I first became interested in fashion when I was in sixth grade. *Men's Club*, *Men's Life*, and *Heibon Punch* all launched in 1964. At the height of the Ivy League boom, I was influenced by American magazines and films in the town where I grew up. I first became obsessed with American sneakers, Keds and Converse, which were imported. Of course, they weren't readily available, so I'd grab neighborhood kids and say, "Can you buy them for me at the base commissary?" That's how my shoe story began.

About 40 years have passed since then. My inability to throw things away has been a blessing, and I still own those Keds and Converse from back then.

I call myself "a man without a past." I hate looking back, but I think I can talk about my memories through shoes. For the past seven years or so, I've only worn long-nosed shoes. For the ten years before that, I preferred sturdy, round-toed shoes like Alden's. In between, I also wore John Lobb and Green. I'm not tired of long-nosed shoes yet. I can't go back to the styles of 10 years ago because of how sleek they look from above.

From the sneakers of my middle and high school days to custom-made, fashion-forward styles, I want to chronicle the memories and emotions tied to each pair. (Byline)