RazoRock that’s Japanese craftsmanship, in literally everything they do. That’s why stuff is expensive there.
This guy is a true master of his craft. Respect !!!
Amazing craftsmanship. This skill is a rare find in today's world.
Dedication to one's work - love of one's work - it is always wonderful to see! :)
This was like the best ad for these shoes, now I want them!!! 😍😍😍
This is awesome. The care, detail & dedication is so inspiring. If only bespoke shoes were more affordable I would have a pair for every day of the week.
Gotta love a man passionate about his craft. I love stuff like this, blacksmithing, cobbling, etc. So many things I'd love to get at least a basic level of skill in.
The Hatori Hanzo of Shoemaking! Amazing!
As I get older I find myself becoming more interested in shoes and watches. Wonder why? I just love the handmade quality and aspect of these things and fine leathers etc.
Thank God for people who have a passion for whatever they do and devote their life to be the best they can and make a living at it.
He's too humble 🥰🥰🥰
I believe in the future the trades will reemerge after people seek more legitimate experiences
Its all cyclical. Trades will reemerge and then become over saturated and then "college" will become big again. Just try your best to be ahead of teh wave.
My man works hard. Id buy a pair of those shoes.
he's literally the cutest!
How amazing, and what a lovely man 😊
What sucks about artisans like him is that in the past this used to be a family thing. Making stuff like shoes, swords, woks, etc were learned skills/arts passed down by elders and masters. The last name "Schumacher" literally came from "shoe makers". As these shoes become more and more out of demand you start to only see pockets of places around the world making them. This guy's kids probably won't want to make shoes. When somebody does grow up wanting to make them he can have the internet as a resource, but much of the family teachings, techniques, etc from people of the past will not be there. It's harder to have access to apprenticeships or coaching where in the past they might just ask their dad or uncle. I'm sure this man's quality is superb, but there will be many others trying to pick up the craft who will simply be unable to produce something of the caliber they might have had it still been popular.
Don't worry. Old techniques weren't came out of thin air, someone has to invents them. And as you can see in the last bit of the video, this japanese maker want to try new things to, and to be able to do that, he'll has to invents them just like the old shoemakers did. Techniques will be pass down, maybe lost some, but will evolve again.
Look like Shoji already has an apprentice
Shumacher is from the german word shuhmacher which means shoe maker in english
@@noornasr7150 That is what the original comment already stated.
@@sincerelysof no the original comment said that last name shumacher came from shoe maker not that shoe maker is shuhmacher in german.
This mans skills are next level.
I would love to actually own a pair of handmade shoes. My feet are oddly sized with high arches. They are also slightly wider than normal, but most medium wide shoes are too wide.
It makes finding comfortable shoes torturous.
Prices for his shoes start from $4000, so, if you the dough, and the patience to get the pair after 18 months...they're yours! :)))
Beautiful work !! Superb craftmanship.
Beautifully shot. True dedication to the craft. Much respect from nyc
REMINDS Me of an Great Anime Movie
ahh, it also remind me of an anime... the great Naruto
Yes garden of words !!!
It takes me about 100 hours to build reclaimed barnwood furniture.
Hes so humble.
People are complaining about paying $1500 shoes that is handmade and can last for many years, but willingpay $1200 for a smartphone that will get outdated in a year or two.
I like how classic shoes looks like but it's really uncomfortable to wear
I want custom made like this 😍
There is something amazing with the Japanese.They taclke everything with such passion and humility.They give everything in the process and for them it's like something normal to do so .Great nation .Ganbatte Kawaguchisama.
I can feel the luxury, love and passion running through these shoes.
I love it!
A dream job ! I think he will have much success as a shoemaker and every one will know his name - Thanks for sharing
this is the guy grown up from: The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)
Oh it's from that anime?
First thought: Was he based from this guy or somethibg? But ut's way off likely.
@@jaysison6987 I don't know man, the stairs in 3:41 kinda resembles a scene in the movie when the teacher went after the MC. It might be just coincidences though.
@@fisheyes9744 There are a lot of stairs like that. Man you're confusing people.
I was looking for this comment!
Ah! Gentleman of culture...
What a lovely man and a master craftsman. His passion for his art is shown in the beauty of his work. :)
I love how his expression change when he talk about the love that he has for making shoes... Amazing.