Interview
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK:
yuki matsuda
October 2024
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OTBT: Yuki Matsuda of Yuketen
Interview | October 2024
This week off the back of the launch of the limited Grenson X Yuketen collaboration, we asked Yuki Matsuda, founder of the brand to answer some questions about where he lives, how Yuketen came to be and he gives us some of his favourite spots to eat and find the best vintage clothing.
Where did you grow up and what do you love about that area?
I grew up on the south side of Osaka, Japan. One of the things I love most about the area is the vibrant and warm atmosphere. People are incredibly friendly and energetic, always open to conversation and sharing a joke. There’s a real sense of community. The food culture is also something I deeply appreciate – it’s rich, diverse, and there’s always something delicious to enjoy. Plus, the festivals
You moved to LA when you were 18, why the move?
I moved to LA when I was 18 because my girlfriend at the time had a connection through her boss — a friend in LA was looking for a young Japanese person with an understanding of American casual fashion for the Japanese market. They asked if I was interested, and I decided to take the opportunity.
Where do you live now and what do you love about the area?
I live in a small village in the Hollywood Riviera, in the South Bay area of greater LA. It’s a suburb with an amazing neighborhood, a favorite bakery, and it's close to the beach. There aren’t too many tourists, mostly locals, which makes it perfect for families with kids.
Do you have any ‘off the beaten track’ restaurants, bars, parks you can share with us?
La Playita Mexican Restaurant in Hermosa Beach, CA — you can enjoy an amazing meal and beer while watching the sunset. Sea-Aire Golf Course in Torrance, CA, is a very small, short course, great for family outings if they like golf. And for a true local spot, there's the San Franciscan in Torrance, a hidden gem known mostly to locals.
How did you start in LA? Did you go straight into fashion?
I started with a Japanese export company that shipped many Made-in-USA shoes and clothing to Japan. My job was to find new brands for the Japanese market and spend most of my time working in the warehouse, inspecting all items before shipping.
When did you start Yuketen and why?
I started Yuketen in 1995 because I saw that making shoes in the USA was becoming a lost art. Many factories were struggling, and I felt I had to do something to preserve that craftsmanship before it was gone. I’ve always loved 'Made in USA' products—that’s one of the reasons I moved to the U.S. I wanted to create shoes that reflected my passion for American culture and the kind of quality and style I personally wanted to wear. It was important to me to make something truly special before those traditions disappeared.
What’s your favorite thing about having your own factory?
My factory is a partnership with an excellent shoemaker, and we have one particular machine that belongs to me, which makes Yuketen shoes truly special. Having this partnership is essential for ensuring the shoes are made exactly the way I want them—it's key to achieving the best quality.
Do you think you’ll ever move back to Japan?
I don’t think so.
Do you travel a lot? Where’s your favorite place to travel?
Cuba.
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
Mr. Miyata. I worked for him when I was a teenager in American Village, Osaka, Japan.
We know that music influenced this collaboration a great deal, can you tell us a bit more about the inspiration for this shoe?
Punk rockabilly culture in the early 1980s, especially in American Village, Osaka, was a huge influence on this shoe. Back then, I wore creepers with a rider's jacket, trying to embody that punk rockabilly vibe—it was a special time, and the spirit was strong. Now, at 57, I still carry that same spirit from my youth. This shoe is designed for 'teenaged old men' who still have that great spirit and a sharp sense of what’s cool.
Can you tell our followers how this particular collaboration came about?
Tim gave me the opportunity to design this shoe, and working with the Grenson design team has been incredible. My rough, almost childish hand-painted design was transformed into an elegant, classic 1940s-style hand sketch by their talented team. It was amazing to see how they took my ideas and turned them into something so beautifully refined.
We know you’re big into vintage clothing, do you have a favorite piece you’ve ever owned? And can you share with us some secret vintage shops or markets that you love?
I have too many favorite pieces… but I think I’ll keep my Gogyan Art Hawaiian shirt. For vintage shops, I love Bobby from Boston.
Whose work do you most admire in fashion, music, and art?
I admire many of my friends. Many of them are in fashion, music, and art. It’s hard to choose just one.
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you be doing?
I can’t think of anything else. Fashion is important to my life. Fashion is my life.
What gives you the most pleasure in life?
Making someone happy.
We have an OTBT playlist that’s made up of all the song recommendations we’ve had from each interview. Can you give us 3 more to add and tell us why you’ve chosen them?
- A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke:
This song grounds me and reminds me of who I am and where I come from. Its powerful message always takes me back to my roots.
- Have You Ever Seen the Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival:
There’s raw, heartfelt emotion in this track. It strikes a deep chord with me every time I hear it, like a true cry from the soul.
- 雨上がりの夜空に – RC Succession:
This has been my go-to anthem since I first heard it in middle school. It’s a perfect mix of rock energy and love song spirit, and it’s stayed with me all these years.
These three songs ignite a roar deep in my soul.
What does the future hold?
Keep going. Never stop.
Find out more about Yuki: www.yuketen.com/
To read all of our Off the Beaten Track interviews, click the link below: