Like so many global citizens, Masashi Nakayama, chief designer of the zippy, two-door Mazda MX-5, sports a wardrobe that pays homage to the best of international design, headlined by his beloved German Sinn watch. But his heart belongs to his hometown of Hiroshima: as do his feet, which are always shod in Spingle Company sneakers, made in Hiroshima since 1997.

“Actually, this pair is even made out of kangaroo leather,” he exclaims, pointing towards his shoes. “Very soft.”