Appeal of Men's Shoes
Japanese manufacturers are proud of responding to challenges

Japanese shoe manufacturing was started in the late 19th century with making military boots. Because of this beginning, the shoe industry in Japan has developed based on making tough and hard-wearing shoes.

Along with economic growth started from 70's, people became more conscious about their fashion. Shoes also needed to be changed; people wanted shoes that made typical Japanese feet look beautiful.

Japanese in their 50's and over tend to have a wide foot and high instep because the influence of the conventional lifestyle remains, but Japanese in their 40's and under have a more westernized foot because of the changes in the lifestyle.

Shoe manufacturers in Japan had to keep developing their "response capability" for fitting this rapid and diverse change of a foot shape and a lifestyle. The history of Japanese shoe industry is, in a sense, a history of responding to changes and providing the best products.　

REGAL Corporation, one of the major shoe companies in Japan, produces highly fitted shoes by considering the bone structure of foot.

To enhance the sense of good fit, some models are made with a design that the center line of a pattern of the foot is set inward. Although this design is usually unpopular because it is apt to cause wrinkles inside of a shoe in mass production, REGAL dares to adopt it for a comfortable fit.

Japanese are perhaps the most demanding customers in the world. Since shoe manufacturers have improved their skills to meet customers' requests sincerely, as a result, many highly-skilled professionals are developed. Other Asian shoemaking factories often avoid undertaking Japanese shoe production due to Japanese strict quality criteria. So, in spite of higher labor cost, most of business shoes and dress shoes are made in Japan.

Particular shops run by REGAL offer fully custom-made shoes including wooden lasts and trial shoes. Fully custom-made shoes take longer time to complete; still orders are increasing by customers who have been generously spending money for their high-quality outfits since they were young. Those customers' requests about materials, colors and shapes are reflected to new products, and that helps ready-made products to evolve.

The biggest aspect that determines the quality of shoes is material. A long-time relationship with leather-manufacturers allows REGAL to receive best quality materials suited for the company's products. The company has its own inspection standard for material on flexibility, abrasion and dyeing, and maintains a strict quality-control for safety. And of course, the techniques of pattern making and cutting to make it possible to use the most suitable part for each part of the shoe are important to take advantage of material's characteristics.

REGAL adopts "Goodyear Welt Process" in shoe-making with premise of being used for many years, and leather is also used for insoles so that the shoes become easy to fit the feet comfortably.

Trained by the demanding Japanese customers, Japanese shoe manufacturers are already equipped with capabilities to respond to other Asian and European customers. Because, Japanese manufacturers are proud of responding to challenges.

On this time's participation to the exhibition, REGAL looks forward to seeing the response from customers and buyers, especially in Hong Kong where many tourists and shoppers gather from all over the world.

Mr. Motokazu Aono
General Manager Men's Shoes Dept. of REGAL CORPORATION
Japan Shoe Manufacturers Association

Appeal of Women's Shoes
Japanese shoes from the world's most exciting market

Not a few famous fashion designers in other countries come to Japan regularly to see the street trend. They say Japan's street fashion is the most advanced in the world, and Japanese youngsters wear the most distinctive and unique fashion in the world.

Those designers are often surprised at a huge variety of products when they visit women's shoes departments. Japanese women's shoes, which support Japanese fashion's originality, have been increasing design variations to respond to diversity of coordinates.

In addition to elegantly designed shoes influenced by Europe, there are plenty of more functional-oriented sporty shoes too. Cute shoes are especially popular among tourists from Asian countries.

Since trends get old fast in Japanese market, new items come out one after another within a short span of time.

For surviving in a high-competitive market, Japanese shoe manufacturers are always conscious of customer's needs and producing such a wide variety of designs in a short period of time. That's why Japan-made shoes are carefully made and having practicality and functionality - they are adapted to humid weather and suited for Asian's foot.

Mass-production of cheap shoes does not work in Japan anymore. Instead, sophisticated skills and capability of detailed customer support are improving more. Craftsmen work with the spirit of "The world exists in Japan." They challenge new designs and improve their skills so as to make shoes which are eligible for people all around the world.

Mr. Osawa, the CEO of Shamior, expressed his hope by saying, "As Japanese food tastes best in Japan and Mexican food tastes best in Mexico, the best food in each country tastes good for people from other countries too. Shoes are also the same. As we cannot decide the best country for food, we cannot decide the best country for shoes. The important thing is an attitude aiming a higher level. Also, characteristic is necessary; like things that make Japanese food unique such as Sake and Sashimi. Even though a high-grade Japanese food expresses traditions and culture, it is still accepted and praised internationally. High-grade shoes also will be praised in the world. Now, Japanese shoe manufacturers started introducing materials using traditional Nishijin-brocade and a certified Japan Eco-leather released last year. By using these new materials, I hope to produce "Japan-taste" more from now on."

Mr. Shigemi Osawa
Chairman of SHAMIOR CO.,LTD.
All Japan Leather Shoe Industrial Federation

We offer products with quality and universality
ACE CORPORATION (Shoes)

As a planning & manufacturing company of women's shoes, "ACE CORPORATION" has four brands; "ACE" offers daily-use court shoes for adult, "Mig-Ra-I" offers casual walking shoes, "PRIFIX" offers high-end court shoes, and "Lulu du Mii", which will debut in this spring, offers trendy pretty court shoes for women in their 30's. These shoes are sold in major department stores in Japan, and also in ISETAN department store in Shanghai. The shoes of "ACE CORPORATION" receive high recognition by the clients for its well-balanced of functionality and shape. The secret is in a "last", a base of shoemaking. All the lasts of products of the company's own brands are made in-house. "ACE CORPORATION" gathers the best skills of designing and manufacturing to make beautiful silhouette, from the shaping of a last to the designing of cutting line.

A principle of the corporation is "always make unique and comfortable shoes and provide customers satisfaction"; it has not changed since "ACE CORPORATION" was launched. By keeping this attitude of concentrating on customer satisfaction for more than 50 years, "ACE CORPORATION" now became a leader of Japan's factory brand. With a new theme of speedup, "ACE CORPORATION" enhances its response capability to the customers and the market.

Company name: ACE CORPORATION
Address: 3-21-3 SHIMOISHIHARA, CHOFU, TOKYO, 182-0034, JAPAN
CEO: Yuji Kobayashi (Mr.)
Person in charge: Yuji Kobayashi (English & Chinese)
Tel: +81-42-484-0151
Fax: +81-42-486-8795
Email: kobayashi@acecorporation.co.jp
URL: http://www.acecorporation.co.jp

Under the theme of 'Comfort of shoes', we combine a tradition and technology in the manufacturing of fashionable, comfortable shoes
AKIO SHOES Co.,ltd. (Shoes)

AKIO SHOES was established in Adachi, Tokyo in 1945.

In an era where only business shoes were available, the founder, Yoshiaki Shinohara, came up with an idea of shoes that you can wear after playing golf. After repeating trial and error, he finally invented "Plat-cup method" which nicely wraps up your swollen feet after playing golf. This method made it possible to make a soft and light shoe without a hard innersole. He launched a brand "AKIO GOLF" with this.

AKIO SHOES attaches importance to "made-in-Japan" and has own factories in Tokyo and Akita. The company mainly manufactures men's shoes of own brands and OEM production. Most of them are made by "Plat-cup method", which is highly evaluated by the shoe industry.

The products are mainly sold at major department stores in Japan. "AKIO GOLF" is completely established as a men's shoes brand.

"AKIO GOLF" started exports to Taiwan in 1990, it opened the sales route to the local department stores. Then, the brand expanded to Hong Kong, and began sale in the local capital stores and brand shops. At any places, this brand is well-received in its softness, lightness and comfort.

In 2007, "AKIO GOLF" spread to South Korea and started sales as "GLOBAL GOLF" under a major chain shoe store. "Plat-cup method" is well-received there too.

"AKIO GOLF" and "GLOBAL GOLF" were successfully fit to Asian's foot, now the company continues its study for more comfortable and better fitting shoes, and hopes to provide such shoes to everyone in the world.

Company name: AKIO SHOES Co.,ltd.
Address: 3-1-17 SENJU-MIDORI-CHO, ADACHI-KU, TOKYO, 120-0044, JAPAN
CEO: AKIO SHINOHARA (Mr.)
Department in charge: OVERSEAS DEPARTMENT
Person in charge: KUNIO NAGAMURA (Mr.)
Tel: +81-3-3882-5001
Fax: +81-3-3879-2170
Email: info@akioshoes.co.jp
URL: http://www.akioshoes.co.jp

Sticking with MADE-IN-TOKYO, sending out MADE-IN-JAPAN to the world
HOJO PLANNING OFFICE CO. (Women's shoes)

Designs come from designers' sense of beauty and ingenuity, and craftsmen's techniques build up the design into the shape. We have kept focusing on sending these abilities to the world since we had set up the company in 2001.

For offering a wide range of shoes, we prepared specialized production lines for each design from high-heeled elegant shoes to mannish shoes.

HOJO PLANNING OFFICE adheres to MADE-IN-JAPAN and pursues a production of beautiful, safe and functional shoes with a reasonable price. In our OEM production, all staff commits the production from a planning process so that we are able to challenge higher level of designs and develop shoes with better function and safety.

Starting with MICAM SHOEVNT which is held in Milan, the company is now moving ahead a plan to participate in exhibitions held around the world. All of original items are manufactured in the company's own factories where young designers and experienced craftsmen work together. We hope to enhance the image of "MADE IN JAPAN" in the world markets.

Company name: HOJO PLANNING OFFICE CO.
Address: 2-3-3, 1F/2F, HANAKAWADO, TAITO-KU, TOKYO, 111-0033, JAPAN
CEO: YOSHIHISA HOJO (Mr.)
Tel: +81-3-3827-0971
FAX: +81-3-5827-0972
Email: h.p.o@crux.ocn.ne.jp
URL: http://www.marcelisa.com/
OFFICE IN ITALY: H.P.O ITALIA SRL
Tel: +39-2-6707-6739

Manufacturing of 100% Made-in-Japan women's shoes. With ISO9001, we handle high-quality, high-mix, small-lot, quick-delivery production
MEED Co.,ltd.

MEED is a women's shoe company founded in 1972 in Kobe, one of the major fashion city in Japan. It is a domestic production company and its main factory is equipped with whole system for a continuous production from cutting and assembly to quality inspection and shipment. The company obtained ISO9001 in 2004, and boosted up its capability to handle high-mix and small-lot production with quick-delivery to meet customer's need more than ever.

The company employs "Cemented Process" and has a capacity to produce 700 shoes per day. About 20% of the production is capable to provide to overseas markets.

Because a good sense of design is the core of a women's shoe-making, MEED launched a design company so as to confidently offer the shoes of Japan Fashion.

MEED is interested in expanding business of its original brand to China and other Asian countries. The company is now looking for distributing agents who build up connections with each country. MEED is also accepting new deals of OEM products.

Company name: MEED Co.,ltd.
Address: 2-1-20 HOSODA-CHO, NAGATA-KU, KOBE, 653-0835, JAPAN
CEO: YOSHISUKE JINNO (Mr.)
Person in charge: YOSHISUKE JINNO (Mr.)
Tel: +81-78-612-5001
Fax: +81-78-612-5384
Email: jinno@meed.co.jp
URL: http://www.meed.co.jp

We, as a progressing long-established shoe company, present a new 'KUTSU' culture
REGAL CORPORATION (Shoes)

Established in 1902, REGAL CORPORATION is a shoe company having a history of more than 100 years.

The company always aims for a customer-oriented company with customer value creation strategy. It carries out thorough quality control to give safety, security and satisfaction to customers. Also it ensures compliance to become a reliable company.

These attitudes are supported by customers, REGAL CORPORATION now runs 143 own stores across the nation, and sells at major department stores and famous shoe specialty stores. The company won the bestseller award in the shoe category six years in a row at "Department store, men's buyer's award" held by "Senken Shinbun", a fashion newspaper company.

The company used to make military shoes, then, in the 60's, the manufacturing skill integrated with a fashion field. Now it grew to establish the brand "REGAL" which more than 80% of Japanese adult recognize.

REGAL CORPORATION accepts shoe repair based on rare "Goodyear Welt Process" and "Mckay Process", "Stitchdown Process" as well. This is also one of the stances of the company that tries to offer products that last long.

Longwearing and sustainable, the company keeps offering such environment-friendly "KUTSU (shoes)" to not only Japan but to the world.

Company name: REGAL CORPORATION
Address: 2 SENJU-HASHIDO-CHO, ADACHI-KU, TOKYO, 120-8553, JAPAN
CEO: KOJIRO IWASAKI (Mr.) *Mr. Iwasaki assumes a post from April 1st 2010.
Department in charge: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Dept.
Person in charge: KAZUO YOSHIDA (Mr.)
Tel: +81-3-3888-6710
Fax: +81-3-3888-6656
Email: regal-kokusai@e-regal.co.jp
URL: http://www.regal.co.jp

Under the keywords of 'Creation', 'Business' and 'Quality assurance', SHAMIOR aims for the global market by product differentiation and international division of labor
SHAMIOR Co.,ltd.

Based on free imagination, curiosity and positive attitude, we generate the power to develop new products and add value on them with excellent designs adapting trends. SHAMIOR is working on to become a world-class company of women's shoe manufacturer from casual use to formal use.

As globalization is progressing, companies are required to have diverseness, capability of new material and technology development, and a global vision to meet demands from wider range of customers. To fit promptly and flexibly to this social trend, SHAMIOR tries to develop a well-balanced business activity and a contribution for improvement of cultural level.

SHAMIOR, as a manufacturing company, aims to establish competitiveness both domestically and internationally with high value-added products under the keywords of "creation by our own", "business by our own" and "assurance quality by our own".

A countermeasure to the accelerating globalization is not the only thing in our mind, we consider it as a chance to build up cooperation with EU countries, Mexico, China and other Asian countries about each part of planning, manufacturing and distributing. We derive a benefit of international division of labor in advance by providing the world's unique products in Japan. At the same time, we work on differentiation of Japanese brand, SHAMIOR, in a domestic market, and try to dynamically progress to gain international competitiveness of Japanese products by producing them in overseas productions.

Company name: SHAMIOR Co.,ltd.
Address: 1-19-6 HIGASHI-ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU, TOKYO, 111-0025, JAPAN
CEO: SHIGEMI OSAWA (Mr.)
Department in charge: TRADING DIVISION
Person in charge: HIROFUMI SEKIKAWA (Mr.)
Tel: +81-3-3874-9602
Fax: +81-3-3876-0066
Email: Shamior1@mva biglobe.ne.jp
URL: http://www.shamior.co.jp

Want to pursue the beauty of shoes rather than the trend
SHINKO SHOES MANUFACTURING Co.,ltd. (Women's shoes)

A new trend appears like every day in the women's shoe world. The change cycle is accelerated recently more and more. What can manufacturers do to respond to this situation? Our answer is power, speed, and flexibility.

For catching a sign of a new trend, and providing quality products to the market, power and speed of manufacturing are important for companies. Meeting the demand of a small-lot and high-mixed production brings good results.

SHINKO SHOES MANUFACTURING is always eyeing the future and actively conducts improvement of equipment and environment.

Since our factories are equipped with an upper leather cutting and sewing system with a daily capacity of 1500 shoes, we are able to provide steady output according to a production plan. Ten lines of this upper leather processing system respond to the diverse requests of our clients. Also, our three process lines of "toe-lasting", "sole & press" and "finishing" - the daily production altogether is 2500 shoes - make it possible to respond to small-lot production quickly.

SHINKO SHOES MANUFACTURING introduced CAD-CAM production control system earlier than other companies. A systematic production planning helps a quick delivery service.

The company has also a production line for handmade type of products. In this line, machine production and manual production are combined to create higher quality.

Our original brand, "Kululu", is pursuing the true beauty of ladies shoes. Please see our technology and a sense of beauty of aiming for the world market.

Company name: SHINKO SHOES MANUFACTURING Co.,ltd.
Address: 4-58-3 SUMIDA, SUMIDA-KU, TOKYO, 131-0031, JAPAN
CEO: HIROSI OHNO (Mr.)
Department in charge: BUSINESS PROMOTION DEPARTMENT
Person in charge: TAKESHI OHNO (Mr.)
Tel: +81-3-3618-4192
FAX: +81-3-3618-4059
Email: t-ohno@shinko-group.com