Skip to content
Para Waraji Sandály by Maki Izawa

Para Waraji Sandály by Maki Izawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 Bronzová cena A' Design Award in Obuv Competition Category.


BronzObuv· 2023

Para Waraji Sandály

by Maki Izawa

Client: Maki Izawa Design Studio

Bronzová cena A' Design Award Winner in Obuv Category

Colors

The Design

About Para Waraji Sandály

Svět čelí energetické a potravinové krizi kvůli válce a extrémnímu počasí. Para Waraji byl vytvořen jako koncept na podporu prevence a posílení klidného a bezpečného každodenního života. WARAJI je tradiční japonská obuv vyrobená ze slámy, kterou nosili obyčejní lidé a samurajové. Věřilo se, že přináší štěstí a nabízí ochranu jako amulety a talismany. Para Waraji jsou sandály Waraji tkané silnou a odolnou padákovou šňůrou. Chrání nohy, ale také slouží jako všestranný nástroj v nouzových situacích tím, že rozvazuje tkanou šňůru pro použití jako lano, péče o rány, podpalovač, dentální nit

The Recognition

About the Bronzová cena A' Design Award

Para Waraji Sandály je vítězem Bronzové ceny A' Design Award, vysoce prestižního uznání udělovaného vynikajícím designům, které se vyznačují kreativitou, vynalézavostí a bystrostí. Bronzoví vítězové jsou hojně zručné a nápadně kreativní artefakty, které dosvědčují rozsáhlé zkušenosti, představivost a vynalézavost svých designérů. Očekává se, že Para Waraji Sandály bude vysoce ceněným, obdivovaným a milovaným předmětem, pozoruhodně profesionálním a inovativním. Tento design, který získal Bronzovou cenu A' Design Award, zahrnuje osvědčené postupy v umění, vědě, designu a technologiích a vyniká pozorností k detailu. Para Waraji Sandály nádherně uspokojuje potřeby, dotýká se tužeb, okouzluje city a oslovuje zvědavost.

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.

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate