Mr. Okuyama bespoke shoes.

[claymoor]

My last interview is with Mr. Okuyama. His story is very interesting both for shoelovers who appreciate quality and also for shoe apprentieces for whom his exemple could be truly inspiring.

http://claymoor.blogspot.ro/2012/07/mas ... o-try.html

[hectorm]

I find a bit surprising that most of Mr. Okuyama´s clients prefer rubber soles (because of the rain season) and no shoe laces (because of the tradition of removing the shoes when entering the house).
I would have expected the opposite when it comes to full bespoke shoes.

[claymoor]

Mr.Okuyama said some clientes prefere rubbers soles not most of them.

[Simon A]

Hong Kong is quite steep in many places, and in summer is frequently inundated after rain. For many men there a solid Goodyear welted shoe with a rubber sole gets them around with dry feet and fewer embarassing falls over the wet summer months. It might not be as pretty to look at as a leather soled shoe, but nobody looks good in a muddy wet suit, incurred as a result of slipping over on wet pavement.

It is great to see foreign artisans drawn to Hong Kong, competing with established local houses like Kow Hoo and Mayer, and settling there. Thanks for the interview link.

[hectorm]

Mr.Okuyama said some clientes prefere rubbers soles not most of them.

I stand corrected. Rubber soles were the preference of some, not most.
Thank you claymoor for divulging the interview.

[fishball]

Great interview!
Mr. Okuyama is a good friend of mine, and I learn a lot about shoemaking from him!

[lambert]

Thanks for posting the interview. I must say I am a bit sceptical about someone who quotes as shoemakers he admires Xavier Aubercy. I do not think Mr. Aubercy has ever pretended to be a shoemaker.