Becoming a Shoe Designer

After working at the design studio for a few years, I made a decision to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

Over time, I realized that I didn’t just want to do something ordinary.
I wanted to focus on something I truly loved.

That was shoes.

I wanted to become a shoe designer.

At the time in Japan, the footwear industry was quite separate from fashion, and it wasn’t easy to enter.

Still, I was determined.
I searched through countless job listings until I found a design position at a company I truly wanted to join.

I went through several interviews, continuing to express how much I wanted to work there—
and eventually, I was hired.

I still remember how happy I felt.
It was the moment I promised myself that I would never give up, no matter what kind of work it was.

The company was located in the Asakusa area, where many footwear businesses are based.
I commuted from my family home, which took about one and a half to two hours each way.

It wasn’t easy, but I was simply grateful to be there.

I started from the basics, drawing shoe designs every day.

And once again, I met someone who would deeply influence me.

An experienced designer and craftsman,
who had worked with major shoe companies, took the time to teach me every week.

Through his guidance, I learned everything from the fundamentals.

A few years later, he said to me,
“You might be able to make a living through drawing.”

That moment has stayed with me ever since.