Introducing Our Yanaka Friends: First, the Custom Shoemaker "nakamura"

"Original Shoes and Sandals nakamura" is quite famous in Yanaka. Although we arrived without an appointment, Tami Nakamura greeted us with her usual smile and agreed to be photographed. Thank you very much.

All the shoes made by Takashi and Tami Nakamura are custom-made. Customers try on sample designs they like, then their actual foot size is measured, they choose the leather and color, and finally, the cutting of the leather and finishing are all done by hand. It's a wonderful style that prioritizes the craftsperson over fleeting trends. Despite a consistent five-month waiting list, customers continue to visit one after another. They are the most popular in Yanaka. Looking at Nakamura's shoes always reminds me of the popular film series "Mon Oncle" starring French actor Jacques Tati. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and simplicity.




When I first thought, "I want to live around Yanaka," I often walked around this area. My first encounter was with Takahashi-san of "Repetto," who makes handmade wallets. Takahashi-san told me, "If you want to live in Yanaka, you should check out this place and that place." One of the places he recommended was "nakamura." People around here always introduce shops they personally like.

So, when I visited the "nakamura" atelier and heard their story, they explained that they and their designer friends renovated a former printing factory space themselves to create their shop. Hearing this, I was impressed by the magnitude of what they accomplished entirely on their own. This is the charm of the "East Side" of Tokyo, distinct from the "West Side" with its many high-end select shops.

You Can't Miss "Irohani Woodworking" When You're at "nakamura"

"Irohani Woodworking" is located on the first floor of the same building as "nakamura." Unfortunately, we couldn't take photos this time, but there's an impressive array of woodworking machinery lined up in the back of the shop. The owner, Junko Yamashita, makes everything herself – not just the products, but also the shop sign and the sliding doors are all handmade.



Shops like these are not meant to be rushed past; rather, one should cherish them, taking time to appreciate the wood materials and the maker's passion. It's wonderful that they can accommodate any order for items essential to daily life, such as low tables, bento boxes, tea cabinets, and towel racks.