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Stepping Back in Style: The Elevated Evolution of Japanese Footwear

As one ventures through the vibrant hangout spots of Tokyo, from the iconic Shibuya to the bustling districts of Shinjuku and Harajuku, a peculiar sight often graces the streets: young women elevated to towering heights by their platformed shoes. While this fashion statement may not be unique to Japan, it carries with it a rich and amusing history that spans the ages.

Before Japan's transformation in the late 19th century towards modernization, its denizens traversed the nation in sandals, with one notable exception—rainy days. On such occasions, when the heavens bestowed their liquid blessings (an event occurring approximately once a week in Japan), the streets turned into veritable quagmires. Attempting to navigate this muddy terrain in sandals was a comical exercise in futility, as anyone who has tried can attest.

In response, the pragmatic Japanese populace opted to shed their footwear, venturing barefoot through the slippery morass. Indeed, careful scrutiny of Japanese woodblock prints depicting rainy days often reveals a cast of characters embracing the minimalist joys of barefoot escapades.

However, an alternative footwear solution emerged—tall clogs, akin to those adorning the lady in this intricate print. Originally crafted for farmers to tread safely upon the treacherous terrain of rice paddies, these clogs underwent a transformation during the Edo Period (1615 - 1868), an era characterized by samurai rule.

Enchanting courtesans gracing the city's thoroughfares began to don lacquered tall clogs during their parades, a choice designed to ensure onlookers could feast their eyes upon their elegance. These elevated clogs, though undeniably glamorous, posed a unique challenge—they were remarkably heavy and notoriously unwieldy.

It is said that courtesans embarked on a quest for poise and grace, diligently honing their art of walking elegantly in these towering creations. In many ways, their dedication paralleled that of contemporary women who engage in heel-wearing practice sessions today 👠.

As history unfolded, the desire for height and fashion merged seamlessly, transcending the constraints of rainy weather. Ordinary yet fashion-savvy women, inspired by the sartorial leadership of courtesans, embraced platformed clogs, regardless of meteorological conditions.

The legacy of platformed clogs eventually yielded to the march of modernization and Westernization, giving rise to the widespread adoption of shoes and heels. Yet, the desire to stand tall while retaining a hint of informality endured. Thus, platformed pumps and sneakers emerged, carrying with them the echoes of a bygone era.

And so, the young women of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku—elevated in style and stature—unknowingly bear the torch of this whimsical and storied heritage 😂.

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Woodblock print by OGATA Gekko (1859 - 1920)

#HistoricalJapan #SamuraiLegacy #ImperialJapan #JapaneseTraditions