We want to choose products in which we can see the face of the producer as much as possible.
PROFILE
Born in Tokyo, he established "Brass shoe co.", a shoe repair and custom store in Setagaya-Daita in 2007, and repairs boots and other items himself. In 2012, he started his original brand "CLINCH" based on the knowledge he gained through his many years of shoe repair work.
Instagram: @minoru52
-Brass shoe co. opened in 2007. And you launched "Clinch" five years later in 2012. What made you decide to start your own brand?
Matsuura:Shoe production and repair are often perceived as being connected, but if production is a forward rotation starting from zero, repair is a reverse rotation taking a shoe apart. Since 2007, when we started "Brass Shoe Co." as a shoe repair store, we have always had the question, "Shoe repair has a dead end, but how do we go beyond that? The answer to this question was the question of how to go beyond the dead end. The answer to that question was our own brand, "Clinch.
-The Clinch has many fans not only in Japan but also overseas, doesn't it?
Matsuura:In fact, our brand's Instagram has 7:3 international followers. The same ratio actually delivers our products.
I hear it's hard to get them now.
Matsuura:Since the wooden pattern of the Clinch's shoes is designed with an emphasis on fitting, it is not possible to mass-produce them. The production method is hand-sawn welding, but it takes about an hour for one pair of shoes to be sewn by hand, whereas it would take less than a minute by machine. Therefore, we are currently taking orders at a reduced rate. The reason why we have reduced the number of days our store is open to about 10 days a month is because we want to have as much time as possible to concentrate on our work.
-Most recently, they were taking orders for "Jobber Boots" and received an unexpected number of orders.
Matsuura:We were very surprised that there was a need for the product from people in Japan. We had initially set a one-month order period, but when we started taking orders, we received three times as many orders as we had planned in two days. The response was so great that we had to stop taking orders immediately. We expect to wait about two years for the delivery of this order.
-It's amazing to wait for two years. What do you think has made the Clinch so well received?
Matsuura:I don't know about myself, but I think it is because there are no other parts that are the same as ours. Nowadays, the Goodyear-welted method is the correct method for mass production, but it is not the correct method for us. There are parts of the "clinch" that can only be done by hand. Therefore, I hope to open up a unique path by using machines as a supplement to manual work.
In addition, with the development of social networking services, I feel that even if I am doing something niche, I am reaching the right audience.
Matsuura-san, when you buy something, what criteria do you consider important?
Matsuura:I try to buy vintage and antique items, or items that remind me of people's faces.
-Why is that?
Matsuura:Actually, this is the same for both in my mind. For example, if I were to choose between a current product and a vintage one, I would be attracted to the latter. Because I believe that vintage products retain more of the passion and essence of the founder, which is the same as being able to see the face of the creator. That is the same as being able to see the face of the maker. That is why I choose products based on this axis.
-I see.
Matsuura:At [Clinch], we make products that can be worn for a long time while being repaired. We also communicate through SNS and other means so that people can learn about the creator's approach. I think this will help people become more attached to the products and support them.
-I'm sorry to change the subject, but please tell us how you first met "Link Original Makers".
Matsuura:At a fashion exhibition in Germany, "Link Original Makers" was also exhibiting at the same time as us. We came to know about the brand when we started talking with the owner, Mr. Nakamura.
-What was your impression of LINC Original Makers at that time?
Matsuura:I thought it was simply interesting. It was going down a unique path that no one else was following, and that seemed to lead to its uniqueness as a brand.
-Matsuura-san, I understand that you use a room diffuser. What was the deciding factor?
Matsuura:I am not familiar with fragrances and such, so to be honest, I am not particular about them.... If I had to choose a deciding factor, I would say that it is because it is a brand run by a friend of mine, Mr. Nakamura. As I mentioned earlier, it is a brand where I can see the face of the creator.
Mr. Nakamura also comes to the store to repair shoes. When he sees that a diffuser is missing, he goes out of his way to send it to us. I am very grateful (laughs).
- "No.930" has a clean citrus scent.
Matsuura:Yes, that's right. I sometimes smell strong odors of paints and other materials because of my work, so I don't really notice fragrances like this anymore. I like "No. 930" because it has a strong scent, but it is not too strong.
Matsuura-san uses a wall-mounted rack from Link Original Makers exclusively for room diffusers. The deep hue of the wood allows the room diffuser to blend in softly with the interior. It can be used in the living room, entryway, and various other places in the room.¥24,200 (*room diffuser sold separately)
I felt that the room diffuser package and the interior of the store seemed to match the atmosphere very well. How do you feel about it from your point of view?
Matsuura:The classic style of the restaurant is a good fit with the interior.
- Do you have a concept for the exterior and interior of your restaurant?
Matsuura:The exterior design was inspired by the "Union Hotel" in Santa Ynez Valley, California. For the interior, many of the lights are from the 1920s and 1930s, but I just added what I liked to what I originally had, and it ended up looking the way it does now.
-There are a lot of lights when you look at it that way.
Matsuura:I'm getting more and more. I don't want to add any more (laughs).
Room diffuser No.930 ¥7,920
This natural room diffuser uses plant-derived alcohol. When placed in the living room, entryway, or bedroom, the scent is diffused from the reed stick that has absorbed aroma oil, creating a space with the scent of your choice. With a wide range of seven different scents and retro packaging, it makes an ideal housewarming gift.
