Hiroshi Nanami in John Lobb's 'Berkeley' model

Hiroshi Nanami—
He joined Jubilo Iwata in 1995, making his Japan national team debut in the same year. The following year, he received accolades such as the J.League Best Eleven and AFC Player of the Year. In 1997, he led Jubilo Iwata to their first J.League championship and was a regular player in the final Asian qualifying round for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. His goal in the away match against South Korea, in particular, was a significant contribution to qualifying for the main tournament. After the World Cup, he challenged himself internationally, transferring to AC Venezia in Italy's Serie A. He returned to Jubilo Iwata in 2000, and after a loan spell at Cerezo Osaka, he rejoined Jubilo Iwata in 2008, achieving 300 appearances for the club before announcing his retirement from professional football in November of that year.

—How did you and Matsuda-san first connect?

Tomoki MatsudaToshiya Fujita often wore John Lobb shoes, and he had told me, 'Please take good care of Nanami-san if he visits.' However, I'm not always at the store myself, so I finally had the chance to meet him there by chance last summer. That's how our acquaintance began.

—When did you first encounter John Lobb, Nanami-san?

Hiroshi NanamiToshiya Fujita loves shoes and watches, reads magazines extensively, and is very knowledgeable. He recommended John Lobb, saying, 'It's good to have a pair.' I believe I bought my first pair and wore them around 2000 or 2001, after returning from Italy.

MatsudaThere was a select shop in Iwata City that carried John Lobb, and they also sold Alden. It seems that many of the Jubilo players bought their shoes there.

NanamiThat's right. I bought Alden first, and then John Lobb. I probably have about seven or eight pairs of each now?

—What are your impressions of this Marunouchi store?

NanamiAt first, it felt like a high-end store, and I was a bit hesitant to enter. But I bought a pair the first time I came, so I've gotten used to the atmosphere since then. I found a great pair of shoes today as well.

MatsudaThe shoes you're wearing today, Nanami-san, are the 'Berkeley' model. It's the successor to the popular 'Jermyn II' model from John Lobb, and the buckle design is distinctive. This buckle is an iconic feature of John Lobb models.

NanamiI actually prefer lace-up shoes, but I wanted to wear these today. I sometimes choose my suit based on the shoes I want to wear.

A Farewell Match Featuring Prominent Figures in Japanese Football

MatsudaYour farewell match is finally on the 10th. How are you feeling about it?

NanamiI want it to be an event where many of my acquaintances attend at a large stadium, and where the fans can also enjoy themselves.

MatsudaI understand that the teams will be Stelle Jubilo, composed mainly of members from Jubilo Iwata's championship-winning team of 2002, and Azzurri Japone, featuring players from the 1998 France World Cup Japan squad. You'll be playing for both teams, is that right?

NanamiThe theme is 'The Last Stand of the Over-40s' (laughs), so I want people to see if I can last the full 90 minutes.

MatsudaI heard you've been jogging from your hotel to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to prepare.

NanamiI'm jogging for my knees. On the 10th, many prominent figures in Japanese football will be present, so I hope everyone enjoys watching their play as well.

MatsudaI'm looking forward to it.

Hiroshi Nanami(Nanami Hiroshi)
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1972. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he enrolled in Juntendo University. During his high school years, he won the National High School Soccer Tournament twice and the National High School General Athletic Games. After graduating from Juntendo University, he joined Jubilo Iwata. In 1999, he transferred to AC Venezia (now SCC Venezia) in Italy's Serie A. He returned to Jubilo Iwata the following year. His career statistics include 314 appearances and 34 goals in J1, 17 appearances in J2, and 24 appearances with 1 goal in Italy's Serie A. He also earned 67 caps and scored 9 goals for the senior national team. Since retiring from professional play, he has been active as an advisor for Jubilo Iwata.

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