A Little Shop in Setagaya

In May, when the shop was closed and I was away on another continent, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most celebrated bootmaking workshops in the world. Off of the main street of a quiet neighborhood in the western suburbs of Tokyo, in a simple storehouse from the middle of the last century, I found Brass Shoe Co., makers of Clinch boots and shoes. 

Unsuspecting, isn't it? I knew that there would be nice boots inside. I knew that somewhere in the building were belt sanders, outsole stitchers, racks of lasts. What I was surprised by (though I guess I shouldn't have been) was the incredible hospitality of owner Minoru Matsuura. As I walked through the door I was greeted with a tastefully decorated rustic storefront that clearly divides its purpose between utility and beauty, much like the shoes on the shelves. 

After a few minutes of chatting with the helpful staff, I was introduced to Minoru-san, who was gracious enough to answer some questions and show me around the basement and second floor of the shop, where the boots are made.

It was inspiring. I had long hoped to one day have the kind of shop that Brass Shoe Co. is the prototype for: a craft-focused space with a small team making really excellent work, pushing boundaries and doing only what they really believe in. Now, I can add to that aspiration the warm, welcoming and helpful environment that anyone in the space has access to.

To be treated like a contemporary by one of the most decorated people in my field was amazing and something I won't forget.