mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 5
“Geta That Pair with Jeans.”
The Origin of Our Philosophy, Reflected in a Single Pair.
Today, mizutori offers more than 100 varieties of colorful hanao straps, allowing each person to choose a pair that feels uniquely their own.
In this episode, we would like to share the story behind the very first pair of Geta Monogatari — and the philosophy that gave it life.
When Geta Monogatari was first introduced, the collection was modest.
At the heart of its development was a simple yet powerful idea from the previous president:
“I want to create geta that go well with jeans — something anyone, young or old, can wear.”
Born in 1944, he saw jeans as the very symbol of modern style.
He wanted to propose a new way of dressing — pairing Japan’s traditional footwear with the everyday denim worn by so many.
At events and exhibitions, he would often say to customers with a bright smile:
“You know, these geta look wonderful with jeans.”
In those words lived both confidence in a new lifestyle and a deep love for craftsmanship.
To bring that vision to life, we paid careful attention to design.
To complement the classic navy of denim, the hanao were based in deep indigo tones. We commissioned a special fabric from a weaving workshop in Ishikawa Prefecture, incorporating traditional Japanese motifs such as asanoha (hemp leaf) and seigaiha (blue ocean waves).
At the time, the brand was not yet called “mizutori.”
Its name was “Wakobo Mizutori,” a title that carried a sense of warmth.
The logos for both “Wakobo Mizutori” and Geta Monogatari were hand-brushed by the current president’s grandfather, who was a calligraphy teacher.
The founder’s passion, supported by the strength of family bonds — Geta Monogatari was a pair born from the hands and hearts of the entire family.
Nearly 30 years after its release, we are deeply proud that Geta Monogatari continues to be loved by so many.
Today, the designs extend far beyond traditional Japanese patterns, offering styles that complement a wide range of fashion.
As we move forward, we remain committed to honoring the spirit that began it all — crafting each pair with care, so it may accompany your everyday life.
This summer, we invite you to discover a new style by pairing your favorite jeans with mizutori geta.
