
KOTOKA
NaraSince 2020
Turning the beauty of a single piece of leather, just as it is, into shoes
Although Nara is one of Japan's leading leather shoe production areas, few people know it. So in 2020, 7 leather shoe makers of the Nara Shoe Industry Cooperative joined forces to launch a new brand, “KOTOKA.” Rethinking from scratch what a distinctly Japanese leather shoe from Nara should be, KOTOKA aims to make shoes that reflect Japanese sensibilities, like Japanese cuisine that brings out the best in its ingredients, or Japanese architecture that finds beauty in simplicity. Carefully selecting high-quality Japanese leathers full of character, the brand pursues a unique comfort in which a single piece of leather gently wraps the foot.


Designs Built on Single-Piece Leather That Make the Most of the Material
Commitment 1
We carefully select high-quality Japanese leathers with distinctive character and keep seams and linings to a minimum. Our signature single-piece leather series makes the most of the leather's expression as it flows from toe to heel, with simple, unadorned designs that let you enjoy the beauty of the material. While each style, from lace-ups to monk straps, has its own look, they all share a clean, uncluttered presence that showcases the material. Bold forms stripped of ornamentation quietly bring out the natural texture of the leather.

Natural Comfort, Supported by Dedicated Lasts and Reliable Construction
Commitment 2
Comfort depends greatly on how the last and the foot match up. We use dedicated lasts developed to fit men's and women's feet respectively. Some models also use oblique-type lasts that leave extra room around the toes, for a fit that never feels forced. Some models use stitch-down construction to attach the sole, combining good looks with durability. The soft, enveloping feel of single-piece leather, combined with careful last-making and construction, creates a natural, comfortable fit.

The Rich, Natural Character of Leather, Brought Out by Carefully Selected Japanese Hides
Commitment 3
We carefully select and use leathers full of character from across Japan, including Tochigi leather and Tatsuno leather. Each hide of natural leather differs in stretch, luster, texture, and color, so no two are ever alike. Our artisans assess the characteristics of each hide one by one as they cut the patterns, crafting the shoes to bring out the full appeal of each material. Another great attraction is that you can enjoy the rich, natural character of leather for years, from color and luster that deepen the more you wear them to a texture that grows ever more familiar to the touch.
ItemsItems
AccessWorkshop & Flagship Store
- Address
- Online store only
- Official website
- kotoka-store.jp ↗
Hours: Web: 24 hours; Phone: weekdays 11:00–17:00 (0743-54-4112)
