mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 38
That Moment When We Can’t Help but Say Hello
When walking through town,
we sometimes spot someone
wearing mizutori’s geta.
At moments like that,
we can’t help
but want to speak to them.
In fact,
there have been many times
when we actually have.
Most people are a little surprised at first.
But here in our hometown of Shizuoka,
the conversation often turns to how they feel about the comfort,
or where they purchased them,
and it becomes a warm and pleasant exchange.
Those are moments we truly treasure.
Once, at a convenience store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo,
we saw someone wearing
our “Hinoki no Hakimono.”
He appeared to be in his twenties,
and he wore them with such style
that we felt an immediate surge of happiness.
After he finished paying,
we gathered our courage
and spoke to him—
Only to find that he was so startled
he actually stepped backward.
Looking back,
it is only natural.
It is not every day
that the maker of one’s footwear
suddenly strikes up a conversation.
We were simply happy
and wanted to say,
“Thank you.”
But in putting our feelings first,
we realized we may have surprised him unnecessarily.
We felt apologetic,
and reflected on it.
Since then,
even if we see someone wearing our geta in town,
we try to hold back a little.
Instead of speaking,
we quietly whisper in our hearts,
“Thank you.”
And yet,
in our hometown,
we still sometimes find ourselves
calling out after all.
That is how happy it makes us.
After our products leave our hands,
we rarely have the opportunity
to see how they are worn
in daily life.
That is why,
when we see them worn casually
as part of someone’s everyday life,
or styled as part of their fashion,
or chosen for a special occasion,
we feel almost unable to contain ourselves.
Just yesterday,
to tell the truth,
we heard the distinct sound of mizutori’s geta in the street
and instinctively turned around.
It was a lovely outfit —
a harmonious mix of Japanese and Western elements,
paired with geta featuring tatami-beri straps.
I was about to say something,
but the friend I was with gently stopped me.
From the sound of the footsteps,
I sensed that it might soon be time
to replace the rubber soles,
and I had wanted to mention that as well,
along with my thanks…
At that point,
it is simply an occupational habit.
As makers,
we cannot help but wonder
how the geta we have sent into the world
are doing now.
So if one day,
someone approaches you on the street and says,
“I’m the one who makes those geta!”
please do not be alarmed.
If you could share
even a few words
about how they feel,
we would be deeply grateful.
We also warmly welcome
photos or messages
about how you wear them.
To everyone who chooses to wear our geta,
we send, once again today,
a quiet “thank you” in our hearts.
