How it all started

In 1949, Mr. Kyu-kichi Yamanashi established a small shoe factory, manufacturing traditional Japanese Geta footwear in the provincial town of Shizuoka in Japan. After suffering from tuberculosis, Mr. Kyu-kichi began to experiment with ancient oriental feet treatments including 'take-fumi' walking on bamboo shoots - and 'soku-sin-do' Japanese acupressure. The impact on his health was remarkable. Mr. Yamanashi made a dramatic recovery and got inspired to apply these ancient healing principles into the designs of traditional Japanese shoes.
Kenkoh, the first massage sandal was born in 1965. Today, the Yamanashi family continues to design and manufacture Kenkoh using the highest craftsmanship and technology standards, with the aim of promoting an overall state of wellbeing and happiness.