Para Waraji 涼鞋 by Maki Izawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 鞋履設計 Competition Category.

銅鞋履· 2023

Para Waraji 涼鞋

by Maki Izawa

Client: Maki Izawa Design Studio

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 鞋履 Category

50,295

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #150134

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Para Waraji 涼鞋

由於戰爭和極端天氣，世界正面臨能源和糧食危機。 Para Waraji 的創建理念是促進預防並增強平靜和安全的日常生活。稻草是日本傳統的稻草鞋，以前是平民和武士穿的。人們相信它可以帶來好運，並作為護身符和護身符提供保護。 Para Waraji 是一款由堅固耐用的降落傘繩編織而成的 Waraji 涼鞋。它不僅可以保護腳部，還可以在緊急情況下作為多功能工具，解開編織繩用作繩索、傷口護理、點火器、牙線

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Para Waraji 涼鞋是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Para Waraji 涼鞋將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Para Waraji 涼鞋出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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.