LEARN ABOUT “HISHIYA”

Ichiei Hirota, the grandfather of current successor, once served as an apprentice in Hishoya located in Osaka's Karahimachi after coming from Fukui. Hishiya was a drapery store that specialized in thick fabrics. In 1926 (Taisho 15), he was appointed to head a new initiative in the small goods sector, marking a form of business expansion, often referred to in Japan as "noren-wake" (splitting the shop curtain). After establishing this independent branch, under Ichiei Hirota's leadership, the business seemed to focus solely on geta sandal thongs (himo). By 1972 (Showa 47), the mantle was passed to the next generation, Yoshihide Hirota. Yoshihide expanded the business beyond just geta thongs. He ventured into crafting the base of traditional sandals (zori) and designing Japanese-style bags with metal clasps. His innovative spirit also led him to develop new materials, notably the zebra pattern, which became synonymous with Calen Blosso, and Hishiya's premium material called "Yoroi-ori." Entering the business in 1998 (Heisei 8) was Hiroyuki Hirota. He introduced the brand Calen Blosso, diversifying the product line with bags tailored for both Western and traditional Japanese attire. A noteworthy innovation was the introduction of the Cafe Zori series, where EVA material was utilized as an alternative to the traditional cork core in the construction of zori sandals.

Kazue Hirota, the grandfather of current successor, once served as an apprentice in Hishoya locate din Osaka's Karahimachi after coming from Fukui. Hishiya was a drapery store that specialized in thick fabrics. In 1926 (Taisho 15), he was appointed to head a new initiative in the small goods sector, marking a form of business expansion, often referred to in Japan as "noren-wake" (splitting the shop curtain). After establishing this independent branch, under Ichiei Hirota's leadership, the business seemed to focus solely on geta sandal thongs (himo).
By 1972 (Showa 47), the mantle was passed to the next generation, Yoshihide Hirota. Yoshihide expanded the business beyond just geta thongs. He ventured into crafting the base of traditional sandals (zori) and designing Japanese-style bags with metal clasps. His innovative spirit also led him to develop new materials, notably the zebra pattern, which became synonymous with Calen Blosso, and Hishiya's premium material called "Yoroi-ori."
Entering the business in 1998 (Heisei 8) was Hiroyuki Hirota. He introduced the brand Calen Blosso, diversifying the product line with bags tailored for both Western and traditional Japanese attire. A noteworthy innovation was the introduction of the Cafe Zori series, where EVA material was utilized as an alternative to the traditional cork core in the construction of zori sandals.

Hishiya History

1926	Founded in Nishinin-machi, Minami-ku, Osaka (now Chuo-ku, Tanimachi).
1951	The Hosomisanami Futatsuishinose Himo (a type of thong for geta sandals) awarded Technical Award at the All Japan Excellent Goods Exhibition.
1972	Business passed from the founder, Ichiei Hirota, to the second generation, Yoshihide Hirota.
1996	The zebra pattern (Komabasai series) was registered as a design.
1998	Calen Blosso was registered as a trademark.

Hishoya Calen Blosso History

1999	Hishoya Calen Blosso Tanimachi Main Store opens
2001	Introduced Hanao Sandals at Tokyo International Fashion Fair and Premiere Classe (Paris)
2005	Exhibited at THE TRAIN (New York)
2006	Unveiled ZETTA at Isetan Men's Building
2007	Tokyo Midtown Store opens
2008	In charge of sandals for Homdaya Genbei × United Arrows "Genealogy of Eccentrics"
2009	Launched Cafe Zori at Isetan Main Store and Mitsukoshi Main Store
2013	Fashion show at Kimono Salone, unveiling yukata, with model production by Simon Taylor (TOMATO)
2014	Launched "Uma Kuiru Mon" series
2016	Introduced "Rinpa Silver" series, based on the original idea by foil art craftsman Hiroto Rakusho
2019	Produced Steve Alan model
2020	Tanimachi Main Store relocation and renewal
2022	Opened store at COREDO Muromachi Terrace (Nihonbashi) and launched the Shochiku-authorized Kabuki pattern series
2023	Armor weave adopted for the strap of the Grand Seiko 110th Anniversary Limited Model; participated in the Hatsune Workshop project and produced "Hatsune Wearing." Revealed at Hatsune Miku x Isetan

Closed Directly Managed Stores (Listed by opening year, ※ indicates locations where our staff were permanently stationed)

2001	Jiyugaoka (Main Entrance) Store ※ Daimaru (Kyoto Store & Umeda Store Bag Section)
2002	Aobadai Tokyu Square Store Keihan Kyobashi Store ※ Hakata Daimaru Store
2003	Daikanyama Store ※ Daimaru Sapporo Store Shinjuku Mitsukoshi Store Moved to Jiyugaoka Store South Entrance Zebra Cafe
2004	Marui Kita-Senju Store
2005	Lachic Nagoya Store
2006	Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Store Kyoto Yanagikoji Store
2007	Cafe Blosso Jiyugaoka ecute Tachikawa Store
2010	Lacue Shijo Karasuma Store
2013	Grand Front Osaka Store

HANAO

From the early days of Hishiya, Hishiya's geta sandal thongs (himo) have been focused on providing good fit and comfort for the foot. We are relentless in our pursuit of improving manufacturing techniques for comfortable himo and researching core materials. Moreover, we place significant emphasis on the design and material development of the himo. We were industry pioneers in introducing designs of thick himo, developing ornate himo with intricate embroidery, techniques for gold leaf processing on genuine leather, and developing "Yoroi-ori" specifically for himo. Hishiya's core business is "himo" (geta sandal thongs).

EVA-style Geta Base (Sandals)

My encounter with EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer) was entirely by chance. When I joined Hishiya, there was a golf tournament where the second and third generations of those in the shoe, bag, and leather material industries would gather. I was invited to participate. During the event, I met a shoe sole manufacturer from Kobe. As I was unfamiliar with their line of work, we started talking and I was introduced to EVA as a material for shoe soles. From there, the conversation turned to the possibility of using it as a substitute for the cork core, which was the mainstream material for geta sandals at the time. Within a week, a sample was delivered to me. EVA material had obvious benefits over the cork core: it was more elastic, and the rubber base (the part touching the ground) was less slippery than the traditional leather soles of geta sandals. What stood out even more was its "rounded" design. While the cork core sandals had a linear design, the EVA material base underwent a process where the sides of the sandals were carved out and adjusted, giving it a unique, slight curve. Additionally, the laminated, wood-grain texture of the material exuded a sense of luxury. Thus, what we believe to be the very first, Japanese EVA geta base was created. Now, there are various similar products in the market. If they had just approached us, we could have offered technical assistance or collaborated. However, having someone produce these without consent or approval is certainly not a pleasant feeling.

Product and Material Development is a Collaboration (Seeking Partnerships)

The "Kabuto Weave," "Genuine Leather Sarasa Gold Leaf Processing," and products like "Café Sandals" and "Lacquered Horse Patterns" developed by the previous generation are all a result of collaborations with our partners. These weren't products we developed on our own. We realized these product designs through the collaboration with master weavers, dyeing artisans, strap craftsmen, and lacquer workers. While we initiate the direction of what kind of product we want to create, when we come into contact with the expertise of the artisans, the outcome can be different from our initial vision. But that’s the true charm of product creation.
Moving forward, we are excited about the unknown techniques, meeting with new craftsmen and designers. We'll navigate through these encounters with enthusiasm, continuing the Calen Blosso-style of creating products that merge Western and Japanese aesthetics.

CEO and President Hiroshi Hirotsugu

Born in 1967 in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. Graduated from Kwansei Gakuin University. After working at KEYENCE Corporation and an editing production company, he joined Hishiya Co., Ltd. in 1998. He has been overseeing the Calen Blosso brand since 2001.

Company Name	Hishiya Co., Ltd.
Location	6-18-5 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Phone Number	06-6762-7321
FAX	06-6765-4308
Founded	February in Taisho 15 (1926)
Established	February in Showa 25 (1950)
Brands	CaLen Brosso Calenblosso & HirotoRakusho Umakui Ku Mon (Fortunate Crest) Directly Operated Stores
直営店舗	Hishiya CaLen Brosso Tanimachi Main Store Hishiya CaLen Brosso Tokyo Midtown Store Hishiya CaLen Brosso Nihonbashi Store Online Shop Amazon Store &mall Store