Hidetoshi Nakata on John Lobb

"For me, John Lobb shoes have always felt special, more for important occasions than for casual daily wear. This time it's bespoke, but I specifically wanted to create shoes that could be worn anytime. Like many people, I want to wear my favorite shoes every day. I wanted to create such a pair with the highest quality."

During his active career, Nakata sought spikes that offered both grip and lightness. He would repeatedly refine them to achieve a well-balanced, strain-free design.

"Of course, the comfort required from spikes differs from that of shoes, but since retiring, I feel the significant role shoes play in establishing my personal style. I often dress in a casual yet stylish manner, so I enjoy incorporating high-quality items into my daily life."

“ReVALUE NIPPON” – Hidetoshi Nakata's "Journey"

After retiring from his professional career and traveling to over 150 cities in approximately 90 countries over three years, he termed his journey "ReVALUE NIPPON" and began a tour of all 47 prefectures of Japan in the spring of 2009. Through this, Nakata rediscovered that Japan possesses technologies and culture worthy of global pride.

"During my playing days, I was often asked about Japan while living abroad, but I couldn't answer effectively. Many people were interested in Japan, and I realized that regardless of my profession, as long as I remained Japanese, I would continue to be asked such questions. Driven by a desire to share good information so my foreign friends could come to appreciate Japan, I started the journey across the 47 prefectures."

Meeting the People Who Shape Local Culture

Motivated by the desire to "experience and learn firsthand," the journey across Japan has now entered its fourth year. Having visited 45 prefectures, only two remain.

"It would be fascinating if someone knew all 47 prefectures. My journey isn't about tourist spots, but about meeting the people who shape the culture of each region. Culture and lifestyle are about 'food and the people who make it.' Through traditional crafts, agriculture, sake, and craftsmanship unique to each place, I've also become interested in studying Shinto and Buddhism. I wanted to engage in activities that would become my own experiences, rather than just theoretical knowledge."

After completing visits to 45 prefectures, what struck me most was the "splendor of people's way of life."
"Witnessing the skills of the traditional craftspeople I met on my travels, listening to their stories, and practicing myself, I realized their 'way of life' is truly magnificent. I wanted to convey this to many people."

Bridging Japanese Craftsmen and François

"What I've felt from meeting many craftsmen is that there's little interaction among them. Especially since their worlds are built on unique dedication, experience, and philosophies, there's limited exchange across different categories. However, the fundamental approach to craftsmanship should be the same for Italian, Japanese, and French artisans. Craftsmen should be more visible, creating their own fans. Beyond national borders, while respecting each other's culture, I want many people to understand the magnificence of craftsmanship."

The journey exploring Japanese culture, "ReVALUE NIPPON (http://nakata.net/rnp/)", has so far visited 1,343 locations. Nakata has met 312 craftspeople, all of whom he describes as "people worthy of respect as human beings." This respect has led him to connect Japan and France through craftsmanship.

This July, Nakata will guide Françoisto meet Kyoto artisans. What new chemical reactions will occur there? Stay tuned!

Hidetoshi Nakata's Paris Atelier Visit for Trial Fitting (1)to be continued

John Lobb "Bespoke"
Price: From ¥993,600 (tax included)
*Second pair and subsequent pairs using the same last: ¥891,000
Timeline: Approximately 4 months from measurement to trial fitting, with delivery approximately 4 months thereafter.

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