The Craftsmanship Aspiration of the Innovative Brand "Tomo＆Co."

Launched in 2014, Tomo＆Co. became widely popular after key figure in men's fashion, Nick Wooster, was seen wearing their distinguished air sole shoes. The brand now collaborates with street brands and has solidified its status in the industry. We reached out to the brand's designer Tomotaka Onozaki to understand the concept and craftsmanship behind "Tomo＆Co."

Rebranding & Restart Based on a Son’s Question

Designer Tomotaka Onozaki founded "ARTYZ" in 2003 when he was 23 years old. As the brand approached its 10th anniversary, he decided to rename it to "Tomo＆Co." Entering the 11th year, Onozaki shared his emotions from that time:
 
"The days when brand designers can just be 'designers' are few. There are fabrics to select, pattern meetings, and various tasks that differ from my imagined 'designer role.' When playing with my son in the park, he asked, 'What do you do for work, Dad?' I couldn’t immediately answer 'clothes designer.'
 
"While finalizing the 11th-year plans, I felt uncertain about the next decade. Thus, I decided to focus on my strengths (hats, shirts, shoes) and rebranded in 2014. That’s how 'Tomo＆Co.' began."

The "& Co." in the brand name doesn’t signify "company" but represents Tomotaka Onozaki, his family, and friends. Though he laughs that he still doesn’t fully grasp the brand’s identity, he elaborates:
 
"I also design for Okinawa-based 'Aloha Blossom' specializing in Aloha shirts, so I’m honestly unsure of our exact specialization. Generally, we position ourselves as makers of shoes and shirts. Compared to managing 'ARTYZ,' I feel more streamlined now."

Crafting Midway Between Leather Shoes & Sneakers

Since the "ARTYZ" days, Tomo＆Co. has been renowned for its shoes. Onozaki attributes their realization to partnering with great factories but sheds light on their crafting concept and dedication.

"Previously, our designs often incorporated existing concepts, like leather shoes with air soles. Now, I aim to create a more relaxed design midway between leather shoes and sneakers. We emphasize a broader-width fitting for Japanese feet using an Asian fit wooden mold manufactured domestically."
 
The German trainer with air soles, a signature of "Tomo＆Co.," is indispensable. Onozaki discusses the inspiration behind this idea.

"I once heard that Europeans typically don’t wear American-born Nike sneakers, which stuck with me. Out of a playful curiosity, I wondered about adding air soles to German trainers from Europe. This playful thought led to their creation."
 
Nick Wooster, the international fashionista, posted these German trainers on Instagram after purchasing them in Japan, boosting their popularity both domestically and abroad, even leading to increased foreign offers.
 
Following this breakthrough, the brand leaned more towards leather shoes, reducing sneaker-type releases. However, the 2024 collection will include more sneaker types, and we asked about recommended items among them.

"From this season, we have launched a line featuring Kentaro Kabaya, the guest designer from 'bal'. The recommended model is the one designed by Kabaya, who achieved a color scheme I couldn't have. Since Kabaya belongs to a generation that has seen a lot of records and sneakers, I was reminded of Japan's unique sampling culture and design sense."