Harmonious form.
Neat edges.
Construction built to last.
Welcome. I am Ken Kataoka. I make shoes in my workshop in Japan.
What I value most in shoemaking are three things: a harmonious form, neat edges, and a construction built to last.
To achieve these ideals, I choose the fully handmade process, combining hand-sewn welting with hand-sewn outsole stitching.
This is not a process for speed or volume. It is a process that allows me to meticulously control and refine both the overall and the detailed finish, by hand and by eye, until the very end.
It is a philosophy of prioritizing the comfort of the foot and the beauty of the form over the convenience of a machine. This is the craft I promise in both my Ready-to-Craft and full Bespoke services.
Ready-to-Craft
The Ready-to-Craft service is a collection of models embodying my vision of "the ideal shoe".
All models are crafted from the "Signature Last," perfected through extensive research and refinement to achieve a perfect balance of form and function. The materials are also meticulously selected, chosen only from those I trust most for their quality.
| Price | From ¥382,000 (inc. tax) |
|---|---|
| Trial Fitting | Not included |
| Delivery | Approx. 4 months |
| Includes | Lasted Shoe Trees, Shoe Bags, Shoe Box |
The Collection
Shiroko
Ejima
Nomachi
NC1
Bespoke
The Bespoke service is dedicated to crafting a pair of shoes uniquely for you.
I take detailed measurements of your feet and listen to your wishes for every detail—design, materials, and specifications. Through this dialogue, we craft your pair of shoes together.
A trial fitting is conducted to pursue the ideal fit and finalize all specifications. Following this step, I proceed with the final crafting of your shoes.
| Price | From ¥511,000 (inc. tax) |
|---|---|
| Trial Fitting | Included |
| Delivery | Approx. 8 months |
| Includes | Lasted Shoe Trees, Shoe Bags, Shoe Box |
My Workshop
Address
STAR PLATINUM Arc Machiya 1F
5-7-1 Arakawa, Arakawa-ku,
Tokyo 116-0002, Japan
Directions
A 5-minute walk from Shin-Mikawashima Station (Keisei Main Line).
A 9-minute walk from Machiya Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Keisei Main Line, Toden Arakawa Line).
A 15-minute walk from Nishi-Nippori Station (JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line).
Get in Touch
I welcome any questions you may have, requests for order appointments, or inquiries about visiting the workshop (all visits are by appointment only).
Please feel free to contact me using the form below. If you wish to schedule a visit, I kindly ask you to mention your preferred dates and times in your message so I can confirm my availability.