On September 26 and 27, 2026, NEULO took part in the 4th Hattori Ashi Matsuri at Hattori Tenjingu Shrine in Toyonaka, Osaka.
For NEULO, which began advance sales of its first model, PathOne, in September, this was our first event in the Kansai region.
Here is a look back at two days of meeting customers at a shrine known for its deity of feet.
01 | Hattori Tenjingu Shrine, home to the deity of feet
Hattori Tenjingu Shrine is located in Toyonaka, Osaka.
According to tradition, in 901, Sugawara no Michizane prayed here for recovery from a foot ailment while traveling to Dazaifu, and his condition improved. The shrine has long been known for its deity of feet.
Today, people from across Japan visit to pray for healthy feet, including those involved in sports.
Hattori Ashi Matsuri, held at the shrine, is a festival dedicated to giving thanks for our feet, learning about them, and offering prayers.
It offers a chance to pay attention to a part of our bodies we often take for granted and to reflect on its importance.
For NEULO, which develops shoes that respect the natural movement of the feet while comfortably supporting everyday walking, taking part in an event at a place that values feet held special meaning.
02 | Two days bringing together people who care about their feet
What makes Hattori Ashi Matsuri distinctive is its focus on feet.
The venue featured a wide range of booths offering shoes, socks, foot care, massage, foot measurements, and more.
From activities with single-tooth geta sandals to prayers for strong, healthy legs, the festival offered ways to explore our relationship with our feet through both traditional culture and modern technology.
Visitors came for many reasons: an interest in barefoot shoes, concerns about foot health such as bunions, or simply a chance to enjoy the festival with family.
Everyone has different interests in foot health and different expectations of their shoes. The shared theme of feet brought together people of different generations and interests, creating opportunities for discovery and connection.
Over the two days, we experienced the particular appeal of Hattori Ashi Matsuri.
03 | Our first Kansai event and many new connections
Hattori Ashi Matsuri was our first opportunity since the start of advance sales to bring NEULO shoes directly to customers in Kansai.
Over two days at our booth, both those who already knew NEULO and those discovering the brand for the first time tried PathOne.
Customers who knew NEULO beforehand, visitors who came for the festival, and neighbors passing by all tried on PathOne and shared their impressions with us.
It was a great joy to see people of different ages, with different daily routines and expectations of shoes, experience PathOne for themselves.
There are aspects of a shoe that photographs and words alone cannot fully convey.
That is why having people try our shoes, seeing their reactions, and speaking with them directly is so valuable to us.
Our first event in Kansai brought many new connections with customers.
04 | Supporting each person's steps
By taking part in events outside Tokyo, including Hattori Ashi Matsuri, we have experienced how meeting people we had not previously reached exposes us to different perspectives and needs.
NEULO aims to create shoes that respect the natural movement of the feet while comfortably supporting everyday walking.
Achieving that takes more than our own ideas. Every piece of feedback from our customers matters.
So many connections began in the presence of the deity of feet.
We will continue to value conversations with customers in different regions, bring their feedback into shoe development, and work to become a brand that supports the steps of as many people as possible.
To everyone we met at Hattori Ashi Matsuri, and everyone who helped make the event happen, thank you.
