The Enduring Appeal of REGAL, Japan's Premier Shoemaker Vol. 01

REGAL | Regal

The Appeal of Japan's Proud Shoemaker Vol. 01

The Bluebird in Shoes

Regal is the modern-day 'Bluebird.' Maurice Maeterlinck, through the young siblings Tyltyl and Mytyl, taught us that happiness is actually very close by. Yet, he would likely lament the current situation where Regal's appeal is not properly appreciated, perhaps due to a deep-seated admiration for foreign goods. He might feel his message was not understood. Regal is a world-class traditional shoe, loved across generations. We will reveal the true nature of this long-standing brand over three installments.

Text by TAKEGAWA KeiPhotographs by YUASA Tohru

A Pioneer of the Shoe Industry, Beginning with Military Boot Production

To get straight to the point, Regal boasts a history that began with military boot production, a manufacturing method—Goodyear Welt—consistently employed since the introduction of machinery, the culture of American Traditional, and last shapes meticulously developed from a deep understanding of Japanese feet.—Regal possesses brand value that commands global respect.

Japan's shoemaking industry began with the nation-building and strengthening of the military during the Meiji era. The seeds sown by Katsuzo Nishimura and Kihachiro Okura, pioneers of the shoe industry, bore fruit in the establishment of Nihon Seikutsu in 1902, which later became Regal Corporation. We began wearing shoes in earnest after World War II, and at that time, shoemaking was synonymous with the military industry.

The Goodyear Welt method, still proudly called 'the backbone of our company,' has over a century of proven experience. While it took until the late 1800s for the current production system to be established in Northampton, the mecca of men's shoes in England, the difference in time is surprisingly small.

"Shoes" & "Last" of First in 1962

VAN REGAL

Regal, having built its foundation through military production, also led post-war lifestyles. The 'Van Regal' line, a collaboration with the legendary apparel brand 'VAN,' was enthusiastically embraced by the Miyuki-zoku, a fashion subculture of the 1960s, marking the dawn of street fashion. Regal cemented its place in history as a key player in elevating shoes to the realm of fashion.

For those still wondering about the connection to American Traditional, Regal was originally a brand of the American company Brown, with which Nihon Seikutsu formed a technical partnership in 1961. Regal acquired the trademark in 1990, making it the legitimate successor.

True Tradition Forged Through a Rich History

Even brands with the most illustrious histories can sometimes stray from their path and lose their way. The reason Regal is highlighted here is its unwavering focus and the undiminished passion that has persisted through time.

While it established overseas bases as a global company, it protected its domestic factories. In fact, for dress shoes, approximately 90% are still made in Japan today. Considering the shrinking scale of production in Northampton year by year, this is highly commendable.

Regal Factory in Iwate

The lineup is astonishing. Models like the loafers introduced in 1971, followed by the wingtips and saddle shoes in 1972, have been produced in their original forms for nearly half a century. Remarkably, these account for 20% of the entire collection, which is truly impressive.

The newly developed collections also exude a grounded sense of style. The key lies in the exquisite balance of modern touches, achieved by always referencing the enduring best-selling models. Understanding history intellectually is vastly different from internalizing it through hands-on experience.

Tradition is born only from accumulation. It is natural to feel the authentic aura of Regal, a brand that has deeply understood and diligently preserved this principle. It is undoubtedly one of the few brands we should pass on to future generations. However, there's no need to feel obligated. Once you experience them, you'll understand why we likened them to the bluebird.