Episode 3 “We Couldn’t Continue Like This.”

A Challenge Born from Changing Times

Until the early years of the Heisei era, Mizutori Kogyo worked primarily behind the scenes — processing wooden bases for geta and crafting footbeds for sandals. We were, in many ways, a quiet supporter of the industry, supplying materials and components rather than finished products.
At that time, we never imagined creating complete products under our own brand.
But the pace of change was swift. As Japanese manufacturing increasingly moved overseas, it became clear that continuing solely as a material supplier would make long-term sustainability difficult.
“We can’t go on like this.”
With that realization, we decided to take a step into unfamiliar territory: developing our own original products while drawing on the experience and techniques we had cultivated over decades.
That first step became Geta Monogatari.

Returning to the Fundamental Question

At the time, the company’s second-generation president, Masashi Mizutori, felt a deep sense of urgency about the company’s future. He began developing an original product with a clear vision: to bring geta — the company’s origin — back into everyday life as contemporary footwear.
The first question we asked ourselves was simple:
“Why have people stopped wearing geta in modern life?”
From that question, several challenges became clear:
•    Geta carry a strong traditional image, making them difficult to pair with modern, Western-style clothing and lifestyles.
•    The straps are often stiff, causing discomfort or chafing.
•    Even when adjusted, the fit may not feel quite right.
•    Because people are no longer accustomed to wearing them, they tire easily when walking.
•    On asphalt roads, the distinctive wooden clacking sound can feel intrusive.
Our goal became clear:
To resolve these issues and create a practical geta — one that could be worn comfortably and casually in daily life.

Thus began the full-scale development of mizutori’s signature creation, Geta Monogatari.