Para Waraji Sandals by Maki Izawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 Bronze A' Design Award in Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design Competition Category.
BronzeFootwear· 2023
Para Waraji Sandals
by Maki Izawa
Client: Maki Izawa Design Studio
Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Footwear Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #150134The Design
About Para Waraji Sandals
Para Waraji was created to ensure a secure and peaceful everyday life through prevention. Originally made of straw, Waraji was worn by Japanese commoners and samurais to protect their feet and ward off bad luck and disasters. Para Waraji, however, is made of a durable parachute cord, making it suitable for daily wear and emergency situations. This innovative product not only provides foot protection but can also be untied and used as a rope for wound care and fixation. By blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology, Para Waraji sets a great example of innovation.
The Recognition
About the Bronze A' Design Award
Para Waraji Sandals is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Para Waraji Sandals is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Para Waraji Sandals splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.
Interviews
Grand Interview
Your innovative fusion of traditional Japanese Waraji with modern parachute cord in Para Waraji Sandals represents a remarkable bridge between heritage and contemporary needs - could you share the journey that led you to reimagine this ancient footwear for today's challenges?
The journey to create Para Waraji began with a deep respect for the traditional Japanese Waraji, a piece of footwear that has protected and supported people throughout history. However, as I observed the increasing frequency of natural disasters and global uncertainties, I felt compelled to develop a product that not only preserved this rich heritage but also met the practical needs of modern society. I envisioned a sandal that could transition seamlessly between daily life and emergency situations, providing both protection and peace of mind. Integrating parachute cord into the traditional Waraji design allowed me to create a durable, adaptable product that bridges past traditions with present-day resilience.
The Para Waraji Sandals' dual functionality as both protective footwear and emergency resource is particularly intriguing - what inspired you to incorporate this versatile survival aspect into your design, and how did you balance traditional craftsmanship with modern utility?
The inspiration to incorporate a survival element into Para Waraji came from the sense of uncertainty in modern society and the increasing importance of being prepared for emergencies. I wanted to create a product that could serve not only as footwear but also as a practical tool in unexpected situations. While researching traditional Waraji techniques, I explored ways to balance strength and functionality using a modern material like parachute cord. This approach allowed me to retain the essence of tradition while providing practical utility suited for contemporary life, resulting in the creation of Para Waraji.
In developing Para Waraji Sandals, you have addressed the declining numbers of traditional Waraji craftsmen - how did you approach preserving these ancient techniques while introducing new materials and manufacturing processes?
In developing Para Waraji, I aimed to respect the essence of traditional Waraji craftsmanship while introducing a new material that could meet modern needs. I independently researched traditional Waraji weaving patterns and shapes, exploring how to integrate parachute cord without losing the original essence. This research process involved careful consideration to ensure that both the beauty and functionality of traditional techniques were maintained, while also enhancing durability to meet contemporary demands. Through this design, I sought to honor the past while adapting to the needs of today.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Para Waraji is a Waraji sandal woven with Parachute Cord.
Waraji is a traditional Japanese footwear made of straw that used to be worn by commoners and samurai in the past. Traditional Japanese Waraji have been believed to offer protection and ward off evil spirits as amulets or talismans. They were thought to protect their feet and keep away bad luck and disasters. Para Waraji is a fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Made to fit the size of each foot.
Para Waraji are lightweight, soft, and comfortable on the foot, giving a sensation as if you are walking barefoot. Feet are well protected while sensations in the toes and soles are strengthened, blood circulation is improved, and the footwear is health-conscious, reducing foot fatigue without stressing the feet. - Tags
- #design, #lifestyle, #preparation, #tokyo, #product, #productdesign, #waraji, #japandesign, #japan, #paracord, #traditional crafts, #parawaraji, #designer, #art, #makiizawa
- Production Technology
- Para Waraji is woven using 4mm paracord.
Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope originally developed for suspending military parachutes. Paracord is strong, durable, flexible and abrasion resistant.
It is made of a kernmantle construction, meaning it has a strong inner core surrounded by a woven outer sheath.
It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Para Waraji are designed to wrap around the ankle through small loops on the left and right sides and long loops on the heel, so they fit securely around the sole of the foot and are very easy to walk in. - Design Challenge
- Waraji craftsmen are getting older, and the number of people weaving straw sandals is decreasing.I had a hard finding people who would make them.I would also like to carry out activities to protect the wonderful traditional craftsmen of Japan.
- Research
- Para Waraji are a fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology.
A material of outstanding durability and versatility, paracord adds strength and functionality to the traditional waraji design.
The intricate weave patterns and color combinations of paracord reflect the attention to detail and aesthetic sensibilities that characterize Japanese design.
The result is a unique and practical footwear that embodies a spirit of innovation and respect for tradition. - Inspiration
- The world is currently facing various issues including energy and food crises due to war, extreme weather, and natural disasters. Para Waraji was born as an idea that incorporates the idea of prevention to spend every day calmly and safely. Para Waraji is a Waraji sandal woven with a very strong and durable parachute cord. It not only protects the feet in everyday life, but also serves as a versatile tool in emergencies by untying the woven cord to use as a rope for wound care, hemostasis, fire starting, and dental floss, providing assistance in various aspects of daily life during emergencies.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2022 in Japan.
It was exhibited in Tokyo in October 2022.
It was exhibited in Osaka in December 2022. - Operation Flow
- Para Waraji are designed to wrap around the ankle through small loops on the left and right sides and long loops on the heel, so they fit securely around the sole of the foot and are very easy to walk in.
There is a basic way to tie a Para Waraji, but the strings can be tied in any way you like, so you can change the impression to suit your mood.
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