Leather Shoes Born from Japanese Materials and Craftsmanship

At OAO, our products are crafted by combining carefully selected materials processed in Japan with the exceptional skills of Japanese workshops. Here, we share the story behind the creation of our leather shoes — distinguished by the unique texture and superior quality characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship.

LEATHER TANNING PROCESS

OAO’s leather is produced by a tannery based in Himeji, boasting over 100 years of history and recognized as one of Japan’s top leather makers. All raw materials come from by-products of cattle raised for meat. Each hide, with its own unique character, is carefully tanned, dyed, and finished by skilled artisans through more than 20 distinct processes to become leather.

The steer leather used for products such as the LES ARCS BOOTS is carefully selected for its high density, which provides both a beautiful silhouette and a comfortable fit that adapts to the wearer over time. Pursuing fine grain and an elegant, refined luster, the leather is meticulously tanned and finished by skilled craftsmen.

SHOE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

DAIKOKUCHO, OSAKA

Located in Osaka’s Daikokucho district, a historic center of Japan’s leather industry, OAO’s Japan-made models are developed and manufactured in a shoe factory that has carried on craftsmanship and expertise over three generations for more than half a century. At OAO, every step of the shoemaking process is completed domestically, without outsourcing any part of production overseas.

Every stage of production—from material processing, cutting, and stitching to sole attachment and finishing—requires intricate techniques and meticulous craftsmanship. Each pair of OAO shoes goes through over 200 individual steps, carefully connected by skilled artisans to achieve perfection. We continuously pursue the creation of shoes that are not only beautiful but also mold comfortably to the foot over time and can be cherished for years to come.