profile

Kota Kobayashi

Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1994.
A shoemaker who makes and sells custom-made shoes in Akihabara, Tokyo.

After graduating from the landscaping department of an agricultural high school, he studied shoemaking at Esperanza Shoe Academy for two years and became independent in 2015.
He launched his own brand, "When," and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025.

The brand name "When" was inspired by someone who gave me the opportunity to start making shoes.

The name comes from the album title by artist Vincent Gallo.
The name was chosen to show respect for that person and to ensure that we do not forget our roots as shoemakers.

In addition to his personal brand, since 2017 he has been in charge of production at KOKON, a long-established shoe store in Kanazawa.
He designed and developed the original last "KOK-1" and is still solely responsible for the production of KOK-1 lasts.
In addition, we have collaborated with Brift H to create a model, and have a permanent exhibition at the men's shoe department of Isetan Shinjuku.
The company is also actively collaborating with other brands and expanding into department stores.

"Through shoemaking, we create new values for our customers and society, and create opportunities to change their lives."
With this belief as the foundation, we continue to create our products while sincerely interacting with each individual.

He is 176cm tall and weighs a relatively healthy 83kg. When people first meet him, they often say, "He's bigger than I thought."

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.”