What Shoes did Samurai Wear? Let’s ask this British Guy!

Today I would like to introduce you to a rare Waraji craftsman, and my friend, Mike.
Surprisingly, he is from England.
Mike's Website: reallyruraljapan.com/
Mike's Instagram: / really.rural.japan
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[@magdalenas.zawadzka7661]

The most beautiful of this sorry is passion and love to traditional craft. ❤

[@angelauska]

Sorry? I think you mean story😀

[@milymaj]

We would like to see more detailed video on how to make waraji :) It is a knowledge that can be forgotten and it would be a pity! In Poland we have something similar called Łapcie. Greetings :)

[@jdb6026]

There are some tutorials online, but they're usually in Japanese. I don't understand Japanese, but someone with experience in handicrafts will get it. Making it with rice straw is usually the best option, but one can make them using tshirt yarn, albeit they can only be used indoors. They get destroyed easily, though, like, after 100 steps. So they're no longer very practical, considering their take an hour or two to make.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

There are some good videos on youtube and instructions. It's pretty easy. We dont have rice straw here so I have to use sisal rope. Just need two feet, 1 long rope and a bit of patience.

[@MegaThefuture]

Amazing video! Also flat shoes from natural made materials are the best orthopedic shoes for your spine and for proper positioning of leg bones, knees and hips, scientists are starting to come to this conclusion just now, yet our ancestors knew it all along.

[@Audrey.17]

Right!!! 👣

[@annag.3776]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/amXHlaeIZb13jLc&pp=ygUUdGhlIGdyb3VuZGluZyBtb3ZpZSA%3D

[@janetthoke8027]

Yes!

[@anniecochrane3359]

Loved seeing the Waraji being made, and so great in a river and on stones. Non slip!!

[@guhrizzlybaire]

This is so interesting! I learned something new today thanks to you 😊

[@marie4peace]

Fantastic video All cultures are losing skills that one day we all will have to re-learn Thanks Aki

[@shannonannagins]

Couple of delightful human beings! Someday, I would love to go on one of Mike's tours!

[@Willie3]

I find the traditional shoes fascinating. It amazes me the things we call better than. Not all modern inventions are better. Thank you for sharing, love your videos😊

[@cynthiahurlburt2819]

Thank you for sharing! The mountains are truly calling you this summer. Have you worn your waraji on your trek in Europe? I hope you two will meet again. You are both appear to have kind hearts. I have learned so much from your channel! Have fun and stay safe.😊

[@SusanBame]

Thank you so much for this. Of course Native Americans made moccasins out of tanned buffalo, elk and deer hide, and South American Natives made woven shoes like waraji for traversing the mountains. There's a lot being revealed now about "earthing," which is basically going barefoot, or wearing something on our feet that is not made of synthetic materials but rather natural materials. There is much value in wearing natural materials on our feet.

[@philtookgrenadesforme7785]

You have no idea how evil marxists are. Almost everything is part of the population reduction and demographic change movement, including shoes. They tried to implement the program in Japan after the war, but the Japenese were able to expel most of their strategy in the 1970s. FYI, Romans put garlic in their shoes for killing infections and other health benefits.

[@keptleroymg6877]

These are really easy to learn I hope lots of people retain these and as many traditional crafts as possible

[@so_juu_y0o]

Aki, thanks for another interesting video about Japanese culture, it's always interesting! The way you guys were hiking in a kimono with tabi and waraji on them really seems to take you back to the Edo period✨ I somehow learned about waraji a long time ago and became interested in these shoes, hope someday I'll weave a pair for myself and take a walk in the fields or mountain paths☺️

[@kerryshultz9766]

I love the idea of the Japanese sandals. I am finding I can wear flat footwear without the metatarsal problem hurting. So the sandals look great. Thank you for your realy enjoyable and interesting videos. Have a great time in Europe.

[@TheMennomilist]

2 hours to make them is not too bad!! They look great. It was great seeing what your journey walking together. That was wonderful.

[@jdb6026]

They are when you realise they don't last very long. More or less 100 steps and you need a new pair. Back in the day, they were being made and sold literally everywhere and were available anytime (not sure about supplies after the rice harvest season). After they get destroyed after 100 or so steps, one can buy another pair for rediculously cheap. They were made by farmers to pass time and to get rid of rice straw they would've otherwise burned in an economical manner. I made my own waraji using Manila hemp because I wasn't able to ask my neighbours for their rice straw before it rained.

[@carolutley6523]

There are shoes made in Mexico called Huarachis. Pronounced the same. Woven leather sandals

[@JMcYrk]

Another very interesting and unusual subject on your channel! I loved seeing the traditional items! 🙂❤

[@RedMapleCanada]

Beautiful shoes, and a beautiful place to explore wearing the Waraji shoes! Good luck to Mike with his new business!! 👍👍

[@annanikia7949]

Your videos are the BEST! I always feel great after watching them! I love Japan and it’s culture. It is so nice to learn about historical crafts!

[@marylberyl6556]

Good morning Aki. Thank you for showing us this great piece of cultural art I didn't know about. This is why I find you and your friends so amazingly interesting (pardon my interest). I end up always being enchanted. Going to Japan? I definitely try to plan that! Have a nice continuation. Best.

[@janetlawrence9749]

Your videos help me to feel calm and relaxed. I admire your fortitude and courage to travel and to experience new things. ❤❤❤❤

[@rosemarygilman8718]

That was fantastic! I loved learning about waraji and the Japanese countryside! Mike looks to have fantastic tours available. I really loved this and all your videos. Thank you Aki!

[@valerierogers9609]

Things that are created and not manufactured are rare and amazing ✨️

[@christinafalla5762]

U deserve one million views ❤thank you for getting us through this interesting experience and thanks to Mike to keep such wonderful tradition ❤️

[@fortawesome1974]

Wow, an Englishman trying to keep traditional Japanese culture alive!! What a legend!! A not well known tradition as well, that's what makes this so special!! Well done that man!!

[@ellanina801]

That’s exactly the kind of experience I would want in Japan! I also would 100% wear waraji. Thank you!

[@dmshampton]

Very interesting Aki! Thanks for sharing!

[@MsSephrena]

Excellent video - Thank you for sharing....

[@katrinabellingham4405]

I love your videos. So educational and interesting.

[@denisconrad8534]

meeting your friend in Japan countryside makes it even more interesting to plan for a trip to Japan thank you

[@jdb6026]

Making a waraji is really fun. I made my own during the pandemic but because I couldn't get the timing right in asking neighbours for rice straw, I decided to make mine out of abaca. Bad idea, but it was good practice. It hurts my hands, legs, and back. Making it is no joke. Plus, it doesn't last very long. Maybe 100 steps? There was an abundance back in the day and it wa so affordable, the poor could afford to buy it. Waraji is better used on land than on pavement.

[@sandracarli1110]

Very interesting! I'm happy that you are both trying to preserve good traditions. Your voice is different when you speak Japanese. ;)

[@kamiyama-chairdesklamp]

Voice being different speaking different languages is actually pretty normal. Most non-monolingual are like this. (English is my third language of going on five, Japanese is also my first)

[@sandracarli1110]

@@kamiyama-chairdesklamp Well, actually, I meant it as a statement. What you wrote is true. I'm a language teacher who speaks three languages and I can say it really happens. ;)

[@Maryland_Kulak]

Things that make me go hmmmm: The traditional sandals of the Tarahumara people in Mexico are huarache. Pronounced the same as waraji.

[@kapitansosnowiec8296]

I have a big scar on my knee from slipping on a wet rock at the river bed. Maybe instead of crocs i should have worn straw sandals that day

[@shingaki.channel]

Arigatou Aki for this video 😊. I think Waraji are so cool , I didn't know about them. Please tell Mike, he should promote them here in Switzerland 😅, I would definitely get one to get into rivers and lakes, my feet always hurt because of the stones and I do not like much the rubber shoes that are sold here for the water... well, now that I think about it, those would also be so good in many beaches around Europe as many of them have rocks instead of sand 🤔😅. Keep enjoying your trip 🙌😊

[@gabrielsidequest]

I would really love a matcha brand for Austria and an e-book or even an audio book. Thank you so much for your inspiring videos :)

[@joseguimaraes1094]

What a great pair of hiking shoes, waraji are!

[@Audrey.17]

Very interesting! I am transitioning to barefoot minimalist shoes, so these shoes are pretty fascinating. The part that I would like to learn more on is why the toes are not supported. They look like they are hanging off a bit. I wonder what the benefit is of that?

[@tritonvolant]

Very interesting video. My friend is using KZbin to improve her English and she loves your channel. She thinks you're very handsome and she adores your accent. 😊

[@LycaonsMemories]

here at my local renaissance festival we have sandals similar, the difference being they are made of rope

[@tikoy1955]

Good informational video. Wait! Wait! The water was too cold for you?? Haven't you went into water with snow on the ground? LOL

[@sixtenjohansson4246]

A cross between these and latvian pastalas would be perfect. 😁

[@JasminAsterios]

Thank you for your Content. It's always so calming...I enjoy watching you while you deliver your love for your Country 😊 can't wait for the next Video!

[@PlatinumLemur]

Now you're cosplaying Ginko from Mushishi!

[@gunjirox7485]

I like Tabi with Waraji, looks cool, and on gras you can walk well

[@jillknox1406]

I love the Waraji 😊

[@karlschreiber9286]

Amazing. Shalom!

[@near_lawliet]

Now i know the reason "Luffy Sandals" so strong 😅

[@melodyshortsmusic]

Not yet that's so nice

[@mojyoqueen350]

Meanwhile me looking for shoes 😭 I must visit this British Guy and make them myself!

[@SurvivingWithFanty]

I love it! Now I just need to start a rice farm and then I can make some waraji x) Btw what is the paint on your hands did you use colouring during the weaving?

[@ernststravoblofeld]

I make them out of plastic twine. They last about a year. They are my main footwear.

[@daisydaisy1034]

Are you planning on teaching lessons on how to do Chano-yu? Where can we buy Waraji? I'm trying not to wear plastic materials or rubber shoes. I think it is better for our health to wear natural materials!

[@HenkBartl]

actually as a cosplayer I do know waraji because of the bleach manga. what actually worries me though is that warajis are not holding up against glass and nails

[@damianw5861]

You can sew rubber sole underneath, and you will be fine

[@philipp1922]

Why are the those standing out with Waraji? Can one make them just a bit longer or what is the purpose of this design?

[@tawuso4365]

Sacrifice et don de soi, Il nous faudra puiser dans l'esprit du samouraï pour affronter les défis du futur....🤺

[@mrcluckington6361]

I love japanese culture especially edo period samurai I have matsuri jog tabi boots and I have a pair of wajiri 😅I own a tenugui too lol

[@truthtellerninja]

Where can I buy some

[@heliamartins3378]

Nice will Contact him For sure . I’m Wishing to go soon xx 😘

[@keptleroymg6877]

I make waraji. I always look to history for minimalism

[@louisacuriel4651]

Sounds very close to the Mexican huarache, and also the materials are very similar.

[@claudialena1340]

😍

[@madeleineg2049]

Thank you for the video. I messed up again, and well I still don't get japanese culture. So I hope it's ok, if I ask you: Can I change a water bottle someone else has if the owner agrees? If so, can I ask him for a favor? Like making a video about reparing bicycles?

[@VeganMangoQueen]

すばらしい 🌱💚✌🏼

[@tabassumtabessum6446]

8:34:don

[@philtookgrenadesforme7785]

I thought they were Wobaki? ...or did Hollywood screw that up?🤣 Please, could you recommend a non toxic traditional Japanese Tatami mat brand? I am wasting a ton of time sifting through counterfeits. Thank you!

[@LoveLess-mm9du]

I ❤to have a pair. How much? In America dollars?

[@anonumpje3602]

first 🎉

[@adrian23263]

You asked the british guy because he must have stole them shoes ? :v

[@denismoreau3646]

Nice tradition sandle but not to fashionable 😊

[@tabassumtabessum6446]

Gift don

[@daisydaisy1034]

How are you lately? Are you still in touch with your former housemate? Is her name Jasmine? I forgot..

[@user-sh1un2zb6q]

I created martial arts you really think you can beat the God of the samurai which I am not matcha

[@user-sh1un2zb6q]

I'm a 30th Dan Shinobu what you said I can't beat you I didn't receive your poisoned milk but your mother drank it

[@user-sh1un2zb6q]

Hi I'm a 500 th Dan navy seal you want to free japan