If you are looking for a quality pair of traditional Japanese footwear, the most important thing is to pick the right store. This is because a true retailer of Japanese footwear doesn’t sell ready-made goods like a standard shoe store. Instead, Japanese footwear retailers offer a unique semi-made-to-order service. The footwear’s base and thongs are made by separate craftsman to create a product that matches each customer’s feet. So, while two given pairs of footwear may look the same, a difference in the fitting of the thong will make them feel completely different when worn.

Indeed, a proper footwear artisan must understand how Japanese footwear differs from a standard shoe in terms of how they are worn, and how the wearer must walk and stand in them. Only then can he fit the thong properly and realize an excellent finished product. Yet, the number of retailers who understand this essence of Japanese footwear has dwindled. More and more retailers sell ready-made goods, and so-called “traditional” footwear with non-adjustable thongs grows more prevalent. Come to Tsujiya Honten, where the artisan crafters thoroughly understand what makes their product special, and get your own genuine, personalized piece of Japanese footwear.