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Wataru Shimamoto, the masterful Japanese shoemaker behind the brand Orma Shoemaker, is an inspiring figure in the world of bespoke footwear. With a background at Il Micio in Italy, he’s now back in Japan since some years carving out a niche for himself in the competitive landscape of shoemaking, culminating in his victory at the World Championships of Shoemaking in 2022.
This beautiful chelsea boot by the previous world champion of shoemaking, Wataru Shimamoto of Orma Shoemaker, is made in a very special Japanese leather called Shironameshi, made with an over 1,000 years old tanning technique, that use only salt and rapeseed oil.
This week the top three shoes in the World Championships of Shoemaking 2022 are on display at the department store Isetan Men’s in Tokyo, and to kick it off there was a talk session with media and selected customers with myself and the three shoemakers who presented both their contest shoes and showcased some of their other work. Here’s some photos from the happening, with focus on the shoes present.
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Since it will take a while before I’m finished with the huge posts covering all the 30 contestant shoes of the shoemaking world champs, I always do a quick picture special showcasing the top three, to let folks mind at ease a bit. See the amazing craftsmanship of Wataru Shimamoto (1st), Ken Kataoka (2nd), and Kenjiro Kawashima (3rd).
