The Only Place in Japan — A Master Craftsman Weaving Zori Sandals in the Mountains

When you travel to Japan, what do you look for?
Great food? Nature? Scenic spots for photos?

Those are all great—but what I strongly recommend is something different:
an experience you can only have in one specific place.

In the mountains of Kagawa, there is a craftsman named Terada.
He is one of the very few artisans in Japan who still handcraft traditional zori sandals.

But what makes him truly unique is this:
he grows the raw material himself.

Terada uses a special type of rush grass called Shichitoui,
a rare material traditionally grown only in Oita Prefecture and used for Ryukyu tatami mats.

Today, very few farmers still produce it.
And Terada is believed to be the only person growing it organically outside of Oita.

His philosophy is simple:
“Only use natural materials for what you eat and what touches your body.”

That belief led him to create zori sandals that are not only traditional, but also functional.

Wearing them feels close to being barefoot.
They help improve posture, strengthen your core, and bring your body back to a more natural state.

These are not ordinary sandals.

• The fibers are strong and do not fray
• They gradually adapt to the shape of your feet
• The color deepens and develops a natural shine over time
• With proper care, they can last a lifetime

They are something you grow with, not just wear.

In this experience, you can actually learn from the craftsman and make your own pair.

Not just buying a souvenir,
but creating something with your own hands—
something that carries your memory of Japan.

Every step you take in them will bring you back to this place.

Why not take home something truly one of a kind?