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Philosophy

Through shoemaking, we create new values for our clients and society, providing opportunities to transform lives.

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About shoemaking


What kind of shoes will satisfy you?
Without being influenced by the ego of the maker or bound by conventional shoemaking practices, we always aim to make the best shoes for each individual customer.

price

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Bespoke

From ¥385,000 (tax included)

These are completely custom-made shoes, with a wooden last made and a fitting done.

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Pattern Order

From ¥176,000 (tax included)

This is an order system that allows you to choose from several designs and combine leather and sole materials.

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KOKON KOK-1

From ¥120,000

You can order at KOKON, a shoe store in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

This wooden mold was developed over a period of approximately two years and has been updated many times.

Please try out the unique comfort of these shoes.

Frequently asked questions

What are bespoke shoes?

Bespoke shoes are fully custom-made shoes that are created through discussion between the customer and the craftsman.
We work together to create both the design and the fit.

How long does it take?

It takes 9 to 12 months for bespoke shoes and 4 to 5 months for pattern orders, but this may vary depending on the situation, so please contact us each time.

How can I pay?

Bespoke shoes are charged half price when you order them and half price when they are delivered.
For pattern orders, full payment will be taken at the time of ordering.

You can choose to pay by credit card, bank transfer or cash.

Do shoe trees come with the shoes?

For bespoke shoes, shoe trees are sold separately.
¥35,000+tax

A shoe tree is included with pattern orders.

What are your business hours?

We want to spend time with our customers with care,
Reservations are required.
Please make your reservation in advance.

Reservation

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.

Height: 176cm. Weight: 83kg.
First-time clients often comment, “You're bigger than I expected.”

contact

〒110-0016

1-14-14 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Toko Building 408

Thanks for submitting!

Toko Building 408, 1-14-14 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Representative Kota Kobayashi

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