Based in Kurume, Fukuoka, where it operates its headquarters and factory, MOONSTAR supports the feet of countless people with its meticulously crafted Japanese-made shoes. With a history spanning over 150 years, this long-established shoe manufacturer continues to pursue comfort and create innovative technologies while honoring its traditions.
In 2022, the company launched a brand that uses the direct production method—one of only a few of its kind in Japan—called <SPxx (SP)〉. Production takes place at the Saga factory, which has long been responsible for MOONSTAR’s manufacturing, and one of the shoe’s key features is its innovative original midsole technology, “XLIQ.”, which provides excellent rebound and shock absorption that lasts for a long time.
In this post, we’re introducing our latest campaign, which spotlights innovators who are passionate about shoes and have been captivated by the gentle, enveloping comfort of these footwear pieces. Through interviews with three featured groups and a promotional video, we’ll explore the true appeal of . Be sure to check it out all the way to the end—it might just inspire your next shoe purchase. So, let’s dive right in.
PROFILE
Originally from Osaka Prefecture, he currently lives in Aichi Prefecture. After graduating from college, he traveled the world as a backpacker and eventually became an explorer in search of uncharted territories not found on maps. While the profession of explorer is still relatively rare in Japan, overseas it is highly valued as a vocation in which people risk their lives to discover new places. He continues to expand his horizons across the globe, always seeking out places yet to be discovered.
First up is Tsuyoshi Matsushita, an explorer who travels the world in search of uncharted territories. In his demanding work—constantly trekking through off-road terrain like unexplored caves and rivers, as well as unpaved paths—it’s crucial that impact is effectively dispersed across the entire sole of the foot. That’s exactly when shoes featuring the ”XLIQ.” midsole come in, providing both comfort and peace of mind.
I wear these all the time. What I love most about them is how lightweight they are. They’re so light that when I came back from the cave and thought, “Wait, am I wearing sandals?”—it turned out to be the ! I love that they’re easy to slip on yet durable and slip-resistant. They’re comfortable and easy to wear, so I don’t get tired easily. They’re so comfortable that I barely notice I’m wearing them, so I highly recommend them to nurses, cashiers, and anyone else who spends a lot of time on their feet. Takeshi Matsushita
PROFILE
A dancer and choreographer from Fukuoka. She has won numerous awards, including being named a “JAPAN DANCE DELIGHT FINALIST.” She began working as an instructor in her hometown of Mizumaki, Fukuoka Prefecture, at the age of 15, and currently runs “dance spot jABBKLAB” with her husband, ayumugugu. Her dance videos, posted every Friday on YouTube, have garnered significant attention. As a lead choreographer, she has worked on music videos such as Snow Man’s “Brother Beat” and Vaundy’s “Hana Uranai,” as well as numerous TV commercials and popular productions like the NHK morning drama “Tora ni Tsubasa” and the TV anime “Pretty Cure.” Based in her local community, she continues to share her work both domestically and internationally.
Instagram:@yurinasia
Next up is yurinasia, a dancer and choreographer. For dancers who express themselves with their entire bodies, shoes are an essential tool that greatly influences their performance. yurinasia says that even her toes are part of her expression, and her feet are supported by the high-tech design and stable outsole of the 〈SPxx〉.
I think we’ve all had shoes that make us think, “Oh, these aren’t right,” the moment we slip them on, but this was the first time I’ve ever felt such a perfect fit, just like with . It felt like my feet were rejoicing—it was incredibly comfortable. I don’t usually go for walks at all, but these actually made me want to go for a walk. Whether I’m walking or dancing, it’s a whole new sensation. yurinasia
PROFILE
Based in Osaka, this two-person artist duo is active both domestically and internationally. Specializing in live painting and mural creation, they have leveraged their experience and artistic sensibility to produce high-quality works. Together, hitch—who depicts specific motifs such as people and animals—and simo—who creates abstract works inspired by nature—paint a single, unified world. Through works that could never be created by a single artist, they bring art into everyday life and propose a lifestyle that enriches daily life alongside like-minded friends.
Instagram:@whole9_w9
Even for the wall art that hitch and simo of the artist unit "WHOLE9" specialize in, the working conditions can be quite demanding—involving long periods of standing and repeatedly climbing up and down ladders. That’s exactly why they find the lightweight, flexible, and slip-resistant shoes to be incredibly useful.
What I love most about these shoes is how they provide great support for my feet, so I don’t get tired easily. They keep my feet stable while I work, allowing me to focus on my painting. These shoes help me draw in a natural, relaxed way. I’m also looking forward to seeing how the leather ages over time. WHOLE9
SX 78C07PL ¥19,800
Photography courtesy of Kanden Facilities Headquarters
SX 78C09CT ¥26,400
Photography courtesy of Kanden Facilities Headquarters
As you can see, it’s clear that they’ve earned the trust of many people. Since we could only cover a small part of the story in this article, if you’d like to learn more about this campaign or , please visitOfficial SiteCheck it out from
MoonStar Customer Center Co.
Phone: 0800-800-1792
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weekdays)
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[【 Interview]
Takeshi Matsushita
yurinasia
WHOLE9
