Clacking with your Japanese wooden clogs

11 Sep 2006 Category: Arts & Crafts, Fashion, Features, Japan

Clacking with your Japanese wooden clogs

Sometimes the busy streets of Tokyo are just too much for me, so I escape into the astonishingly quiet side-streets for taking a deep breath. The other day, I heard the sound of wooden clogs - or geta in Japanese - behind me: “cur-run-ko-ron, cur-run-ko-ron” - that is as close as I can get to discribing the wooden melody. The astonishing thing is, that this sound implies so much beauty, romance and fantasy for us Japanese… Without looking back I knew it had to be a girl beautifully wrapped in her Kimono making these clacking sounds. When she finally walked passed, I closed my eyes a little to travel to the gardens of Kyoto… Here is a little selection for you - choose, what suits your feet best.

Written by Ryoko
Translation by Mie Hashizume

Tsujiya Honten is a Japanese traditional footwear shop in Asakusa, the older part of Tokyo in the east. This shop has been established since 1912, the very beginning of the Taisho Period and currently two brothers and their families run the business. Everyone from Kabuki actors to housewifes, old and young - the shop deals with a wide variety of customers. Nobel-prize-winner writer Yasunari Kawabata and my revered, great writer Kafuu Nagai also used to buy their shoes here.


Asakusa in the early evening

Tsujiya Honten

The shopkeeper, a true-born Tokyoite (‘Edokko’) gave me an intersting presentation about the close relationship between the Edo Period and Japanese footwear. As for the business of Japanese traditional footwear, the custom of wearing geta and zori (Japanese flip-flops, so no “heels”) declined constantly until a few years ago, people started wearing them again with a new attitude and in new combinations. The Yukata - summer kimono - boom getting stronger every year, made lots of girls wear wooden shoes again. Young men also have come to enjoy geta and zori - with jeans and T-shirts.

This customer bought a pair of zori two years ago and came back to ask for a repair- service.

Edo, the Footwear Town

While they say that “people in Osaka love eating” (food culture) and “people in Kyoto love wearing kimono” (kimono culture), Tokyo remained a love for footwear. For Edo people shoes simply demonstrate their social status, so it is not surprising to find exclusive designs with precious details. For instance, they were particular about hanao - the thong of the sandal, the straight grain of the geta and especially in the images and patterns on them.

A lion carved into the wood, painted to enhance the 3D, comes with velvet thongs. Unfortunately, you cannot buy these geta, because they are too valuable for sale.

The nice thing about geta is, that they are not only good for walking, they even function as an object. Taking off your shoes at every entrance of a Japanese house or restaurant, the full picture skillfully painted on the geta gets revealed and leaves impressed faces of the ones watching, while you casually proceed to your seat.


color pattern with a very subtle kabuki-scene

Thong with a bird pattern

elegantly simple color coordination

Desin in mother-of-perl inlay. Coquettish.

This attitude of caring a lot about details has something to do with history as well. In the Edo Period countless ordinances were enacted. Those strict rules, in particular sumptuary laws regulated the lifestyle to anything from wearing clothes, to what to eat and where and how to live. You could say that the stricter those regulations got, the more sophisticated people’s feelings for the smallest details became.


Picture of a hawk

Ukiyoe wood block print is pasted to a pair of geta

There are so many different styles of geta - it is impossible to categorize them as one particular style of shoes, really.

The shopkeeper and a customer enjoying a little chat

a footwear- craftsman - his hand moved incredibly fast

…and his tools

numerous different models displayed in the shop’s showcase

Bright-colored thong!

Geta have been used since the dawn of time in Japan. Ta-geta - a particular model worn for working in the rice fields - were excavated from deepest layers of time - far older than the Yayoi Period.

Professional Geta


This is a replica of those Ta-geta, which has bee been unearthed in Toro remains.（From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Ooashi (large-seized ta-geta) - working geta for rice planting（From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Tachikomi (laver geta) - working geta for laver cultivation（From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Chakkiri-geta (Tea-cutting geta) - working geta for making tea（From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Lacquer-coated geta and front-covered geta appeared around the Edo-days, which were very useful in rain or snow (as we said before - it were the Tokyoites who were most inventive when it comes to footwear). At this point in time, only people in high positions were allowed to wear geta in the first place. It took until the Meiji Period to see common people enjoying these wonderful Japanese sandals. From the Meiji period to the early Showa period more than 90 percent of families had at least one pair of geta at home. However, now that the strict rules disappeared and geta were free for everyone to wear, the general lifestyle and conditions of roads changed, so that in fact people started wearing them less. The old game of the grass is always greener….

Geta from the Edo Period


Renshi-geta (two-support geta). The most popular geta. （From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Pockuri-geta. The name “Pockuri” came from the sound it makes while walking. （From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Nakaguri-geta. Street footwear for women at the end of Edo Period. （From：Japan Footwear Museum）

Hanaboh-geta. For strolling in the garden. （From：Japan Footwear Museum）

And even more to come….

Ippon-ba-geta (one-support geta). Yes, this is what the Japanese long-nose goblins called Tengu like to wear! It is supposed to be good for excercising your general balance.

Sigure-geta for rainy days.

Kado-geta, called Shamisen-geta at this shop.

Hooba-geta. You can change the supporting parts of this geta which is why these were often worn by poor students…

Geta for little boys

Geta for little girls

Now after all this history lesson, I have to confess, that it was a major lesson for myself… Originally being from Kyoto, I am ashamed to realize how little I know of Edo’s culture, especially when entering such a traditional shop like the Tsujiya Honten. Tremendously moved by the patience and knowledge of the people of this friendly shop, I want to say a big THANK YOU for passing on tales and facts about “good Japanese things” to all of us.

Now, why don’t YOU try clacking around in geta sometimes? There are even more to look at on our Flickr Gallery

75 Comments

  1. what a wicked, interesting lil artcile… beautiful!
    d

    Posted by: Dave Twomey on September 11th, 2006 at 10:09 pm

  2. I get strange looks when I wear my geta to the market here in NYC [I'm not Japanese].

    Very nice feature and great images.

    Posted by: Silent K on September 11th, 2006 at 10:40 pm

  3. this is so cool, here in brazil we only got havaianas :)

    Posted by: victor b. on September 11th, 2006 at 10:58 pm

  4. very nice article. informative and pretty.

    Posted by: amiya on September 11th, 2006 at 11:51 pm

  5. I love my geta. There truly is something about the sound they make. Though, personally, I think it’s more like “klak-kurr. klak-kurr. klak-kurr”

    Also, it takes some geting used to. After the first time I wore them, it felt like I had a sever sunburn on the webbing between my toes.

    Posted by: Græme on September 12th, 2006 at 1:02 am

  6. damn. Spelled my website address wrong. Oops!

    Posted by: Græme on September 12th, 2006 at 1:03 am

  7. fantastic article! you meant to say that asakusa is on the EAST side of tokyo …

    Posted by: mike on September 12th, 2006 at 2:25 am

  8. The ippon-ba-geta looks scary to walk in XD.

    Interesting article.

    Posted by: DeuS on September 12th, 2006 at 2:33 am

  9. yet again delightful article!
    Just arrived a month ago from Japan and it was precisley stuff like this that thrilled me most . Not the ubiquous technology but the way tradition is so well blened with everyone and present all the times! I personally can’t find that kind of feeling elsewhere in Europe, much less on the States. I can’t even find that feeling in a such-a-traditional-european-country like Portugal where i’m from! Just lovely.

    Posted by: pricca on September 12th, 2006 at 11:41 am

  10. argh….. east, west….. I meant “right” ;-)

    Posted by: Uleshka on September 12th, 2006 at 2:42 pm

  11. Great designs. I would love to buy few geta for my footwear collection.

    Posted by: Paavani on September 12th, 2006 at 3:06 pm

  12. Aren’t these slippers risky to wear in smooth surface, as anyone can slip…
    Anyhow, they are very different pieces in world :)

    Posted by: disha on September 12th, 2006 at 3:25 pm

  13. Aren’t these risky in rain and smooth surface…
    Anyhow they are very different pieces in world

    Posted by: disha on September 12th, 2006 at 3:27 pm

  14. What a wonderful article! I’m bookmarking it!

    I had a pair of geta which I thought fashionable with my jeans…but I kept twisting my ankle. Ouch! It does take practice to walk in them! Finally gave them away.

    Posted by: pat on September 12th, 2006 at 7:32 pm

  15. very clear explanation about the Japanese traditional footwear … thanks.

    Posted by: Balakumar Muthu on September 12th, 2006 at 9:14 pm

  16. Another fantastic article - I’m off to buy some clogs for everyone I know right now…

    Posted by: paul jason on September 13th, 2006 at 4:31 pm

  17. [...] I forget how I ended up at this article, but it is fascinating none-the-less. There is an interesting article about geta, a style of traditional japanese footwear at Pingmag. All that is left is to figure out where to buy a pair. [...]

    Posted by: iconolith » Blog Archive » Geta on September 14th, 2006 at 1:57 am

  18. [...] ** A more female shoe form (?) are may be japanese geta, which have already a berlinized analog. [...]

    Posted by: randform » Blog Archive » signs of fashion on September 14th, 2006 at 4:45 pm

  19. [...] Bridge Part 2 Redefining myself into something a lil bit geek-ier   Sep 11th 2006 Geta Posted in General | P9020082.JPG Originally uploaded by pingmag. I know I love themthe first time I saw them. Popularity: 3% [...]

    Posted by: Lust::Geek Building The Bridge Part 2 » Geta on September 15th, 2006 at 3:23 pm

  20. I’d like to thank you for this article. I own 7 pairs of geta and I have to say I appreciate this. It gives credit to footwear few people know anything about.

    Posted by: lorenzosama on September 16th, 2006 at 7:46 pm

  21. Very accurate and informative article. I’ve been to that shop in Asakusa, nice place, nice people. I’ve got couple pairs of geta and wear them around town (Cape Cod). The one tooth variety look harder than they actually are. The tricky part isn’t walking, it’s standing in one spot.

    Posted by: Geta Man on September 24th, 2006 at 10:50 am

  22. This is a really good article . I have just got a pair and can walk in them reasonably, but I need a bit more practice before I can walk in them perfectly!

    Posted by: Jack the Lass on October 22nd, 2006 at 8:19 pm

  23. [...] pingmag and The Metropolitan [...]

    Posted by: stone snow - muse on January 31st, 2007 at 1:29 am

  24. What an awesome post! A few years ago Kateigaho International Edition had written a piece on the revival of men’s kimono fashion using some footwear from Tsujiya Honten. And exactly as you said it, I am looking to shop from them for some new seta to go with summer yukata!

    Posted by: Ben on May 10th, 2007 at 2:26 pm

  25. shit…now I really want a geta!

    Posted by: nwl on November 7th, 2007 at 10:48 pm

  26. wow

    Posted by: emily on April 7th, 2008 at 4:28 pm

  27. Excellent. As an aspiring illustrator this article was really inspirational. Thank you Ping Mag. I love your site. :)

    Posted by: bursa evden eve nakliyat on March 31st, 2009 at 7:01 pm

  28. I have made 2 Geta. 1 regular and 1 Ippon-ba-geta. I love to wear both. I live in a rural area and I like the looks peple give me.

    Posted by: rus on July 18th, 2009 at 3:23 am

  29. Maurers only weaken, belly, waist and hip area also gets rid of fat in areas such as the still.

    Posted by: maurers on February 22nd, 2011 at 7:48 am

  30. Great web page easy to navigate and good source of information:)

    Posted by: plan baby boy on May 26th, 2011 at 4:19 am

  31. Here is a little selection for you - choose.

    Posted by: กระดาษ on May 27th, 2011 at 2:08 pm

  32. so it is not surprising to find exclusive designs with precious details.

    Posted by: แหวนเพชร on May 27th, 2011 at 2:09 pm

  33. he more sophisticated people’s feelings for the smallest details became.

    Posted by: ผ้าม่าน on May 27th, 2011 at 2:11 pm

  34. the full picture skillfully painted on the geta gets revealed.

    Posted by: มู่ลี่ on May 27th, 2011 at 2:11 pm

  35. If you want to know more about Backlink Profit Monster REVIEW, is Backlink Profit Monster SCAM or Even The Real Deal? You’ve come to the right site.

    Posted by: You can Be capable of geting more Higher Public relations backlinks than all of your rivals, Find out precisely what your competitors do on June 12th, 2011 at 3:06 am

  36. people create distinctions out of their own minds

    Posted by: future of computing on June 14th, 2011 at 8:35 am

  37. I want to see the many development of this site.

    Posted by: innovative healthcare on June 15th, 2011 at 2:41 am

  38. I like your way of thinking. Personal development and its many forms are really close to my heart. I also believe in getting different points of view on this subject to really broaden my thinking.

    Posted by: personal development on June 16th, 2011 at 1:31 am

  39. We all need to know that Rome was not built in a day, so take it one day at a time.

    Posted by: weightlifting routines on June 17th, 2011 at 8:29 am

  40. Great topic,I will post a link to this page on my blog.

    Posted by: Counteract Southwest Strategy on July 7th, 2011 at 4:08 am

  41. If u like soccer visit us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by: Soccer on July 21st, 2011 at 2:46 am

  42. Who cares about NFL football, USA Debt limit, or News Corp.

    Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 21st, 2011 at 7:29 pm

  43. süper site

    Posted by: goruntulu sohbet on July 25th, 2011 at 10:39 pm

  44. I like your way of thinking. Personal development

    Posted by: wholesale marlins jersey on July 26th, 2011 at 11:03 am

  45. I like your website. It has a very good design. At the moment, I am looking for a good face acne treatment product.

    Posted by: face acne treatments on July 27th, 2011 at 5:30 pm

  46. Here you find a way to promote your blog with facebook like’s

    Posted by: Free Facebook Like's on July 31st, 2011 at 12:49 am

  47. good design. At the moment, I am looking

    Posted by: Patriots Jersey on August 15th, 2011 at 10:41 am

  48. I love japanese culture :D

    Posted by: SEO on August 25th, 2011 at 2:19 pm

  49. succes in your online business

    Posted by: Get 125.000 visitors Free with Mighty Solos on September 27th, 2011 at 2:15 am

  50. I like your website,looking for the best kitchen cabinets in town gta.

    Posted by: gta kitchen cabinets in toronto on October 9th, 2011 at 6:44 am

  51. Find thousands of the best jobs in Hyderabad - top companies, profiles

    Posted by: freshers jobs on October 19th, 2011 at 6:57 am

  52. Search for job postings - Find your new job today. Indeed�

    Posted by: hyderabad jobs on October 19th, 2011 at 4:28 pm

  53. Gran articulo. Somos seguidores vuestros desde hace tiempo y queriamos aprovechar este comentario para felicitaros por vuestro blog y por el trabajo que estais haciendo en los articulos…

    Posted by: Jamon Iberico on November 3rd, 2011 at 12:55 am

  54. This is good Internet marketing and public relations.

    Posted by: christian louboutin on November 10th, 2011 at 1:31 am

  55. You made some decent points there. I searched on the web for the issue and located most individuals will go along with along with your website.

    Posted by: air conditioning installers lancaster on November 12th, 2011 at 8:51 am

  56. Collecting figurines has become more popular lately and many people are turning to the internet to locate them.

    Posted by: Figurines on November 20th, 2011 at 1:57 pm

  57. Osmanlı İnşaatın Yeni Başlatmış Olduğu Projeleri Bu Site Üzerinden Takip Edebilirsiniz..

    Posted by: Osmanlı İnşaat Forum on November 24th, 2011 at 8:20 pm

  58. Best 32 Lcd Pc Review & Buy at Cheap Price

    Posted by: 32 Lcd Pc on November 26th, 2011 at 6:55 pm

  59. Timex Watch Bands

    Posted by: Timex Watches on November 30th, 2011 at 6:10 pm

  60. I was Mtalbtvn

    Posted by: reza atayee fard on December 4th, 2011 at 6:24 am

  61. Dead written subject material, Really enjoyed reading.

    Posted by: Chastity Brillant on December 5th, 2011 at 1:29 am

  62. I think this is all politics

    Posted by: Abdominal muscle on December 8th, 2011 at 5:58 am

  63. I’m very lucky to have found this website, this is exactly what I have been looking for All I can say is wow, you hit the nail by the head.

    Posted by: The Visayas on December 12th, 2011 at 10:25 am

  64. A few weeks ago my family and I went on vacation and had to rent a car. When at the car rental counter we were asked if we wanted to buy one day car insurance. Not knowing what 1 day car insurance was at the time time we figured we better be safe then sorry. So of course we did.

    Posted by: 1 day car insurance on December 17th, 2011 at 2:11 pm

  65. Great post. Keep them coming. Washington DC Sightseeing Tours.

    Posted by: washington dc sightseeing tours on January 2nd, 2012 at 4:26 pm

  66. Hey this is awesome blogs. Keep posted usefull information. Thank you

    Posted by: roll up awnings on January 5th, 2012 at 6:20 pm

  67. Thank you. O like this post. I would like to share at my facebook account.

    Posted by: zayifla on January 11th, 2012 at 7:08 am

  68. Thank you. I’ll sharing the post at my twitter.

    Posted by: Laptop Özellikleri on January 12th, 2012 at 6:32 am

  69. Безплатни обяви в Facebook, сайт за обяви вестник за обяви добави обяви, София, Пловдив, Варна.

    Posted by: Безплатни обяви on January 13th, 2012 at 12:42 am

  70. Suddenly I found your site..You are sharing very useful information..dump them on my own website, showing the source of this information also really liked the blog.I hope you will continue to provide information

    Posted by: seo on January 15th, 2012 at 8:21 pm

  71. This piece of information is a gem for me, very helpful, really a great piece of writing, thanks for the effort made, really impressed.

    Posted by: Costume Jewellery on January 24th, 2012 at 3:32 pm

  72. Thanks for this post. It is very useful.

    Posted by: renoverin on January 26th, 2012 at 12:07 am

  73. Αποκριατικες στολες

    Posted by: Αποκριατικες στολες on January 26th, 2012 at 5:57 pm

  74. DecorCraft Services has the qualified, licensed and bonded professionals with years of excellent reviews on their side to offer your next painting or decorating project. As proud members of the Painting and Decorating Association, we have the distinction of offering the best services for your home improvement desires, no matter the total size of the project. Our professionals are on hand today to offer a free, competitive quote for our services. Trust the DecorCraft Services name for your next project.

    Posted by: Painting and Decorating on January 26th, 2012 at 8:08 pm

  75. Hi ….. I have information about Whirlpool washers, you should read them and get tips and tricks commersial business with Whirlpool washers.

    Posted by: whirlpool washers on January 27th, 2012 at 5:26 pm

  • Share and Enjoy:
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Fark
  • NewsVine
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • YahooMyWeb
Previously on PingMag