Intercultural Design
3/2/2025-23/3/2025（week 1-week 7）
Cai Zihan 0378043
Intercultural Design
Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
1.Instruction
Instruction
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Task 1
Presentation Video
Project 1: Proposal(week1-week3)
1. Research Background
Cross-cultural design is an important approach to modern product innovation. This project explores the fusion of Japanese Geta and Chinese straw sandals, integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and needs to create footwear that combines cultural value and practicality.
1.1 Japanese Geta
Origin: Originally from southern China, later introduced to Japan and developed into a unique form.
Characteristics of wooden clogs
1. Material:
Mainly made of lightweight wood such as hinoki and cedar, which is both strong and durable.
2. Structure:
Bottom: Commonly ‘toothed’ (usually two-toothed) or flat sole design, which serves as moisture-proof and height-enhancing.
Upper: the foot is held in place by a cloth strap (usually a rope strap or a snood), similar to the way slippers are worn.
3. Function:
Suitable for wearing in rainy, muddy or wet conditions to keep the feet dry.
Commonly worn for traditional dance, martial arts, festivals or with kimono.
4. Main types of Japanese clogs
(1) Two-toothed clogs (Futa-haba Geta, two-toothed tooth)
These clogs are usually square or trapezoidal in shape with two prominent teeth (tooth) at the bottom.
These clogs are suitable for everyday wear and prevent your feet from touching the ground directly, preventing them from getting wet or dirty.
Traditionally worn by scholars, monks, and samurai, they are also used for everyday casual wear, such as yukata.
(2) Clogs with flat soles (Pokkuri or Okobo, ぽっくり / おこぼ)
Also known as ‘high-toothed clogs,’ these clogs have thicker soles and a higher overall height, making them suitable for formal occasions.
Commonly worn by geisha and maiko, they make a ‘clacking’ sound when walking, hence the name ‘Pokkuri’.
Sometimes they are hollow and have bells or decorations hidden inside.
(3) Setta (Snow Clogs)
These clogs have flat soles and no teeth, and the soles are covered with leather or rubber to make them more resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for urban environments.
Popularised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a military general during the Warring States period, they later became a favourite footwear for samurai and merchants.
In modern times, they are mostly used for men to wear with kimono, and even for formal occasions such as the tea ceremony and Noh.
(4) Ame-geta (Rain Clogs)
Designed for rainy days, these clogs usually have metal spikes or rubber non-slip pads to improve slip resistance.
Some styles come with an extra cover to protect the feet from getting wet.
1.2 Chinese Straw Sandals
Grass shoes are a kind of shoes invented by Chinese people, with a very early origin and long history in China, the earliest name is ‘sandals’, which is said to have been created by Buze, a courtier of the Yellow Emperor. Because of the grass as the material, very economical, the common people can be self-provided. Han Dynasty called ‘not borrow’, according to the ‘five general Zhi’ a book of interpretation is: ‘not borrow, grass shoes also, said its use, everyone has, do not wait for false borrowing, so the name is not borrowed.’
Purpose: Commonly used in the hot and humid southern regions due to their lightweight and breathable nature, suitable for long walking durations.
Characteristics:
1.Made from natural materials such as straw and hemp rope.
2.Lightweight and flexible but less durable.
3.Modern use: Still produced as handicrafts or stage props.
4. Origin and history of straw shoes
Straw shoes have a very long history, dating back to ancient times. Archaeological discoveries show that woven fabrics similar to straw shoes have been found in Chinese Neolithic sites.
Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods: Straw shoes were commonly worn by soldiers and peasants, as they were suitable for long-distance marching and labouring.
Qin-Han to Tang-Song period: they became common footwear for the army, people and monks, and many marching generals (e.g. Guan Yu in the Three Kingdoms period) were marked by straw shoes.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: With the popularity of cloth and leather shoes, straw shoes were mainly used in rural areas or for specific occupations, such as pickers and woodcutters.
Research Methods
2.1 Questionnaire Survey
Objective: Analyze modern consumers’ awareness, interest, and purchase intentions regarding traditional footwear.
Participants: 20 individuals aged 18-45, with a balanced gender distribution.
Survey Findings:
1.64% of respondents were unfamiliar with the history of Japanese Geta or Chinese straw sandals but were interested in their design.
2.78% stated they would consider purchasing improved versions of traditional footwear if they were more comfortable.
3.50% believed such footwear could be suitable for everyday wear, while the other 50% thought it was more fitting for special occasions (e.g., cultural events).
Visualized survey results .
2.2 Literature Review
Origins and Historical Evolution
Japanese Geta originated from wooden platform sandals introduced from China and evolved into distinct Japanese styles during the Heian period (794–1185). By the Edo period (1603–1868), different types emerged for merchants, geishas, and samurais.
Social Class Significance
Geta: Worn by nobility, samurai, and geishas, with platform height indicating status.
Straw Sandals: Associated with farmers, monks, and soldiers, symbolizing humility and practicality.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Geta: Made of Paulownia wood, with fabric or leather hanao straps.
Straw Sandals: Woven from rice straw, hemp, or palm fibers, with regional variations such as tight weaving techniques in Guangxi for durability.
Project 2: Field Research(week4-week5)
1. Analysis of Research Findings
Japanese Geta vs. Chinese Straw Sandals
Geta: Structurally stable but less comfortable, suitable for formal occasions.
Straw Sandals: Lightweight and breathable but less durable, ideal for long-distance walking.
Modern Consumer Needs: A fusion design balancing comfort and aesthetics is highly desirable.
2. On-Site Investigation
Visited traditional footwear markets to observe consumer demand trends.
Explored museums to document the craftsmanship and material evolution of historical footwear.
3. Interviews with Others
To better understand public perception, we conducted interviews with individuals from different backgrounds. The following three questions were asked:
1.Do you know anything about Japanese Geta or Chinese Straw Sandals?
Many respondents were somewhat familiar with Geta, often seen in Japanese cultural depictions.
Fewer people knew about Chinese straw sandals, though some associated them with farmers and historical warriors.
2.These traditional footwear styles are slowly disappearing. Do you think they should be preserved?
Most participants believed they should be preserved as cultural heritage.
Some felt they hold artistic and historical value, even if not widely used today.
3.If these traditional footwear styles became a trend in modern fashion, would you support it?
Many respondents showed interest in modernized versions if they were comfortable and stylish.
Some saw potential in sustainable fashion, emphasizing eco-friendly materials.
Interview video
Project 3: Final Project & Portfolio(week5-week7)
data collection
Final Reflection
Fianl Presentation
Video introducing Tiktok ：
https://www.tiktok.com/@everyday.design1?_t=ZS-8urMcFbS0KV&_r=1
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