Visit 3 Cheap Shoe Stores in Tokyo and…

Shane | January 3, 2020 | 58

For shoe enthusiasts, Tokyo is heaven! Imagine, we can buy various types of shoes with prices ranging from one hundred thousand to millions of rupiah. Certainly, with a guarantee of quality that can not be doubted. Minasan will also be amazed by the many cheap shoe stores in Tokyo that we can go to while on vacation to Japan.

Traveling to Japan recommends 3 cheap shoe shops in Tokyo that we can visit when we want to upgrade our appearance or add to our collection of shoes. These three stores sell various types of footwear, such as shoes, sandals, booths, high heels, flats, wedges, and others. Interest will be amazed by the super low price!

Here are three cheap shoe stores in Tokyo that you can go to when looking for quality shoes at popular prices.

Shoe Plaza Chiyoda

If you are interested in buying boots with a typical Japanese model, Shoe Plaza Chiyoda in Shinjuku can be a reference. With the main strength in fashionable models, Shoe Plaza Chiyoda has a myriad of types of boots that will add value to our appearance.

Then, how about the price? The price at Shoe Plaza did not disappoint. Boots with medium to low prices, everything is there in this shop. And again, the shoe models in this shop also follow the trends in society. By paying 1,000 ~ 4,000 yen, Minas can have a pair of cool shoes for traveling in Tokyo.

Tokyo Shoes Retailing Center / 東京 靴 流通 セ ン ー ー

Tokyo Kutsu Ryutsu Senta or Tokyo Shoes Retailing Center is a shoe retail center located in Tokyo. Indeed from a distance, this shop does not look like a shoe store in general. However, who would have guessed that this shop is extraordinarily vast with a complete collection of shoes.

Another point is the interest of being able to buy a pair of shoes at super low prices! Tokyo Kutsu Ryutsu Senta offers various types of sports shoes, sandals, shoes, and boots in trendy and casual models. Sold from 745 yen to 990 yen.

The location is in three places, namely Nishi Shinjuku, Ueno Ameyoko, and Ueno Okachimachi. Choose the location that you think is closest to the Japanese tourist destination you chose.

AbAb Department Store

When you are interested in setting foot in Ueno, take time to shop at the AbAb Departments Store. This two-story shopping center not only sells clothes and accessories but various types of shoes. Generally, shoes at AbAb Department Store are around 7000 yen. However, don’t be asked during the summer; these shoes will be discounted to just 1,000 yen!

Yup, AbAb Department Store is popular with its summer promos. So, please come to this shopping center in the summer. Because shoes are comfortable and branded, they can be bought at an unexpected price.

7 Trendiest Japanese Brand Sneakers among Young People

Shane | October 1, 2019 | 77

Japan is arguably the center of unique and eccentric fashion. Various well-known trends and fashion brands produced in the land of sakura. For those who love casual fashion items such as sneakers, Japan has a line of superior brands that offer unique, innovative design concepts, and of course, prioritizing user comfort.

Are you curious about the most famous Japanese sneakers that you must put in your collection? So I’m not curious, see the review below.

ASICS

ASICS is the parent brand of Onitsuka Tiger. The name ASICS itself is an abbreviation of the Latin language term “anima sana in corpore sano,” which means that in a healthy body, there is a strong soul. ASICS itself is better known for its line of equipment and sports shoes. ASICS running shoes are one of the most popular products in the whole world.

LOSERS

LOSERS was founded in 1975. Since its establishment decades ago, LOSERS continues to prioritize principles or concepts that uphold the unique values ​​and beauty of Japan. Even though this brand name has connotative meaning, this is not made as a mockery.

Instead, this brand wants to manipulate the “losers” to be more confident so that they can survive in life. Even though it is one of the fashion items of today, LOSERS does not hesitate to combine it with the values ​​of art and culture typical of Japan. For example, LOSERS uses a 48 color scheme of brown and 100 shades of gray in his shoe products that represent the distinctive colors of clothing in the Edo period.

Mizuno

Before being known as a sportswear brand, Mizuno was better known as a shop selling fashion goods from the west, which had existed since 1906. Gradually Mizuno began producing his shoes and sports equipment such as baseball gloves in 1913. Until now, Mizuno remained excels as a world-renowned sportswear brand, especially for its line of running shoes and sneakers.

Onitsuka Tiger

Initially, Onitsuka was a unique basketball shoe brand created by Kihachiro Onitsuka. Previously, Onitsuka Tiger was under the auspices of the company Onitsuka Co., and now the company has changed its name to ASICS. But, this rebranding company did not eliminate its superior shoe line, namely Onitsuka Tiger. This one sneakers brand is one of the keenest to revive the trend of sneakers from the 1960-1980s. If calculated, Onitsuka Tiger is one of the oldest brands in Japan because it has been established since 1949.

RFW Tokyo

Takashi Kanokogi founded RFW Tokyo in 1998. After learning the process of making shoes in London, Kanokogi finally ventured to establish his brand of shoes under the name Rhythm Footwear. The hallmark of this RFW Tokyo sneakers is none other than the sleek, simple design, and the use of minimalist patterns and colors that are suitable for both girls and boys.

That’s seven popular Japanese sneakers that you must know. How do you already have a collection of sneakers from the Japanese brands above?

The Best Sneakers Shop in Tokyo Japan

Shane | September 3, 2019 | 32

Tokyo may still be inferior to Milan, Paris, or New York as the center of world fashion. But Tokyo is one of the fashion centers in Asia. Together with Singapore and Hong Kong, Japan has become a cultural mecca in Asia. One of them is sneakers or casual shoes, which are now being hype among young people, not only in Indonesia but throughout the world.

In Tokyo alone, sneakers are gaining ground because the Harajuku style is perfect when wearing sneakers. Then if you walk to Tokyo and want to buy shoes, where is it?

Gettry

Harajuku is a casual Japanese style that is spreading. With little saggy clothes, dyed hair, and of course, sneakers, Harajuku style became an idol in Japan. And Gettry shoe store is one of the shoe stores that try to combine how brands like Nike, Adidas, or Reebok are suitable for use with Harajuku style.

Chapter World

Next is Chapter World, which is also in the Jingumae area, my Shibuya. This shop is more like a small grocery shop but has goods that you shouldn’t underestimate. Because here, almost all shoes from the latest models to old models are sold. Some sneakerheads (sneaker hunters) from abroad sometimes are willing to come all the way to stop by this shop.

Kicks. Lab

Jordan fans from all over the world are familiar with Kicks stores. The lab is still in the same complex as the stores above. Kicks. Lab is one of the shoe stores that have the rarest collection of Jordan shoes. Besides Jordan, there are brands like Supreme, UNDEFEATED, or NEIGHBORHOOD that have the prestige of not being inferior to other famous brands.

A + S

Its real name is Architecture & Sneakers, then abbreviated as A + S. This shop is located in Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, downtown Tokyo. The place might not be like a shoe store in general, because the interior design is very luxurious. But make no mistake, because this A + S is the mecca of streetwear in Japan. Many Japanese artists buy goods from this shop.

Japanese Unique Sandals: Zori

Shane | July 6, 2019 | 114

These Japanese flip-flops turn out to be elements of the richest and most interesting culture you know. Japan is one of the countries that become a world tourist destination because the country is the most beautiful. Also, Japan is rich in the traditions and cultures of the unique relics of the past, one of which is in the affairs of Fashion. Do you know traditional Japanese sandals made from rice straw or plant fiber? Yes, the name of the shoe is Zori. Zori is Japanese sandals in the flat and frayed design created from rice straw or other plant fibers.

Also, there are zori created from fabric, lacquered wood, leather, or even synthetic materials. Zori was most popular in his time to the point that during World War II many countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States created imitations of these sandals, but with the basic ingredients of rubber and are known by different names. In the 1950s the zori-making factory in Japan concluded to work on exporting zori with rubber material to accommodate Westerners’ feet.

Zori has a flat design, and there are no ‘teeth’ underneath (supporting pieces of wood attached to the soles of sandals). Meanwhile, at the top of the Zori sandals, there is a hook for the location of the toes called ‘Hanao’ which is created from fabric. When wearing it, Hanao will isolate the thumb from the other finger.

In addition to Zori, there are also other typical Japanese sandals known as Geta. Geta is a traditional Japanese scandal that has existed since 1970. The uniqueness of geta sandals is the distinctive sound of ‘klotak klotak’ which is often issued when used. Geta is a famous wooden slipper mainly because of the “teeth” that will come in direct contact with the ground when used walking.

Although rare, some gums do not have ‘teeth’ but are both created from wood, known as Pokkuri geta. Pokkuri Geta has a footprint that was created thick and is commonly used by Maiko (the term for beginner Geisha) as well as all the girls for the Sichi Go San event.

Zori is commonly used when wearing Japanese formal kimono clothes, and the surface elements are often coated with leather, cloth, or vinyl. In ancient times, not a few people use ‘wara zori’ (zori sandals) created from woven straw. Before the design of shoes became popular, during this time, the farmers weaved their sandals in residence called “waraji” and were used as footwear when working.

Zori also has a variety of designs that suit your needs. Zori women who are used to work are always created big on the heels with rounded soles, to the point that they are more like ordinary sandals. Meanwhile, for zori men, created a little round and flat. For marriages, zori women want to use ornate brocade and combined with kimono.

At first, GETA was not designed for fashion needs. Instead, geta is used with a destination to facilitate mobilization when they have to wear kimono. Kimono usually has a format that extends and hangs up to the ankles, therefore, by using geta, kimono will not be dragged by mud or snow

In modern times, geta is often used when wearing a yukata. This is felt like a symbol of summer folk parties and summer fireworks folk parties. Sushi traders and chefs traditionally wear the highest geta to guard the distance between them and the leftovers on the floor. Sometimes these people even use gums that have only one tooth (positioned right in the middle of the sole of the shoe) called tengu-geta.

Even though it is a little contradictory to the design of the sandal, the technique of using zori and geta remains the same as ordinary beach sandals. But for those of you who aren’t used to it, of course, it will be seen that the most difficult to get transported goes. This assumption is not wrong, because it takes a little practice before finally, all young Japanese women can take place using the geta.

Well, that is not a lot of reviews related to Zori and Geta, if you are on or going on a trip to Japan, Zori and Geta can be an appropriate option for souvenirs typical of the land of sakura.

9 Kinds of Footwear in Japan

Shane | June 3, 2019 | 23

Footwear is one thing that can not be separated from human life.

Barefoot, on the way, our feet can be hurt by rocks and foreign objects. Not only that but now, footwear also plays an important role as a fashion style in our lives. Well, let’s see what kind of footwear in Japan are:

Kutsu – Shoes

As we know, shoes are footwear that is used to protect feet from the toes to the heels and insteps. Shoes based on their function are divided into four main categories, namely: formal shoes (for school, work, and other official events), casual (for walks), dance (specifically for dancing), and sports (specifically for sports).

Geta

Geta is traditional Japanese footwear made of wood. Geta consists of 3 parts, namely the palm peregialas, the teeth (ha) and cloth clamps (hanao). Geta is usually used when events are informal or only used when traveling in ancient times. In Japan now it is still often used. In Indonesia, we know the name of clogs (or Kelompen ??: D) yes The difference is in the model and parts.

Heyabaki / Surippa

Heyabaki is footwear specifically used in the home. The shape is thin and usually made of the same feathers as a towel. The habit of using heyabaki since Europeans entered Japan, this is because before Japanese people in ancient times did not use footwear in the house. Also known as the surippa from the English word slipper. If you come to a Japanese home, you will be invited to enter by using surippa for guests in the pool house.

Uwabaki

Special shoes used in the school area. Schools from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school in Japan almost all use uwabaki when entering school buildings. Initially, they came to school in school shoes from home, when they entered the building, they exchanged it for uwabaki which the school had provided in the shoe storage locker. The use of uwabaki in the area of ​​the school building aims to maintain the cleanliness of the school building.

Room Boots

Room Boots or room boots have the same function as heyabaki / surippa. It’s just the difference between room boots and winter boots. Footwear is used to keep feet warm in winter.

Zouri

Referred to as traditional Japanese sandals. In contrast to geta, which cannot be used for official events, the use of zouri can be used for ordinary walks or official events. Zouri is worn when the Japanese use kimono. Usually used by girls.

Waraji

Footwear made of straw. Widely used when people will travel far. Waraji has straps to tie around the ankles, so they don’t come off easily. Samurai also use this footwear most often. It’s rarely used.

Setta

Rectangular footwear, formed of straw, and under the base, there is a layer of cowhide. The shape is similar to waraji. Only the difference is there is no rope to tie. Usually used by guys. Until now it is still often used by Japanese people.

Tageda

The last is tageda. Tageda is a type of geta that was used by farmers when rice fields. In this era, it is no longer used, you will find it in museums.

Japanese Traditional Footwear: Geta

Shane | April 7, 2019 | 64

If you visit a traditional festival in Japan and see Japanese people wearing kimono, you will also be seen using unique wooden footwear called Geta.

Geta resembles two clogs or flip-flops. They are a kind of sandal with a wooden base that is quite high then on top. There is a cloth clamp. Usually, Geta are worn with traditional clothing such as kimono and yukata. And also sometimes used during winter/rain, because of its high support shape it is often heard steps of people who use these traditional Japanese sandals.

Japanese Cultural Traditions – If you visit a traditional festival in Japan and see Japanese people who use kimono must also be seen using unique wooden footwear called Geta, Geta is a form of traditional Japanese shoes which resembles both clogs or flip-flops. They are a kind of sandal with a wooden base that is quite high then on top. There is a cloth clamp. They are worn in traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono or yukata. Sometimes the sap is used in rain or snow to keep feet dry, because of its high support shape it is often heard steps of people who use these traditional Japanese sandals.

In its simplest form, Geta is a thick wooden sandal which is supported by the two logs below. The bottom of the wood is called teeth (ha). Walking with a single or only one tooth is an effort to train balance, but most modern gums now have two teeth at the bottom, so it is far more practical and balanced.

Geta is not very formal. They are usually worn with yukata with bare feet without wearing socks. You will see many people use these traditional sandals in the summer of Matsuri and fireworks. Geta sandals are not as often as Zori sandals that are commonly used with Kimono and tabi socks. There is a unique geta called Tetsu Geta which is an iron version of the normal geta which weighs 3 to 5 kilograms. They have historically been used by martial arts students such as karate to strengthen legs.

The sound of the steps created by the Geta sandals is very characteristic, and the Japanese people call it “Karankoron” and many parents in Japan who hear this sound like returning to nostalgia when they were young. Breaking the rope in Geta is a bad thing according to the principles of the ancients. Therefore, many Japanese people avoid Geta at low prices or poor quality.