mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 19
When Geta Come to Life — The Story of “Kokon”
In the previous episode, we introduced our lacquered geta created in collaboration with Sakamoto Otozo Shoten in Aizu.
What many may not know is that these lacquered geta have another, rather unexpected presence.
She is an original character inspired by our lacquered geta.
Her name is “Mizutori Kokon.”
Named after one of the product’s color variations, she is a character we affectionately call “Kokon-chan.”
You might wonder, “A geta maker… with a character?”
In fact, this idea was born from mizutori’s desire to continue embracing new and unexpected challenges.
By adding a touch of playfulness to Japan’s traditional footwear culture, we hoped to introduce the charm of geta to a wider audience in a new way.
A Story That Began with Students
This project began through a connection with Takarazuka University.
Working together with students allowed us to encounter ideas and perspectives we would never have discovered on our own. It reminded us of the joy and meaning found in true collaboration — a benefit unique to industry–academia partnerships.
When Kokon-chan was first unveiled at an exhibition in 2017, many visitors stopped in surprise:
“A character… for geta?”
Yet their surprise quickly turned into smiles.
Some even discovered mizutori through Kokon and later traveled from afar to visit us in Shizuoka.
What began as a small, playful experiment became something more — a bridge connecting people.
The Future of Kokon and Her Companions
We must admit that we have not yet fully explored Kokon’s potential.
We hope to breathe new life into her role and welcome her more fully as a member of the mizutori family.
Perhaps she may serve as a gentle concierge, answering customers’ questions.
Perhaps she may help share the story of geta — a traditional craft rooted in Shizuoka.
Through her presence, we hope more people will feel that the world of geta is closer and more approachable.
In fact, Kokon is not alone. Including her sisters, six companions have already been created — seven characters in total.
Each holds a distinct personality, and we look forward to seeing how they may expand their presence in the years to come.
We imagine a future where these characters help give voice to mizutori’s story — sometimes even weaving it into narratives of their own.
Adding Wonder to Craftsmanship
At mizutori, we value the idea of adding surprise and delight to the art of making things.
The jewel-like lacquered geta were one expression of that philosophy.
We want people to think:
“I never knew geta could have such possibilities.”
The creation of personified characters is simply another extension of that same spirit.
That said, the idea was not without hesitation.
Within our company, some questioned whether an animated character truly suited our flagship lacquered geta — the highest expression of our craftsmanship. Would it diminish the dignity or value of such a refined creation?
These were sincere and important concerns.
Yet alongside those doubts grew another feeling: perhaps this unexpected approach could reach people who had never before taken an interest in geta. Perhaps it could become a new doorway — a different way to encounter mizutori.
In the end, our curiosity and anticipation for an unknown challenge outweighed our hesitation. We chose to believe that tradition does not lose its value through imagination — it can instead gain new life.
We are deeply grateful to Takarazuka University for walking this path with us.
And we hope you will look forward to the stories that “Mizutori Kokon” and her companions will continue to tell.
Episode 20
