Clack-clack, summer is here. Learning about geta on 'Geta Day' [Broadcast on 7/22]
July 22nd is 'Geta Day'.
The '7' comes from the fact that the measurement '7 sun 7 bu' is often used when making geta, and the '22' comes from the fact that the footprints left on the ground when walking in geta look like the kanji character for 'two'. It is a commemorative day established by the All Japan Wooden Footwear Industry Association.
Japanese footwear that has continued for 2,000 years
The history of geta is very old, dating back about 2,000 years to the Yayoi period in Japan, when rice cultivation began. What was originally used for work in rice paddies and muddy roads eventually spread as everyday footwear for the common people.
In the Edo period, geta were truly the foundation of Japanese footwear, and there was a wide variety of them. Depending on the height and shape of the teeth, they were used differently according to purpose and social status, such as 'taka-geta' (high geta), 'sashiba-geta' (removable-tooth geta), and 'pokkuri' (clogs). Geta, which were handmade one by one by craftsmen, were indispensable tools for life at that time.
After the Meiji era, as Western culture was introduced and Western-style clothing spread, the daily use of geta gradually decreased as they were pushed aside by leather shoes and sandals. Although they are not often seen as everyday footwear now, they are still loved by many as 'special summer footwear' to be worn with yukata during summer festivals and fireworks displays.
The unique clack-clack sound, the feel of the wood against the soles of your feet, and even the slightly unstable sensation—it's footwear that lets you physically feel the essence of summer, isn't it?
Why geta with a yukata?
When it comes to geta, a common question is, 'Why wear geta with a yukata?'
Originally, yukata were cotton kimonos worn by commoners after bathing in the Edo period. Because of this, people didn't bother wearing tabi socks even when going out briefly, so it seems they began to be paired with geta, which feel comfortable when worn barefoot. Recently, styles that pair yukata with sandals, sneakers, or zori have increased, but hearing the sound of geta clacking really puts you in a festival mood, doesn't it?
Summer events in Otokuni where you'll want to go out in a yukata and geta
Since it is Geta Day, I would like to share some event information that will make you want to pull out your yukata and geta.
Tonight (7/22), there is theCool Summer Festivalat the JGSDF Katsura Garrison. It will be open to the public from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, where you can enjoy food and drink stalls and game corners. A drone show and fireworks are also planned.
This Saturday, July 25th, the 'Mukou no Wa Summer Festival' will be held. It is organized by the Mukoshi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division, aiming to become a new summer tradition in Mukoshi. The venue is the Nidec Second Headquarters parking lot, and in addition to food booths selling teppanyaki, karaage, and curry, there will also be target practice and super ball scooping. There will also be stage performances by a local cheer dance team, and from around 6:00 PM, there will be a Bon dance around a special yagura tower to songs like 'Suki Sugite Metsu' and 'Matsuken Samba'. The MC will be Maiko 'Kissie' Kishi, familiar from FM Otokuni. The event runs from noon to 8:00 PM, and admission is free. It will be held rain or shine, but will be canceled in case of stormy weather.
And on Tuesday, August 25th, the Nagaoka Tenmangu Summer Festival will be held again this year. Starting with a Japanese drum performance at 6:15 PM, a packed program including Buddhist chanting and Bon dancing will continue until 10:00 PM. A lantern event by the Tourism Association will also be held on the bridge over Hachijo-ga-ike Pond, creating a magical atmosphere with the light of lanterns swaying on the water's surface. Many food stalls will also be lined up from the evening, so it looks like it will be a summer night that the whole family can enjoy. In case of stormy weather, it will be postponed to the following day. Also, the 'Chinowa Kuguri' (passing through a grass ring) will be held all day, so please try that as well.
Why not try going out to a festival or fireworks display in a yukata and geta this summer? Just by walking with footwear that's a little different from usual, I think it will be a slightly more special night than usual!