A prestigious brand born in America and raised in Japan, which built Japan's leather shoe culture.
1961 | TOKYO, JAPAN

In the Japanese business scene, when it comes to leather shoes that adorn one's feet, there is a brand that many people would immediately think of. That brand is REGAL. Honest and robust. A symbol of reliability that is as natural as the air we breathe. However, those who consider themselves fashion enthusiasts may know that its roots are far away in America. This is the story of REGAL, which has built Japan's shoe culture itself, spanning more than a century.

Regal's history began in 1880 in a shoe factory in Massachusetts, USA. The name "REGAL" means "king," and true to its name, the passion to deliver the highest quality shoes to people all over the world was the starting point for everything. Regal was one of the first to adopt the robust Goodyear welt construction method, achieving comfort that molds to the wearer's feet the more they are worn, and durability that allows them to be cherished for a long time with repeated repairs. Regal shoes embody the American spirit of valuing practicality and quality, and quickly spread throughout the United States.

A major turning point came in 1961. Nippon Seika Co., Ltd. (now Regal Corporation) of Japan entered into a technical partnership with Brown Shoe Company of the United States, which owned the Regal brand, and began producing and selling Regal shoes in Japan. At that time in Japan, genuine Goodyear welted leather shoes were still rare. The impact that Regal had on Japan was not merely the arrival of one brand. It was an event that raised the quality standards of Japanese leather shoes from the ground up and created a new culture. Initially, the shoe lasts were made for Americans, but they were repeatedly improved to fit Japanese feet, and Regal steadily built trust through honest craftsmanship.

When discussing Regal, it's essential to mention the numerous masterpieces that spearheaded the Ivy League look boom of the 1960s. These include the "Saddle Shoes," characterized by their design resembling a horse saddle on the instep, and the flamboyant "Wingtip" with its W-shaped toe decoration. Furthermore, "VAN REGAL," born from a partnership with VAN, the brand that popularized American traditional style in Japan, captivated the hearts of young people at the time, solidifying its position as a fashion item. Absolute reliability in the business world and universal appeal in the fashion world—these two facets eloquently speak to what Regal truly represents.

In 1990, Regal finally acquired the trademark rights from Brown, becoming a truly Japanese brand. However, the spirit embodied in its shoemaking remains the same robust and practical spirit born in America, where it was founded. Even today, the company repairs 100,000 pairs of shoes annually, a testament to its philosophy of wanting customers to wear their shoes for a long time. While adapting to changing times, its philosophy remains unwavering. Even in today's rapidly changing fashion world, many men choose Regal shoes for important occasions because they understand their timeless value. Somewhere in Japan today, Regal continues to support honest steps forward. And it will undoubtedly continue to mark the footsteps of the times, unchanged, for years to come.