Endoji Shopping Street in Nagoya Town, a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Nagoya, is a historic area that is said to be one of the oldest shopping streets in Nagoya. On this quiet street corner, there is a place that warmly welcomes all visitors. Antico Ciabattino is a specialty store for custom-made shoes and shoe repairs.

This shop is beloved as a place where people can interact and feel connected through shoemaking and repair. From the large windows, you can see shoemaker Hiroshi Asaoka intently working on his shoes. When you open the door, you'll be greeted by the smell of leather and the warm expression of the owner, Mr. Asaoka. This shop is filled with the owner's desire to create a place where people can cherish life and feel connected to each other through shoes.

The beginning of Antico Ciabattino

The story of the beginning of Antico Ciabattino dates back to the days of the owner Asaoka's office worker. Asaoka was originally troubled by the fact that ready-made shoes did not fit his feet. He found a shoe school and decided to pursue a career as a leather shoemaker. After graduating from school, he opened "Antico Ciabattino", a shop that handles everything from shoe manufacturing to repair, with the concept of a "shoemaker's shoe repair shop". The name of the shop, which was thought up by an Italian friend, means "old shoemaker" or "shoe repairman" in Italian.

A place where people interact

For Asaoka, making shoes is not just a job. He says that he feels great joy in being involved in every step of the process until a pair of shoes is completed, and finishing the process with his own hands right up to the moment when the shoes are finally handed over to the customer. He spoke with a happy look on his face about the deep sense of accomplishment he feels while breathing a sigh of relief when he sees the satisfied faces of his customers. Custom-made shoes are also appreciated as a lifelong gift, and he continues to have long-lasting relationships with his customers through repairs and other services.

Asaoka says that the reason he started the handmade shoe classes, which he has been holding since the company's founding, was to create a place where people could connect with each other through shoemaking. The handmade shoe classes are also popular as a place for participants to interact with each other. As participants learn about the characteristics and uses of leather and create their own unique pair of shoes, the bonds between people naturally deepen. Some veterans have been attending for over 10 years, and making shoes for family and friends is part of their daily routine.

In addition to repairing shoes and making custom-made shoes, Antico Ciabattino also holds workshops that make effective use of the leather that is left over from the manufacturing process. Since Endoji Shopping Street has been featured in the media, the number of visitors from overseas has increased, and it is crowded with tourists on weekends.

One of the most popular workshops is the "accordion pouch." You choose your favorite material from pre-cut parts and assemble them using metal fittings.

You can also engrave your own original patterns into the leather and in a short amount of time you will learn the basics of the various processes.

Thoughts about the local area and "Nagoya Geta"

As part of the efforts to revitalize the region, the Nagoya Setta sandals have been launched. They are made from Oshu textile fabric from Ichinomiya and are individually handmade in a workshop in Nagoya. The combination of shoemaking and geta craftsmanship gives the sandals a special feel with their colorful original straps. Suitable for both traditional Japanese clothing and everyday use, these footwear have been receiving a steady stream of orders from all over the country and have been loved by many people since they went on sale in 2018. "Through this Nagoya Set, we would like to focus on spreading the traditions and culture of the region," said Asaoka.

During the weekdays, local office workers drop in leisurely and, while getting their shoes polished, chat with the owner, Mr. Asaoka, about trivial matters and advice on shoe problems. Such is the warm daily life at Antico Ciabattino. Mr. Asaoka values his connections with the local people, along with providing detailed advice.

In a corner of Nagoya Town, there is a place where people can come together and develop warm bonds through shoes.

---

Store name: Antico Ciabattino, a specialty store for custom-made shoes and shoe repairs

Address: Harmonica House, Room 1C, 1-21-21 Nagono, Nishi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042

Access: 15 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antico_ciabattino/

HP: https://anticociabattino.com/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.