Yuya Hasegawa's Passion for Counter Polishing
Yuya Hasegawa, who graduated from the Brift H counter in April 2024, felt Japan's unique aesthetic sense and technical prowess while promoting Japanese shoe-shining culture abroad. Now, starting in May 2026, "Hasegawa's Counter Shine" will return for one day a month.
Hello everyone, it's been a while. This is Hasegawa.
As of April 2024, I have stepped back from working directly at the counter as a shoe shiner and graduated from the Brift H counter. To elevate shoe shining into an "art" and a "culture," I have changed my title to "shoe shiner artist" and embarked on a new challenge.
The past two years have been busy, as I've dedicated myself to establishing Brift H's new structure and preparing for its next steps. At the same time, I've actively engaged in international activities, showcasing the excellence of Japanese shoe shining in various countries including London, Paris, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
"Revolutionizing Footwear Worldwide"
With this motto, every time we go abroad, we are reminded of the overwhelming evolution of Japanese shoe-shining culture.
I feel that no other nation pours as much passion into "beautifying shoes" as Japan. I believe this is due to Japan's cleanliness and well-maintained environment. Japan has the "leisure" to pay attention to even the beauty of its footwear.
In fact, roads abroad are often dirty or poorly paved, and shoes can quickly get dirty after just a short walk. In such environments, a culture of thoroughly polishing shoes does not easily take root.
Every time I go abroad, I strongly feel that the Japanese people's unique spirit of inquiry and delicate technical skills have been nurtured in Japan's wonderful environment. While re-examining ourselves from such an external perspective, I intend to continue cultivating Japanese shoe shining into a culture that can be boasted about worldwide.
I will continue this challenge from various angles, including sharing content on YouTube and developing new products. Above all, to convey my passion directly on-site, receive customer feedback, and evolve further, I will be bringing back "Hasegawa's Counter Shine" for one day a month, starting in May 2026.
For those who have newly discovered the appeal of shoe shining.
For those who want to learn more about shoe shining.
And for our valued regular customers who have supported us.
I hope to deliver the best shoe shining experience to all of you once again. Appointments are available on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE, with dates posted up to three months in advance. Please come if your schedule allows.
I will continue to strive for excellence.
Thank you for your continued support.