2024.09.28

Hudson Shoe Store: The spirit of a craftsman who takes on shoes that have been refused for repair at other stores

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One day, my cherished leather shoes, which I had worn for many years, broke. After consulting with the shoe store where I bought them and the shoe repair shop at the station, I was told, "It can't be repaired." Buying a new pair would be easy, but I couldn't bring myself to throw away these shoes, as they held countless memories of joy and hardship.

"If possible, I want to repair them and wear them again." If you have such shoes in your possession, head to the Hudson Shoe Store located in a quiet shopping district near Yokohama. The friendly and skilled artisans will be more than happy to discuss your needs.

PROFILE

Rui Murakami

Owner of Hudson Shoe Store. Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1982. Initially studied materials engineering for making F1 and rocket parts at university, but became captivated by the image of a craftsman making custom shoes on television, leading to enrollment in a shoe-making vocational school in Tokyo. Later apprenticed under Masatoshi Sato at Hudson Shoe Store, honing shoe-making skills. After Sato's sudden passing, he took over the store and launched the shoe repair business.

Inheriting the Handmade Shoe Store Opened by a Legendary Craftsman

What type of store was Hudson Shoe Store originally?

The store was opened by shoemaker Masatoshi Sato in 1961. Sato was said to be the last handmade shoemaker in Yokohama, creating shoes for many famous individuals, including former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and actor Yujiro Ishihara. I was able to apprentice there through an introduction by one of my teachers while I was attending the shoe-making vocational school in Tokyo.