CREATIVE KIDS TOP Other Visit to the Mizutori Factory

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2026.08.26
Visit to the Mizutori Factory

The people of Shizuoka City, who know that I wear zori and geta every day, took me to the “Waterfowl” factory during a break in my visits to Tamiya, Aoshima, and Hasegawa!

I first came across “Waterfowl” geta at the “Rendezvous Project” organized by “Spiral.”

It all started when I saw a pair of geta sandals created through a collaboration between artist Kozue Hibino and Mizutori Industries as part of a product development project aimed at applying art to real-world contexts and local industries.

Beautifully shaped and comfortable, made from Shizuoka-grown hinoki cypress. Modern design.

I've bought several pairs over the years.

And this time, we’re heading to the workshop where those geta are made.

Artisans’ handiwork and craftsmanship, local materials.

When design and art are incorporated into this, traditional geta are transformed into products that fit modern lifestyles.

Yesterday, sure enough, I ended up buying another pair of shoes.

A day spent visiting model manufacturers and reflecting on “Japan’s culture of craftsmanship.”

Even during my brief visit to see the waterfowl, I was able to gain a new perspective on the depth and richness of Shizuoka’s craftsmanship.


　

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  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”