profile

Kota Kobayashi

Born in 1994 in Nagano, Japan.
An independent shoemaker based in Akihabara, Tokyo, specializing in made-to-order and bespoke footwear.

After graduating from a high school specializing in landscape design and agriculture,
he enrolled in the Esperanza Shoemaking School, where he studied for two years before launching his own brand in 2015.
His brand, "When", celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.

The name "When" was inspired by an album by musician Vincent Gallo, introduced to him by the person who first encouraged him to pursue shoemaking.
It serves both as a tribute to that person and a reminder to never forget where it all began.

Alongside his personal brand, since 2017 he has also been involved in shoemaking for the long-established shoe store KOKON in Kanazawa.
He developed the original last “KOK-1” and continues to be solely responsible for shoes made with that last.
His collaborations include a special model with Brift H, and his MTO shoes are also permanently displayed in the men's shoe department at Isetan Shinjuku.

Guided by the belief:
“Through shoemaking, I aim to create new values for customers and society, and offer moments that can transform lives.”
he approaches each client and every pair of shoes with sincerity and precision.
First-time clients often comment, “You're bigger than I expected.”