Traditional show-making history merged with ethical choices.

Ten Japanese leather shoe brands took part in the project HA KI MO NO to embark on a sustainable journey and highlight their commitment towards a traditional history merged with high quality materials and ethical choices.

In Japanese “things walking with your feet” this project, supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, promotes the eco-initiatives and responsible performance of these brands, which stand out in the Land of the Rising Sun thanks to a philosophy based on environmental preservation.

Brightway, Haruta, Tokyo Sandal, Kyoko Sasage, Yuko Imanishi/Mana, Numero Uno, O’RIC/meme, H. Katsukawa, Shisei and U.No.5. are the 10 Japanese leather shoe brands of HA KI MO NO, which guarantee functionality, craftsmanship and tradition.

Through this project the savoir-faire of Japanese shoe-making is revealed through its high-quality techniques and traditional history, all assembled by sustainable choices.

Image by H. KATSUKAWA

Image by SHISEI

SHISEI, H.Katsukawa and Kyoko Sasage stand out in the Japanese framework thanks to their use of innovative materials and sustainable raw materials’ choices.

The brand SHISEI gives great importance to an environmentally friendly manufacturing by realizing a shoe heel made of rubber material, without using any plastic. Almost half of the leather used in a year is LWF-certified leather and the shoeboxes are made from highly recyclable corrugated paper and non-wood materials.

Shoe designer Eiichi Katsukawa's story is the core of his creations, which blend craftsmanship, high fashion, urban life and natural science. The brand has just launched a new project called RINNE which provides its customers with an earth-conscious shoe. The upper part of it is made with “Ultrasuede®️" made of 30% plant-derived polyester, and "Nivea leather" which is discarded in the meat processing process. Moreover, the sole is made of GENN™, a 100% natural material that is biodegradable.

Functional and comfortable design are the keywords of the brand Kyoko Sasage, which creates luxurious shoes using different techniques, that recall Japanese tradition. For the creation of the heel the brand applies traditional Japanese methods such as mother of pearl lacquer, Tsugaru lacquer and gold leaf. Moreover, it uses also Washi, which is Japanese paper that guarantees natural antibacterial effects.

U.No.5 stands out in Japanese background thanks to its concept of play and kindness providing its customers with a huge variety of colours and styles by employing an ingenious production method that can be customized with a wide variety of leathers.

Image by U.No.5

Image by Kyoko Sasage

The brands of HA KI MO NO base their creations on traditions that have centuries of history and craftsmanship that guarantees extraordinary techniques. Here some of these stories.

The main feature of O’RIC/meme is the use of carefully selected Japan leather and eco-leather as well as the beautiful designs created through the use of the Bologna method adopted by skilled craftspeople. In addition, not to waste materials the brand makes only the necessary amount requested by customers.

Based on the techniques and traditions of its long history, Brightway offers shoes to suit every generation and provides its customers with a repair service to replace the soles and make them last longer. Its design pursues minimalism and all its manufacturing processes are conducted in Japan.

Image by Brightway

Image by O'Ric/Meme

Thanks to its traditional history of 100 years, the brand Haruta is recognised as one of the most well-established brands of loafers made in Japan. It provides shoes with an environmentally-friendly sustainable leather and a recycled pet bottle fiber. The leather is artificial with breathability and the sole is light and flexible.

Tokyo Sandals guarantees high-quality products made by skilled craftsmen using leather that meets high standards in terms of environmental safety and energy efficiency. Indeed, the brand has a unique manufacturing process and uses eco-friendly leather from the gold-rated tanner Leather Working Group (LWG). The sandals can last a lifetime because their soles are 100% replaceable.

Image by Tokyo Sandals

Image by Haruta

Sustainability means also taking care of the community and the following brands really commit their actions towards this direction.

The brand Numero Uno embodies the concept of a shoe which has no genre and no age but just enjoys the life. Due to the damage caused by wild deer in Japan, this brand uses deerskin to support the good balance of local wildlife and leather that is a byproduct of meat industry addressing social and animal welfare.

Mana Yuko Imanishi combines original leather, wooden molds, soles as well as design, and produce items that have the feel of daily reality. It donates a portion of the revenue to an infertility treatment subsidy program to support the growth of new families and it is involved in sustainable activities regarding leather manufacturing by actively using leather approved by LWG.

Image by Numero Uno

Image by Mana Yuko Imanishi

This article has been written by SBP creative team.

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