[Nara] Kawahigashi Hakimono Shoten, the 4th-generation owner produces the modern "Tsukkake" sandal brand "HEP"

Nara Prefecture is a footwear production area. It has a long history, starting with sandals and clogs, sandals, leather shoes, and socks. There are many factories and manufacturers that manufacture various items related to footwear.

This time, we would like to introduce you to HEP, a new sandal brand developed by Kawahigashi Footwear Store, which has been manufacturing and selling footwear in Nara Prefecture for a long time. It is a sandal brand that has been attracting attention by updating the hep sandals, which have been loved by Japanese people for a long time, in a modern style.

What are hep sandals?

Hep sandals are a general term for sandals made of mule-type synthetic leather that are worn without a belt on the heel.

The word hep sandal comes from the famous actress Audrey Hepburn. It is said that Japanese people at the time saw her wearing sandals in the movie "Roman Holiday" and began to call mule-type sandals "Hep sandals".

HEP sandals have been popular in Japan for many years as neighborhood shoes that can be easily worn.

Established in 1952 History of Kawahigashi Footwear Store

Munetoki Kawahigashi is the 4th generation of Kawahigashi footwear store and is the producer of the sandal brand "HEP".

This time, we interviewed Mr. Kawahigashi.

– Please tell us about the history of Kawahigashi Footwear Store.

Mr. Kawahigashi: "Kawahigashi Footwear Store was founded in 1952. Originally, it started as a business to provide manufacturers with the materials necessary for making footwear, such as glue and fabric. They started selling their own products, and after the bubble economy burst, they expanded overseas, and apparently even outsourced their manufacturing overseas.”

For more than half a century, Kawahigashi Hakimono Shoten has been making a living from footwear. Mr. Kawahigashi says that behind this history was the hardships unique to manufacturing.

Conveying that Nara Prefecture is a footwear production area

– Mr. Kawahigashi, please tell us how you launched the brand “HEP”.

Mr. Kawahigashi: "Four years ago, I came back from Tokyo to return to Nara to help with the housework. When I went to visit factories in Nara Prefecture with my father, everyone at the factory called me A lot of people said, 'Well done to an industry that's going downhill.'"

The footwear industry in Nara Prefecture is by no means bright. Aging population, labor shortage, price competition, etc. There are various problems, and the current situation is that the industry as a whole is declining.

– How was “HEP” born in such a difficult situation?

Mr. Kawahigashi: "The footwear made in Nara itself is good, but I felt that we weren't able to communicate that it was a footwear production area. As a way to convey such things to the world, we launched a brand. I learned that there is a strategy called ”, and decided to create a brand specializing in hep sandals.”

There are many sandal brands in the world, but the only brand that specializes in hep sandals is "HEP".

– Why did you stick to “hep sandals”?

Mr. Kawahigashi: "There are two main reasons... One is that no one else has done it. There are brands specializing in fashion and outdoor brands, but we have launched a brand in a niche category called hep sandals. There was no other precedent.

Another reason is that I felt that the makers of footwear in Nara were working with their backs round. Of course, it's the same with physical things, but it seemed to me that you were working with a mental downside. I began to think that we could become such a brand that the creators would proudly show their families that they were making sandals called "HEP". ”

Behind the launch of the brand, there was a passion to support the local industry in Nara Prefecture.

Each person can feel free to go anywhere
so that you can take a step forward.

In 2020, the newly debuted sandal brand “HEP” from Kawahigashi Footwear Store.

Based on the concept of "new hep sandals", it was born with the hope that each person can easily take a step to any place.

Hep sandals, which have been loved for generations, will be updated in a modern style and connected to the future. I learned about the commitment of "HEP".

Mr. Kawahigashi: “I believe that it is meaningful to work with local people who have cultivated the footwear industry up to this day. For example, we are not working on incorporating the latest technology or using difficult decorations, because we will not be able to work together with the people of Nara.

Of course, I will pursue what I want. We sit down with the factory's creators over and over again, hold detailed meetings, and spend a lot of time producing samples. And we are going to put out products to the world. ”

Mr. Kawahigashi took on the challenge of launching a brand in order to blow a new wind into the footwear industry in his hometown of Nara Prefecture. He also showed us his strong commitment to design.

Mr. Kawahigashi: "I think hep sandals have a nostalgic form and color that makes you think, 'I've seen this in the past.' We are planning and designing while valuing how to update so that people who are using it will find it interesting.”

When I look at the HEP sandals, they all have stylish designs, but I also feel a sense of nostalgia. Sandals that can be worn quickly to your neighborhood or convenience store, and if they are nice, you will feel excited.

"HEP" is attractive because it can be matched with any style.

Not only can you use it as a pair of sandals for wearing around the neighborhood, but you can also incorporate it into your fashion to create a slightly loose feeling. Colors include black, brown, and khaki, while retaining the unfashionable look of traditional hep sandals.

The design can be worn by men and women of all ages, so it is also recommended as a gift.

Introducing the popular design of "HEP"

From here, we will pick up some sandals from "HEP" and introduce them.

DRV – Python

DRV-Python [Black x Navy] 11,000 yen (tax included)

Among the "HEP", the "DRV" model is particularly popular.

Based on sandals called driving sandals. About 20 to 30 years ago, taxi drivers all loved sandals of this shape. Good breathability and a 2-way strap that can be moved back and forth are attractive.

Another interesting feature is that the heel part is slightly slanted to make it easier to step on the pedals of the car. It is said that the "DRV" model was born because of the details of the driving sandals of the time.

The design with python pattern accents will make your feet look even more stylish. In the coming season, when you wear it barefoot, you can see your skin through the gaps and keep it cool. Even with socks ◎.

GNK Platform

GNK Platform [Brown] 9,460 yen (tax included)

"GNK Platform" model with sandals for casts as a source.

When choosing shoes, there are surprisingly many shoes that do not fit the instep. The good point about these sandals is that you can adjust the size of the instep with Velcro.

You can also adjust the size according to the thickness of the socks, so you don't have to worry about wearing thick socks even though they are perfect for bare feet. No matter what kind of socks you wear, you can enjoy a firm fit.

The design is also simple, so it will look cool when paired with fashionable clothes.

JMS

JMS [Khaki] ¥9,020 (tax included)

The "JMS" model features a form that looks like healthy sandals.

Among the ones we introduced, it is probably the one closest to the traditional "tsukkake". A silhouette that makes you feel nostalgic. The piping line is a very stylish and cute design.

The "JMS" model has a heel cup that wraps around the heel, giving it excellent stability. As an office sandal, it is a pair that I would like to recommend. Just wearing these sandals under your desk will make your feet and mind feel lighter!

I want to open a "HEP" shop in my hometown Nara

Finally, we asked Mr. Kawahigashi about his future prospects.

Mr. Kawahigashi: "I'd like to open a 'HEP' shop in the corner of the warehouse/factory where I am now. We want to make it a place where you can shop.”

Mr. Kawahigashi said that he would like to realize the vision of having a shop in his hometown next year at the earliest. I could see many people from all over Japan coming to Nara Prefecture in search of “HEP” sandals. I am looking forward to that day!

At HEP, they have a wide variety of sandals other than those introduced here. You can purchase it from the online shop, so please take a look!