To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The Yomiuri Shimbun A large geta is carried around the Ohara Hachimangu shrine in Hita, Oita Prefecture, on July 22.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
17:21 JST, August 10, 2024
HITA, Oita — A celebration was held last month in the city of Hita, Oita Prefecture, to promote geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals, which are made locally. Residents paraded a mikoshi, or portable shrine in the shape of a giant geta.
The geta-shaped mikoshi, measuring 95 centimeters long and 55 centimeters wide, was hoisted around the Ohara Hachimangu shrine on July 22, which has been nationally designated as “Geta Day.”
With forests covering over 80% of the city’s land area, makers have ample resources to produce the sandals. Hita’s geta-making dates back to the 19th century and the city produced about 20 million pairs in 1946. But production fell off as consumers bought more Western footwear.
The Oita Hita Geta Kumiai, an association of local five geta manufacturers, and members of a local performance group who dance wearing Hita geta took part in the event and pledged to carry on and develop the traditional craft.
The parading of the geta-shaped mikoshi was started by the association in 1992. After a hiatus, the festival was revived in 2022.
