mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 31
At the Close of the Year
— With Quiet Gratitude for the Time That Connected Us
As 2025 draws to a close,
we find ourselves reflecting on the year that has passed,
while sensing the quiet footsteps of a new one approaching.
This small series, “What Is mizutori?”, began earlier this year.
It was a tentative beginning.
Yet as we sat down each week to write,
it became a time for us to look again — and more deeply —
at the question: What kind of company is Mizutori Kogyo?
About geta.
About wood.
About craftsmanship.
And about the countless people whose hearts have been woven into this work.
With each piece we wrote,
we came to feel more fully and warmly
the presence of everyone who has supported and connected Mizutori Kogyo —
our families, our employees, our customers, the craftspeople, and our local community.
It has now been one year since our former president passed away.
Through moments of both challenge and uncertainty,
he protected the company and passed the baton forward.
This year, our gratitude for that has felt deeper than ever.
Looking ahead, we continue to aspire to become a “100-year company.”
While quietly crafting footwear that gently accompanies everyday life,
we remain committed — together as a team —
to carrying Japanese footwear culture into the future.
To everyone who followed this series throughout the year.
To those who occasionally shared words with us.
And to those who simply read in silence —
Every one of you has been a source of encouragement.
Thank you, truly.
Next year as well,
we hope to continue sharing with you
the daily rhythms of mizutori,
the stories behind our craftsmanship,
and the small moments we wish to hold in common.
We look forward to meeting you again
in the first “What Is mizutori?” of the new year.
May you spend these final days of the year in warmth and gentleness.
And may the year ahead be filled with health and quiet peace.
We sincerely thank you for your continued support of Mizutori Kogyo in the year to come.
