It looks like you're using an ad blocker.

To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

Echizen, Fukui Pref. – There’s a gasp of surprise from onlookers when artist Masaya Hashimoto suddenly appears on a wooded slope near the Otaki-Okamoto Shrine in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture. Noticeably barefoot, he deftly weaves between trees to greet his guests below, only to surprise them further by asking them to remove their own footwear and slip on pairs of damp waraji (straw sandals).

“Dipping the waraji in water makes them more flexible,” Hashimoto says with a smile. “Or you can find the artworks barefoot if you prefer,’ he adds, gesturing to the woods behind him.

This could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software.

Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites.

If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this support page.

We humbly apologize for the inconvenience.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ

Singapore’s reopening boom draws big money and bubble fears

Musk tweets complicate U.S. diplomacy From Ukraine to Taiwan

Kaoru Takamura's thrilling whydunit saga comes to a close

The almighty dollar gets even mightier for U.S. travelers in Japan

‘Undesirable consequences’ may await Japan’s well-meaning tourists

It's Shotime!: Shohei Ohtani and the future of baseball

Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved.