Waraji
Use. resemble other forms of traditional Japanese footwear, such as and , with a few key differences. They were historically the simplest form of outdoor footwear (sandals of any type were not worn indoors). , due to their cheap and rustic nature, are considered to be a very informal type of footwear, and are not worn with formal kimono. They are typically not worn with socks, and are woven so that the wearer's toes generally protrude slightly over the edge of the shoe. In modern-day Japan, are worn by Buddhist monks, and by some fishers of mountain streams. and  are worn far more commonly by the general population. Construction. In constant use, rice-straw only last three or four days, or roughly 24 hours of active use, meaning each person would have to make about a hundred pairs a year, on average, if they wore them constantly. As could be homemade from cheap materials, and everyone learned how to make them in childhood, this was not a problem. could also be cheaply bought. Travellers carried a supply and discarded them when they were worn-out. Materials. Rice straw is the common and traditional material for weaving . Long straw (not  broken by the processing methods) must be beaten to soften the fibers before use. Most other ropemaking fibers can also be used, such as cotton, hemp, palm fibers, or even strips of rag. The straps of the might be covered, often with paper. Cardboard soles are used on some modern commercial designs. Tying. There are a number of different ways of tying straps; even historically, there was no standardised method of attaching the shoes to one's feet. Ceremonial use. Traditionally, were donated to temples as offerings for healthy feet and protection on journeys. This practice, while now less common , is still followed. More modernly, giant () kept in temples are touched as a charm for tireless endurance in walking.