[Niigata / Tokamachi] Traditional straw sandals making experience (straw sandals or cloth sandals)

This experience involves making traditional sandals called "zori." [Straw Crafts from Niigata Prefecture, a Snow Country and Rice-Producing Region] Niigata Prefecture has long been a major rice farming region, and various straw crafts using rice straw have flourished. Until 70 to 80 years ago, families would work together during the snowy winter months to earn a living by crafting sandals and other items using rice straw. Nowadays, those who can craft have become extremely rare, and straw crafts are rarely seen. While this experience of actually making zori has become rare, it is still impressive to see the footwear being made by hand. [What You'll Get From This Experience] In this program, you will work with a local instructor to make these sandals. You can choose between making zori from rice straw or cloth zori made from colorful cloth. You can choose your favorite fabric for the thongs and cloth sandals from the fabrics we have available, so you can combine them to create your own stylish original sandals. The sandals you make can be worn as sandals in the river or sea in the summer, or used as slippers or interior decoration at home. Why not make your own original handmade sandals as a memento of your trip? *Cloth sandals are an optional extra and cost an additional 500 yen. *Only Japanese and English are available.

This is an experience where you can make traditional sandals called "zori." Rice cultivation has been popular in Niigata Prefecture since ancient times, and various straw crafts using rice straw have been popular. Until 70 to 80 years ago, during the snowy winter months, each family would work together to make sandals and everyday items using rice straw to earn an income. Nowadays, people who can make these have become extremely rare, and it is rare to see crafts made from straw. While this experience of actually making zori has become rare, it is still impressive to see the footwear being made by hand in real time.

In this program, you'll make your own sandals with a local straw craftsman. You can choose between rice straw sandals or colorful cloth sandals, so please write your preference in the comments section. You can choose your favorite fabric for the thongs and cloth sandals from the fabrics provided, so you can combine them to create your own stylish sandals. The sandals you make can be worn as sandals in the river or sea in the summer, or as slippers or interior decoration at home. Why not make your own original, handmade straw sandals as a memento of your trip? *This experience is for junior high school students and above (12 years of age and older).