Japanese traditional wooden sandals, known as Geta (下駄, geta), are footwear crafted from wooden soles and cloth straps, historically paired with kimono and yukata. The origins of geta trace back to the Nara period (710–794), influenced by the footwear of Tang dynasty China and the Korean peninsula, before evolving into a uniquely Japanese style. Their primary function was practical: to elevate the wearer above mud and moisture, keeping garments clean and feet dry — a necessity in Japan’s humid climate and unpaved roads. By the Edo period (1603–1868), geta became widely popular and developed into diverse forms, each style carrying its own cultural symbolism and aesthetic. p.4–5 Nimai-ba Geta (二枚歯下駄) Features: Supported by two wooden teeth (ha), usually 4–5 cm high, with replaceable hanao (straps) that allowed endless variations in design. In Japanese tradition, walking in nimai-ba geta creates a poised, deliberate gait. This elegance echoes the cultural emphasis on “tadashii shisei” (correct posture) and the etiquette of composure. p.6–7 Ippon-ba Geta (一本歯下駄) Features: Balanced on a single central tooth approximately 10–15 cm high, requiring exceptional balance and focus to walk. Because of its demanding structure, the ippon-ba geta was often used by monks and samurai as a training tool — symbolizing the discipline of willpower and perseverance. It metaphorically represents the path of the ascetic: remaining steady even on unstable ground. p.8–9 Pokkuri Geta (ぽっくり下駄 / Okobo) Features: A solid, elevated sole (10–15 cm) without teeth, often with small bells embedded in the hollow base that chime with each step. In Kyoto, maiko (apprentice geisha) wear pokkuri geta during their transition from girlhood to the refined world of the geisha — symbolizing the cultural passage from purity to elegance. The bells are not mere decoration; in Japanese tradition, their sound carries spiritual meaning, believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune, making the pokkuri geta both ornamental and auspicious. p.10–11 Sanmai-ba Geta (三枚歯下駄) Features: Elevated with three thick teeth, often towering 15–30 cm or more. Worn exclusively by the oiran (high-ranking courtesans), these geta were both a fashion statement and a display of status. Ordinary geisha or maiko were never permitted such footwear. Due to their height and weight, oiran developed a distinctive, swaying walk known as “uchi-hachimonji” (inward figure-eight steps). This exaggerated movement symbolized allure and elegance, and during the grand Oiran Dōchū processions, it was a deliberate performance of charm and authority. p.12–17 The Influence of Geta in Modern Fashion Beyond their role in tradition, geta have become a source of inspiration for contemporary designers. From Vivienne Westwood’s radical platforms to Kansai Yamamoto, Yohji Yamamoto, Prada, Jil Sander, and many more, geta-inspired footwear continues to bridge the worlds of heritage and innovation. As a design object, geta transcends function. It embodies a balance of craftsmanship, symbolism, and aesthetic form, carrying forward centuries of Japanese cultural identity into the global fashion stage.