Tokyo Kimono Shoes

Tokyo Kimono Shoes was established in May 2022 with a mission to give discarded kimonos a beautiful new purpose as wearable footwear. Japan produces an estimated 500,000 tons of unused kimonos annually — silk garments that are stored away after special occasions and often never worn again, or eventually disposed of despite their extraordinary craftsmanship and value. Tokyo Kimono Shoes purchases these abandoned kimonos and obi sashes from across Japan, then works with Axt Inc., an Asakusa shoe atelier with over 70 years of experience crafting handmade footwear, to transform the silk fabric into unique, wearable art. Every single component of a Tokyo Kimono Shoes product is made in Japan: the silk kimono fabric, the genuine Japanese leather, the soles, and even the laces all carry domestic provenance. Because each shoe is cut from a different section of a different kimono, no two pairs are identical — the pattern, coloring, and textile story belong exclusively to one customer. The store in Hanakawado, Asakusa, allows customers to browse and try on ready-made sneakers as well as commission custom-made shoes and heels to their specifications, a process that typically takes approximately two months. The brand has rapidly built an international following, attracting visitors from around the world who seek a genuinely unique, handcrafted souvenir that carries cultural significance and supports sustainable upcycling. Bags and accessories made from recycled kimono are also available. Tokyo Kimono Shoes is one of the most compelling examples of Tokyo’s vibrant upcycling fashion scene.