Left: Mr. Ogawa is wearing the "Ascot"; Matsuda is wearing the "Stafford"

Shoes Are Like Tires for a Car

Hiroshi OgawaI see shoes as being like tires for a car. Even a Ferrari or any other car is ruined if its tires are dirty and worn, aren't they?
And tires are meaningless without safety and functionality, right? But no one would be happy with tires that only offer safety and function. They need that extra something – coolness – to be truly satisfying.
John Lobb shoes have excellent safety and functionality, but they offer even more value. That's why I find them so appealing.

Tomoki MatsudaThank you. That's the first time I've heard the analogy of shoes to tires, and it's truly eye-opening.
You tend to prefer loafers over lace-up shoes, don't you, Mr. Ogawa?

OgawaYes, it's simply because I find bending down to tie laces bothersome (laughs). Also, I want to feel casual and relaxed. Of course, I wear lace-up shoes for formal occasions requiring black tie.
However, I find myself choosing lace-ups more often when it comes to suede shoes, though I'm not entirely sure why. Perhaps it's a matter of design compatibility.

MatsudaIt seems you have your own unique preferences, Mr. Ogawa.

OgawaI believe a person's first impression isn't about facial beauty, but rather an aura that emanates from their face. Similarly, the feet, the lowest part of the body, must be well-maintained. Otherwise, one cannot express their full personality. That's why I consider shoes to be so important.
My father once told me, as did a foreign gentleman, "A gentleman must always keep his shoes and the collar and cuffs of his shirt clean."

MatsudaThere's a saying in Europe, isn't there, that "shoes reflect a person's character"?
The pair you're wearing today are John Lobb's "Ascot," aren't they? The medallion decoration, resembling an eagle spreading its wings, is quite distinctive.

OgawaThey are incredibly comfortable, and I truly love them.

MatsudaThank you.

OgawaBy the way, I believe socks can either enhance or detract from a pair of shoes. I'm fond of subtly patterned long socks that reach below the knee, but they're surprisingly hard to find in Japan. I'm quite frustrated by the lack of options. Therefore, I think customers would be delighted if you also offered suitable socks alongside your shoes.
So, when you sell shoes, offering matching socks would be a welcome addition, don't you think?

MatsudaI see, that's very helpful advice.

At the John Lobb Boutique

Advancing Skill Transfer to the New Generation

OgawaI was surprised to see an article in a magazine recently that featured Japanese shoemakers. All the craftsmen were young, handsome, and stylish. The shoes they made were also very refined. It made me realize that the shoemaking industry is experiencing a significant wave of change.

MatsudaThey do make excellent shoes.

OgawaA wonderful culture is emerging. I believe that if Japan had a system for awarding titles like the "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" (MOF), more young artisans would be nurtured.

MatsudaJapan already has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and a deep-rooted artisan culture. I agree that the emergence of young artisans is a wonderful development.
Incidentally, there is one Japanese individual at the John Lobb bespoke atelier, and another at the ready-to-wear factory in Northampton. The craftsman responsible for ready-to-wear shoes previously worked in product development at Sony. He developed a passion for shoes, attended a British shoemaking school, and then joined John Lobb – a truly unique career path. He is exceptionally talented.

OgawaIs that so? May I ask a very simple question? Is John Lobb considered to have a French or British taste?

MatsudaIf I had to put it into words, I'd say cosmopolitan (laughs). John Lobb originally founded the company in Britain in 1858, but after expanding to Paris, Hermès acquired it in 1976 when the company was considering withdrawing. They were eager to obtain that superb craftsmanship.
Considering the historical tensions between Britain and France, it's a rather interesting turn of events.

John Lobb Introduces July Recommendations

Model "Edward"

While it's a slip-on that can be worn casually, the upper deeply covers the instep, giving it a certain dressiness. Based on the 7000 last with its moderately elongated toe, this model exudes a modern impression. The soft construction, achieved by omitting the lining, is also a key feature. It will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to light business attire and the trendy resort casual style.

Profile

President and Representative Director, Baccarat Pacific Co., Ltd.
Hiroshi Ogawa

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1948. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Law, Department of Law. Joined Esso Sekiyu (now Exxon) in 1970. Participated in the establishment of Baccarat Pacific in 1983, serving as Managing Director, and assumed his current position in 1994. He also concurrently serves as representative of the Singapore subsidiary and director of the US subsidiary.
In 1997, he was awarded the Chevalier of the National Order of Merit by the French government.