mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 29
“We Make Zodiac Geta.”
— A Once-a-Year Creation Born from Playfulness
At this time of year, a subtle restlessness fills our workshop.
It is because the deadline is approaching to submit our “zodiac geta” designs — inspired by the animal of the coming year in the Japanese zodiac.
For the past several years, mizutori has created a special pair of zodiac-themed geta each year to coincide with our New Year exhibition.
Unlike our usual focus on practicality, this project places playfulness at the center.
It is a freer, more open time of creation — slightly different from our everyday craftsmanship.
Some search for fabrics featuring the zodiac animal.
Some paint bold designs directly onto the wooden base.
Others sew on charms or attach faux fur.
In the Year of the Tiger, one pair was hand-painted from “spine to belly,” covering the entire base in tiger stripes.
In the Year of the Rabbit, soft pom-poms inspired by a fluffy tail were added.
Each attempt feels a little like returning to childhood art class —
imaginative, unrestrained, and full of personal expression.
Originally, this began as an internal project to nurture creativity and product development within our team.
Yet as the years passed, it became a tradition.
By late summer, someone inevitably says,
“We should start thinking about next year’s design.”
After the exhibition period ends, the completed zodiac geta are presented to their creators as a token of participation.
However, if the maker wishes, the pair may also be displayed for sale in our shop.
Many people feel a personal connection to their zodiac sign and collect related items.
Others seek one-of-a-kind designs.
Interestingly, it is often the boldest, most daring pairs that attract the most attention.
Within the limited theme of the zodiac,
each team member reflects on what “mizutori-like expression” might mean.
By freely engaging in everything from material selection to production,
our perspective on geta-making — and our sense of play — naturally expands.
Next year will be the Year of the Horse.
In what form will it appear as geta?
Even imagining the unseen pair fills us with quiet excitement.
And someday, we would love to open this project beyond our company —
perhaps even hosting a “Zodiac Geta Contest”
together with customers and external creators.
These ideas, too, are slowly beginning to take root.
Zodiac geta are born from mizutori’s spirit of play and the creative space within our craftsmanship.
May the coming year be healthy, lighthearted,
and just a little bit joyful.
Even now, in the workshop,
the quiet work continues.
