mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 16
The Gift of Shizuoka Tea, Beneath Your Feet — The Story of KCW-22
Though the summer heat still lingers, hints of autumn can be felt in the morning and evening air.
Here, mizutori presents more than a stylish pair of geta.
KCW-22 / Cha no Mi is a design infused with the spirit of Shizuoka tea and the craftsmanship of our region.
An Encounter with Tea Dyeing
This project began with an encounter.
In Shizuoka, tea is a cornerstone industry. During its production process, certain portions of the tea leaves cannot be sold commercially. Mr. Kyoichiro Washizu, the fifth-generation owner of Washizu Dyeing Studio, has been researching ways to use these unused leaves as natural dye — a practice known as tea dyeing — and working to cultivate a renewed culture around it.
In tea dyeing, the unsellable tea leaves are boiled down and used as dye. Afterward, the spent leaves are processed into compost and returned to the fields.
Beyond its modern color palette and practical stencil-dyed designs, what defines this work is its commitment to adding value at every stage — drawing upon traditional knowledge while embracing sustainable methods.
Moved by Mr. Washizu’s dedication to building a culture around tea dyeing, mizutori wished to contribute through our own craft: geta.
The Color Woven by Tea Leaves
KCW-22 features fabric dyed with Shizuoka tea leaves.
While green tea is known for its vibrant green hue, tea dyeing transforms it into a deep, warm brown — a tone that pairs beautifully not only with summer attire, but also with autumn styling.
In Japan, the color “cha” has long referred not to bright green, but to the rich, earthy tones that tea leaves reveal over time.
After serving as dye, the tea leaves return to the soil as compost. Today, efforts are also underway to combine the tea remnants with malt by-products from a local Shizuoka brewery, further enriching the cycle of regeneration.
By wearing this pair, one quietly participates in a regional cycle of sustainable craftsmanship.
Comfort, the mizutori Way
Of course, beauty is not the only focus.
With mizutori’s signature wide hanao and contoured footbed that gently embraces the sole, KCW-22 offers a comfortable, secure fit.
While honoring collaboration within the region, we remain committed to creating footwear that feels natural and easy in everyday life.
A Meaningful Gift
KCW-22 can be incorporated effortlessly into daily styling, carrying a story of regional craft beneath your feet.
Its warm, versatile tones appeal across generations. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates Japanese craftsmanship, it is a design that speaks quietly yet deeply.
Experience the depth of Shizuoka tea and the spirit of regional craftsmanship — beginning from the ground up.
KCW-22 is footwear for our time — adding a quiet sense of meaning to everyday life.
