What is Tabi?
What is Tabi?
Tabi Shoes are one of the traditional Japanese garments that are worn directly on the feet when wearing kimono. Tabi Shoes are made up of an instep and a sole. The instep is divided into an inner instep for the thumb and an outer instep for the other four toes, and is wrapped around the ankle.
History of Tabi
There are various theories about the origin of Tabi Shoes, and the current state of the art is unclear. However, Tabi Shoes are mentioned in a document from around 1000 AD, and it is believed that they existed in the Nara period (710-794). There is a theory that the name comes from the word 'tanhi' (single skin). Tabi Shoes were first made with toes around the Heian period (794-1185), and are thought to have been used for wearing sandals. Thus, Tabi Shoes have a history of nearly 1000 years.
Development of Tabi
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), tabi made of leather became popular among samurai, along with the spread of zori. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603), men wore white leather tabi and women wore purple tabi, and there was a tendency for men and women to wear different tabi. Also, it was considered rude among samurai families at that time to wear tabi in public, and it was considered polite to be barefoot in formal attire or in front of the lord. On the other hand, as the era of warfare progressed, Tabi Shoes came to be used as military attire.
Modern Tabi
In modern times, the function and fashionability of Tabi Shoes have been reevaluated, and they are now attracting attention worldwide. Maison Margiela, a world-famous brand, has Tabi boots (split-toe), which are inspired by the traditional Japanese Tabi Shoes. In this way, they are now being incorporated into fashion.
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Gyoda is the town of Tabi storage
Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture has been known as one of the leading Tabi Shoes production areas in Japan for about 300 years since the mid-Edo period. Among them, Gyoda Tabi Shoes are a national traditional craft, designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Heritage of Japan, and recognized as a Japan Heritage Site in 2017. Also in 2017, Gyoda City was the focus of the TBS drama 'Rikuo,' which featured Tabi Shoes. In addition to Tabi Shoes, the city has quite a bit of history, such as Sakitama, the land from which Saitama Prefecture got its name, Oshijo Castle, and Sakitama Kofun.