Marugo Tokyo
Marugo Company Inc., established in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, in 1919, has a long history of producing Jikatabi, a combination of Tabi –a traditional Japanese split-toe sock – together with a modern rubber sole to provide freedom of movement as well as dependable underfoot grip, just like when you are barefooted. In addition to its main product, another interesting combination for the company is its name, a result of the joining of two Japanese words: circle (Maru) and five (go) –a fitting homage to the five rings of the Olympic games, where, in its early years, Japanese marathon runners would wear split-toe, Jikatabi shoes.