Kutsukazari Inc. - Detachable Shoe Ornaments

Never give up
on the shoes
you love.

Status

🖋️

Our website is now live.

We are Kutsukazari Inc. — makers of shoe ornaments, just as our name suggests. The idea took shape in 2024, and we began moving in 2025. We'd like to share how we got here and what we hope to bring into the world. It's a bit of a story; we hope you'll stay with us.

Kutsukazari Inc. grew out of an organization called the Butler's Manor Executive Committee — formally registered as Kyuju Inc., a company that has been in motion for thirteen years. It serves approximately 42,000 patrons through two ventures: a dining establishment in Nagoya, and a mail-order service.

▲ Click to enlarge.

The Butler's Manor is a gathering of servants and craftspeople dedicated to ladies and gentlemen — who work without ever revealing their true names or faces. Many places in Japan welcome guests with "Welcome home." But we are told there is no other organization that spent nearly one hundred million yen acquiring and renovating a manor simply to make that greeting real.

▲ Click to enlarge.

We are not especially interested in our standing within any industry. What drives us is the simple act of delighting the people we serve — with genuine surprise. We paint the house, tend the garden, and develop new recipes. In the past, we have launched fireworks and prepared emergency kits for times of disaster.

From here, we'd like to tell you how we came to make shoe ornaments. Click or tap the button below. (It takes about five minutes to read through.)

▲クリックすると続きが表示されます。

It's a lie
that you can't be happy
unless you endure.

我慢せねば幸せになれないなんて、嘘だと思います。

We apologize for the lengthy introduction. We — the servants — had long wanted to prepare beautiful shoes for our ladies and gentlemen. In the course of fulfilling requests for sweets, cooking, flowers, cosmetics, and accessories, we heard more than once: "I can't find shoes that fit… and even when I can, they're not very pretty."

Shoes that are comfortable to wear, easy to walk in, light on the feet — and beautiful. Shoes that make the heart dance and the body feel alive. If we could offer something like that, surely it would bring joy.

We have heard the expression "fashion is endurance." The resolve to dress beautifully despite heat, weight, and pain — that is admirable, even noble. But the right to say such a thing belongs only to the one who chooses to endure. Not to those of us who serve.

It's a lie that you can't be happy unless you endure.

And so we began reaching out to companies that make beautiful shoes — Tokyo in the east, Fukuoka in the west, and across the sea to China and Vietnam — asking: "Would you be willing to make comfortable, pretty shoes for us?" No promising replies came back.

The problem was almost certainly volume. Shoe production generally assumes mass manufacturing — an order cannot be placed unless the minimum lot can be moved. We had half sensed this, but it was our first real wall.

The price is fair,
but it's by no means cheap.

正当な対価、しかし決して安価ではない。

So was custom-made the only option? We decided to try making shoes ourselves. One of our servants apprenticed at a shoemaking workshop, attending once or twice a week, learning from their teacher for around four months. At last, a pair of shoes fitted to someone's actual feet was complete. When we worked out the cost, it came to roughly ¥100,000 per pair.

Through this experience, we came to truly appreciate how high-quality — and yet how affordable — the shoes of the world really are.

¥100,000 for a handmade pair of shoes is a fair price. But it is by no means cheap. With clothing, sizes like S, M, and L — or 10cm increments for children — are generally enough. But shoes, as you know, are sized in centimeters and millimeters, and even then, many people struggle to find a pair that truly fits.

Those who have never struggled with shoes may not have noticed, but feet vary not only in length but in width — and more fundamentally, in shape.

This is speculation, but women's shoes in general may be slightly narrower than the average actual foot width. We have no statistics to back this up, but more than half the women we spoke to while developing Kutsukazari described themselves as "a little wider than average." A shoe that is easy to wear but lacks beauty of silhouette — elegance, prettiness — will not sell.

But a shoe that cannot be worn at all is even less useful.

Ready-to-wear shoes are designed to fit and sell to as many people as possible. Those who happen to fall within the majority range may find themselves with more options. Manufacturers work extraordinarily hard and produce remarkable products. Adding just one more width size means a new last — the prototype the shoe is built around — plus dozens more component variations, more complex process management, and greater inventory risk. It is anything but simple.

Even the cheapest shoe rests on that delicate balance. We came away from this experience with a deep respect for everyone who does this work.

The idea of "decorating"
comfortable shoes.

履きやすい靴を「飾る」という発想。

Mass-producing beautiful shoes was proving impossible; custom-made, too, was impractical. Just as our enthusiasm was beginning to fade, we came across shoes from a certain manufacturer — a company well known for its deep understanding of the human body. They had developed shoes that were easy to walk in and resistant to fatigue, with sizing that extended not only in length but in width. That alone was remarkable.

When we ordered a pair, we were left speechless by the quality.

The design was flawless — beautiful to look at, and above all, comfortable to wear. We have yet to find shoes with better value for money. That said, this line seems to prioritize practicality, with simple black pumps and heels at its center. Offering that range of widths, distributing it, and holding inventory for it requires serious capital and capability. The desire to add decoration and color to these shoes is understandable, but that would be asking too much. (We introduce this manufacturer later in the Q&A section.)

The fact that more people can find comfortable shoes to wear — that alone is something to be grateful for.

At that point, we recalled a principle: never confuse means and ends. When the goal is "to have people wearing beautiful shoes," making shoes is the means, not the end. What truly matters is that the ladies, gentlemen, and people of the world become richer and happier — and if another path can achieve that, then another path is fine. What if we attached ornaments to shoes already made by existing manufacturers and craftspeople?

That was the beginning of the Kutsukazari concept.

Let each shoe's comfort be a matter for the shoe itself; let each person choose what fits their own feet. And let us focus on making Kutsukazari — safely, efficiently, and beautifully. But even this was not so simple. A shoe is always in close contact with the body, so any ornament must cause no discomfort — and must never, under any circumstances, fall off. And it would need to work with a wide variety of shoes.

The challenges were many.

We will not
damage your shoes.

傷つけることは絶対にしない。

Our experience making shoes gave us an understanding of shoe structure and where stress is placed. Decoration would focus on the instep and the heel. But even with ribbons or flowers, nothing could fall off during walking. Our first attempt was with a metal plate shaped like a money clip — we actually ordered one from Amazon.

We also tried tie clips. But these could not follow the natural curve found on the heels of most shoes, and they inevitably sat proud of the interior, causing discomfort when worn. They also left scratches and dents in the surface of shoes made from genuine or synthetic leather.

Even if the result looked pretty, damaging the shoe would defeat the entire purpose.

No damage to the shoe. Minimal impact on comfort. Must never fall off. Must not break. And yet — lightweight, easy to work with, inexpensive. The answer we arrived at was a J- or U-shaped hook-like attachment formed from resin. Insertion alone felt insufficient, so we decided to supplement it with an extremely thin 0.7mm hook-and-loop tape, for which a certain manufacturer holds a patent.

By fixing flowers, ribbons, beads, and other ornamental pieces to this attachment, decoration can be added to both the instep and the heel. And by using soft resin or slightly firm rubber rather than metal, the design can be applied to a wide range of shoes, boots, sandals, and more.

The challenge we had set from the beginning — minimal effect on shoe fit — was effectively solved.

That is how we arrived at Kutsukazari. But after reaching this point, we paused for nearly a year.

Quality is
not optional.

安かろう悪かろうではだめですから。

We had verified the idea of shoe ornaments through attachment with several prototypes. But we did not immediately move to promotion or sales. The reason: the attachment's simplicity — being made of resin and metal — meant anyone could replicate it. A 3D printer would work, and someone with the know-how could reproduce it using materials from a hardware store.

Our wish is for more people to be happy and to live well — but what would happen to the market if the Kutsukazari idea were copied? Perhaps we were overthinking, but we could not shake the concern that low-quality imitations might be mass-produced and distributed cheaply.

In a world where no culture of "shoe decoration" yet exists, we wanted people to discover Kutsukazari for the first time — not to be disappointed by something fragile and easily lost. And so we consulted lawyers and patent attorneys, and filed two design registrations with the Japan Patent Office. "Design" here refers to the visual and structural form of the product.

More than six months after filing, one of the two was approved. The other was rejected on the grounds that it resembled a past utility model — but after we carefully explained the differences, the registration was approved. We then applied a procedure called "secret design" to one of the registrations, keeping its contents confidential for three years.

△特許庁に登録した２つの意匠のうち１つ。樹脂で作成したプロトタイプです。

△もう１つはこちら。製品化されるのは、こちらの形状となる見通しです。

The two designs recognized by Japan's Patent Office relate to the curved "U" section of the material. In other words, Kutsukazari Inc. has registered not the design of the ornament itself, but the shape of the attachment. We succeeded in securing rights to the form that naturally emerges through plasticity — the same quality that allows materials like clay and rubber to hold a shape.

We have also filed the same designs in the United States, EU member countries, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, and Vietnam. We are additionally pursuing filings for the term "kutsukazari" itself, as well as new ideas that emerged during prototyping. (To complete these procedures, we kept the second design confidential for some time and postponed our crowdfunding campaign. We are sincerely grateful to those of you who understood and waited.)

With that, we are finally ready to make Kutsukazari for everyone. (We do apologize for the length of this introduction.)

Features靴飾りで叶うこと
Kutsukazari began with a simple idea: adding ornaments to shoes you already own. It has several qualities worth knowing — qualities that benefit not only those who wear it, but local employment and the environment too. Here are some of the most notable.
▲画像をクリックすると拡大します。
▲画像をクリックすると拡大します。

Easy on Your Feet

Kutsukazari attaches to the shoes that fit you best — the ones you actually want to wear. No compromising on comfort. No pain. Just you, dressed as you please.

Surprisingly Affordable

Kutsukazari is just an attachment and an ornament. No need to keep buying new shoes every time you want a new look. It's gentle on your feet — and your wallet.

Off in an Instant

Caught in sudden rain when you've dressed to impress? Kutsukazari comes off right then and there. Use it only when you want to — less risk of damage, less worry overall.

Wear Your Colors

In a time when anyone can have an idol, a hero, a cause to champion — color carries more meaning than ever. We hope you'll wear the colors that matter most to you.

Made to Share

Pass Kutsukazari around the way you'd lend a scarf or a piece of jewelry. If it becomes a reason to talk and laugh with friends and family, that makes us happy too.

Mix and Match

Unlike shoes with fixed embellishments, Kutsukazari can be repositioned. Choose a few pieces and the combinations multiply — dozens of looks from a handful of ornaments.

Ready for the Night

Slip it into your bag on the way to work. When the day is done, put it on. A date, an evening walk — wherever the night takes you, go well.

A Second Life

Somewhere in your home, there may be a pair of simple, formal shoes — bought for a ceremony and worn just once. Kutsukazari might be exactly what gives them a reason to come back out.

Work, Created

Kutsukazari is rooted in Nagoya, and we work with people who want to contribute from home. One person's happiness made possible by another's — that is the kind of world we want to be part of.

Flowers bloom
on the shoes
after the sun sets.

その靴は、陽が沈んでから花が咲く。

Kutsukazari requires no holes in your shoes, and no clips that scratch the surface. Any method that places something on top of the shoe inevitably requires altering the shoe itself.

Our answer was to slip the attachment between the shoe and the foot. Simply put, it is shaped like a tiny shoehorn — a "J" or "U" when seen from the side. The attachment is made from ultra-thin resin or metals such as tin.

The outer part holds the ornament — as you might expect. On the inner side, between foot and shoe, we use a product invented by 3M called the Mechanical Fastener. (Mechanical Fastener is a trademark or registered trademark of 3M.) Similar in principle to hook-and-loop, it is a remarkable invention: when joined, the total thickness is just 0.7mm.

Despite that thinness, the Mechanical Fastener holds at approximately 40 Newtons per square centimeter — it will not shift under a force of 4 kilograms. At 1cm wide by 3cm long, that rises to 12 kilograms. The Kutsukazari attachment will not budge when you slip off your shoes, and will not come loose when you run or dance.

When Kutsukazari is not in use — meaning the Mechanical Fastener is exposed — friction against certain materials (tightly woven stockings, socks, bare skin, etc.) may gradually reduce its effectiveness. For those occasions, we supply both the hook side and the loop side as replacement parts. You are also welcome to source them yourself.

Comfort will vary by shoe shape and material, but with the right combination, most people find little to no discomfort. Think of it like adding an insole — you notice the difference at first, but it becomes natural with wear.

We refine our dimensions and shapes with this in mind. If something doesn't work for you, please don't give up — tell us. Returns and exchanges are accepted, and we will keep improving.

We have set down our thoughts on Kutsukazari further below, touching on materials and quality of finish.

さらに読むにはクリック

What about
quality materials?

よい素材も使えますが、如何でしょう？

When making accessories or shoes, it is generally desirable to use good materials. Natural materials tend to be more precious than synthetic ones. And there is value not only in the material itself, but in the story of how it was made and how it came to be in circulation — its history. If anything, what moves us is not so much the beauty of the material itself, but the human story woven into it.

In preparing to offer Kutsukazari, we found ourselves wrestling with the question of materials from quite early on. If we were to use something gem-like, we could offer natural stones — or, at the other extreme, something like plastic.

As you might expect, that difference has a significant impact on price.

We once heard that accessories are generally worn close to the face — earrings, necklaces, hair ornaments. Rings and bracelets are further away, but can be raised to face level. We began to think there is some correlation between proximity to the face and quality of material. Where, then, does Kutsukazari fall?

Compared to accessories worn on the face or hands, Kutsukazari sits closer to the ground, with a greater risk of dirt and a different maintenance frequency. Whether precious, high-quality materials are appropriate there — that is something we would like to explore gradually as more people begin to use Kutsukazari. We would welcome your requests, consultations, and thoughts.

You could make it
yourself.

きっと、ご自身でもお作りになれます。

The structure of Kutsukazari is very simple. That is precisely why we believe it can be gentle on shoes and gentle on the body. We are not designers, creators, or artists by background — we learn as we go and continue

We are not designers, creators, or artists by background — we learn as we go and continue to prototype. We do our best, but if you work professionally or as a hobbyist with shoes or accessories, our work may fall short by comparison.

Competition and comparison exist in every creative field. They have driven the development and maturity of culture, and made us richer — materially and spiritually.

At the same time, the pride that comes with making something can tip too far, leading some to dismiss or belittle the work of others — to lift themselves, or someone they admire, by pushing someone else down. To those people, we would gently say: you are already wonderful and worthy, without any of that.

Kutsukazari Inc. wants to realize a dream that had been given up on — by adding ornaments to comfortable shoes after the fact. We want that to be easy, affordable, and accessible. Starting out, our work may be rough around the edges. Some may feel they could make something better themselves.

The term "kutsukazari" is an old one — it appears in classification categories for trademark registration at the Patent Office. Yet searching Google reveals very few products using that name, and no company or shop dedicated to it.

Our aim is first to bring kutsukazari into the world — and then to make something that truly satisfies.

(One small note: if you would like to propose making your own work as a kutsukazari, please do not attach sketches or samples of your idea from the outset. This is to avoid any suspicion of idea appropriation or plagiarism, which is a real concern in creative fields.)

Products製品一覧
The possibilities with Kutsukazari are genuinely broad — beyond ribbons and fabric, it can be combined with artificial flowers, beads, gemstones, silver, and more. Please take a look at what we have made so far.

Ribbonリボンの靴飾り

Sweet velvet［40mm］

Sweet velvet［50mm］

Cute silk［30mm］

Cute silk［40mm］

Elegant silk［140mm］

Elegant silk［180mm］

Rosette silk［55mm］

Crystalクリスタルの靴飾り

Cosmos［30mm］

Cosmos［40mm］

Plum［30mm］

Plum［40mm］

Triplets［21mm］

Quintuplets［35mm］

Innsbruck［60mm］

Innsbruck［70mm］

Mizuhiki水引の靴飾り

水引・靴飾り

Plum knot［White & Gold］

水引・靴飾り

Plum knot［Red & Gold］

水引・靴飾り

Bow knot［Gold & White］

水引・靴飾り

Bow knot［Red & White］

Laceレースの靴飾り

レース・靴飾り

What a Wonderful World

レース・靴飾り

Let It Snow

レース・靴飾り

Light as a Feather

レース・靴飾り

Fly Me to the Moon

Ring指飾り

Ovalis lapis

Quadratus lapis

Tres lapides

Anulus signatorius

Earrings耳飾り

クリスタル・耳飾り

Inaures gemma［PP31 / SS24］

クリスタル・耳飾り

Acus gemma［SS19］

Shoes have
always been
misunderstood.

靴はずっと、誤解されている。

Shoes and clothing are both considered items of dress — but their functions are entirely different. Both should look good and feel good, but a shoe that must bear a person's full weight against the ground has very different requirements from a garment that simply drapes with gravity. In some ways, it is closer to the logic of women's undergarments: not ease, but fit.

A shoe supports the wearer's weight through every component it is made of. The key is not room — it is contact. Those suffering from bunions or blisters tend to reach for a larger size to ease the pain.

What many don't know is that this often makes things worse.

When someone wears the size that truly fits — snug enough to feel almost too tight — the pain simply vanishes. We have witnessed that moment of disbelief many times.

When the width is too wide, the toes are not held in place. With every step the foot slides back; with every landing it slides forward. Depending on the shape of the foot, this creates pressure on the toes and joints — pain, and in bad cases, injury.

The shape, materials, and stitching of a shoe are all deliberate. Comfort emerges only when those elements are allowed to do their job.

Every foot is different. Every shoe is different. Even two shoes of the same size may feel distinct. Choosing shoes is a delicate matter — which is exactly why it deserves care. Online shopping is convenient, but please try to try things on whenever you can.

(If you are measuring at home before shopping online, please have someone else measure you rather than doing it yourself. Self-measurement introduces several layers of error.)

We want to be loved by many.
We know that won't always be possible.

多くに愛されたい。けど、叶わなくてもいい。

We want to do everything we can — through care and iteration — to make Kutsukazari work for as many people as possible. But just as no shoe or garment suits everyone, we know this will not be universal.

The combination of shoes and the individual shape of each person's foot may mean that, in practice, something doesn't fit or doesn't feel as expected. As mentioned earlier, Kutsukazari involves more delicate sizing and balance than most accessories — and this is a problem we cannot entirely avoid.

We therefore accept returns and exchanges. Excluding normal wear to the Mechanical Fastener, items may be returned or exchanged within three weeks of delivery, provided they are clean and undamaged. Items that come back to us are welcomed as homecomings — and passed on to someone new. (At this time, accessories other than Kutsukazari are not eligible. We appreciate your understanding.)

We ask, with some hesitation, for a shipping and handling fee of ¥1,000 for returns and ¥2,000 for exchanges. These amounts are subject to change.

Membershipメールマガジンのご登録
We share updates on Kutsukazari Inc.'s progress through an occasional newsletter — covering our crowdfunding plans, new design proposals, collaborations with other companies, and more, as much as we are able.

After pressing this button, if "Form submitted successfully" appears, your registration is complete.

Q&Aよくあるご質問とお答え。
Below are answers to questions we have received. Toward the end, we introduce brands offering comfortable shoes and beautiful shoes. We hope it proves useful.

How edited are the product photos?
Photo editing may be a common practice, but at Kutsukazari Inc. we are reluctant to present our products as more appealing than they truly are. The photographs on our product pages are taken with a standard smartphone and used without any modification.
Where can I buy Kutsukazari?
We are currently preparing our production and manufacturing systems. We plan to sell online in due course, but first we would like to raise awareness through crowdfunding and similar efforts. Please bear with us a little longer.
Why crowdfunding?
Our reason for using crowdfunding is less about raising money or expanding distribution, and more about spreading the word that comfortable shoes exist — and that decorating them is possible. We see it less as a financial challenge and more as a way to introduce a new culture, one that has not previously existed as a choice in how people dress. Think of it as one effort to reach everyone who ever gave up on beautiful shoes.
Does Kutsukazari really stay on?
Many of you have lost a favourite earring or ring at some point. When developing Kutsukazari, "comfort" and "staying put" were our two non-negotiables. With an attachment that fits the shoe, supplemented by the tape, it has not come off once during testing.
Will you make Kutsukazari for sneakers?
Thank you for asking. The potential of Kutsukazari is indeed broad, and there are many ways it could be applied. Sneakers are possible, but we would like to develop the pumps and heels range first. We appreciate your patience.
Is there a Kutsukazari for children?
Yes — we plan to offer a version for young children as well, in due course. We will share updates on our official Instagram once prototypes are ready.
I'd like to use the Kutsukazari license.
We are honoured by the interest. The Kutsukazari attachment, registered as a design with the Patent Office, is protected as our exclusive right to use. Whether you are an individual or a company, please contact us through this website if you are interested in developing or selling Kutsukazari.
株式会社靴飾りに問い合わせる。
Can I make my own for personal use?
For personal enjoyment, there is no legal issue whatsoever. However, selling through resale apps, transferring for profit even to friends, or publishing patterns for commercial purposes on social media would constitute "commercial practice" and infringe our design rights. Please refrain from doing so. We hope you'll quietly enjoy it for yourself alone.
Where should I buy comfortable shoes?
Kutsukazari works with nearly all shoes — heels, pumps, and more. That said, most standard shoes are made for the most common sizes and shapes, which means those with wider or narrower feet may find the options limited. Below are some brands we recommend. In particular, Wacoal's "Success Walk" offers six width sizes — it's exceptional.
サクセスウォーク … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
アシックスウォーキング … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
gauge（ゲージ） … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
リゲッタ … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
Belle & Sofa … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
For online shoe specialists, the following may also be helpful.
マシュガール … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
リズラフィーネ … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
We also found several shops on Rakuten and Yahoo Shopping specializing in wide and narrow widths. We will introduce them in more detail soon. (If you have a recommendation, please do let us know.)
Where can I find beautiful shoes?
The many beautiful shoes already in the world were what inspired the Kutsukazari idea in the first place. These brands are not only well-designed but carefully made — if they fit your feet, we encourage you to try them. (This list will be updated as we discover more.)
MAYLA（マイラ） … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
ha | za | ma（ハザマ） … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
We also recommend the following brands for beautiful shoes.
あしながおじさん … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］
BABY THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT … ［公式サイト］／［Instagram］

Company会社概要
We are Kutsukazari Inc. — a company based in Nagoya, Aichi, dedicated to the planning, development, and manufacturing of detachable shoe attachments. We registered our designs with the Japan Patent Office in 2025 and incorporated as a company in 2026.

[Design Registration: No. 1796295] ... The "attachment shape" that stays securely in place without damaging your shoes is our exclusive design recognized by the Japan Patent Office.

[Design Registration: No. 1807339] ... In addition to the above, we have registered another design. This will remain undisclosed for the time being.

[International Design Application Pending (WIPO Ref. No. 970365911)] ... To bring "Kutsukazari" to the world, we are currently proceeding with registration procedures in various other countries.

[Trademark Registration: No. 7034695] ... We intend to provide events and inspiring ideas to brighten your feet under the "Kutsukazari" trademark.

[Trademark Registration: No. 7058963] ... We have officially registered our brand name and logo so that you can always easily find the authentic "Kutsukazari".

1-15-18 Nagono, Nishi-ku
Nagoya-shi, Aichi 451-0042
Japan

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Historyこれまでのあゆみ
We would like to give you a brief overview of our journey — from the initial concept of "Kutsukazari" to filing with the Japan Patent Office and completing our corporate registration.

May 2024 — We began working on shoes for our patrons.
August 2024 — We filed an application with the Japan Patent Office to register our design.
April 2025 — One of our design registrations was approved by the Patent Office; the other was rejected.
May 2025 — We submitted a written opinion regarding the rejected design registration.
August 2025 — Our second design registration was successfully approved by the Patent Office.
August 2025 — We launched the Kutsukazari Co., Ltd. website.
September 2025 — We applied for several trademarks related to Kutsukazari Co., Ltd.
October 2025 — We opened free membership registration and received 3,000 sign-ups within 20 days.
November 2025 — We published our concept on the crowdfunding platform CAMPFIRE.
March 2026 — We made the Kutsukazari Co., Ltd. website publicly available.
March 2026 — We completed the corporate registration of Kutsukazari Co., Ltd.
June 2026 — We established the mass production process for our attachments.
June 2026 — We began work on website versions in English, French, Italian, Chinese, and Korean.