Takumi: The Height of Craft

Episode 3: Choboya

07.15.2025

Choboya is a craftsman’s workshop located on Hanamikoji Street in Gion, Higashiyama, Kyoto. Since 1954, it has been making traditional Japanese footwear such as Geta, Zori, and Okobo. In this episode, we introduce a dialogue between Koichi Sakurai, the 3rd-generation owner of Choboya, and Shigeki Tsukahara, General Manager of the Corporate R&D Division at Kyocera Document Solutions. They discuss the masterful techniques involved in both traditional Japanese footwear making and printing technology.

Koichi Sakurai

Choboya
3rd-Generation Owner

As the third-generation owner of Choboya, a workshop that has been making Geta, Zori, and Okobo since 1954, Koichi Sakurai carefully crafts each pair to ensure comfort for every customer. He is dedicated to passing down the tradition of Japanese footwear to future generations, preserving time-honored techniques while also innovating to create styles that fit modern life.

Shigeki Tsukahara

KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
General Manager Corporate R & D Division

Tsukahara is a General Manager who leads a team of over 100 engineers in developing printers and multifunctional devices. He is dedicated to designing high-quality, long-lasting products that minimize environmental impact and can be used by customers for many years, contributing to a sustainable future.

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Takumi: The Height of Craft