Tomoki Matsuda: With Emil Yano, the Man of John Lobb (Part 3, Final)

An Interview with Emil Yamano, CEO of Yamano & Associates (Part 3: Final)

What is Elegance?

This is the final installment of our conversation with Emil Yamano. We delve into a question I've long wanted to ask: "What do shoes mean to a man?"
Finally, we will discuss a theatrical performance organized by the "Kyoto Florence Friendship Association," an organization to which we will be lending our support this autumn as part of Mr. Yamano's various social contribution activities.

Host: Tomooki Matsuda (John Lobb Japan)Summary: Toranosuke Takeuchi (City Writes)Photos: Emi Hara

Are Shoes a Man's Face?

MatsudaMr. Yamano, I wanted to ask you directly, as only you can: What do you believe shoes represent to a man?

Emil Yamano

YamanoThat's a difficult question.
My criteria for good shoes have changed with age. As I mentioned earlier, I now place more emphasis on comfort and ease of walking. At the same time, I've taken the time to establish my own personal style.

In terms of clothing, when I was younger, I experimented a lot, wearing many colorful and patterned items. Now, I mostly wear plain navy or plain gray.
For shoes, I tend to favor black or brown suede. However, one thing is certain: shoes are incredibly important to a man. If I had to say, I'd say shoes are a man's face.

There's a joke an American friend once told me.—It's said that if you have to face someone you'd rather not greet in Japan, you should check if their shoes are properly worn and polished. This is because, unconsciously, you'll find yourself bowing.
This joke only works because it assumes shoes are important to men.

MatsudaI see, shoes are a man's face. That's a wonderful way to put it.

YamanoFurthermore, when it comes to John Lobb, it is the very definition of elegance. And what is elegance? I believe it is absolute history and culture. Wearing something with such a background also builds confidence in one's work. Aren't John Lobb shoes a tool for pursuing that?

A Renaissance Play Performed at Kyoto's Kodai-ji Temple

MatsudaFinally, I have an announcement for OPENERS readers.
On October 25th and 26th, a play titled "Mandragola," a Renaissance comedy presented by the "Kyoto Florence Friendship Association," will be performed at the Hojo hall of Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto. John Lobb Japan is a sponsor of this performance, and we will be unveiling this year's model in the main hall. Mr. Yamano was instrumental in facilitating this performance, acting as a bridge between Florence and Kyoto. Would you mind introducing the details of this performance, Mr. Yamano?

YamanoThank you. Some of you may know that Kyoto and Florence are sister cities. However, it's also true that exchanges between them haven't been very active until now.
Therefore, last year, the "Kyoto Florence Friendship Association" was established with the primary goal of promoting cultural and economic exchange between Kyoto and Florence. As its first initiative, in October of last year, we held a salon concert in Japan and Italy that fused Japanese Gagaku with a Florentine violin duo. Following that, in November, we conducted the "Ichihime Gagaku Society Italian Tour" in three cities: Florence, Ravenna, and Rome.

This "Mandragola" performance is the third installment, and it will be held with the cooperation of Kodai-ji Temple.

The play itself is a comedy by Niccolò Machiavelli, famous for "The Prince," filled with the kind of humanistic humor characteristic of Italians. It will be performed at Kodai-ji Temple, which embodies Japanese traditional beauty – a first for this venue.

This time, I'm participating 100% as a volunteer, and I'm genuinely looking forward to this fusion of Eastern and Western elegance.

MatsudaI'm looking forward to it as well. Thank you very much for your time today, despite your busy schedule.

YamanoNot at all, thank you for having me.

(The End)

John Lobb Japan
Tel. 03-6267-6010
http://www.johnlobb.com/

Performance Details and Inquiries for the "Mandragola Tour" Sponsored by John Lobb Japan

October 25 (Sun) & 26 (Mon)
Venue: Kodai-ji Temple (Hojo) *Not open to the general public

October 29 (Thu)
Doors Open: 6:30 PM, Performance Starts: 7:00 PM
Admission: General ¥2,000, Students ¥1,000
Venue: Gifu City Culture Center Exhibition Hall
Inquiries
Gifu City Culture Center
Tel. 058-262-6200

October 30 (Fri)
Doors Open: 5:30 PM, Performance Starts: 6:00 PM
Admission: ¥6,000 (includes food and drinks at the reception party)
Venue: Osaka Geihinkan
Inquiries
Kansai Italian Cultural Center
Tel. 06-6222-3386