Try to imagine.
At the sock sales floor, there are many types of socks lined up. Each and every sock has its own distinct flavor. Although socks may not seem to have largely changed over the years, it is not as if the shape and functionality found in current socks existed before. Interested in taking a peak into the history of socks?

1st - Shitouzu - Japan's oldest sock

It was during the 5th century that Japanese people started to wear sock like footwear called shitouzu.
Shitouzu is footwear that was introduced from China, made from sewn together vivid colored silks.
In China, it has been excavated from a tomb from over 2 thousand years back.
Around that time, they were considered extremely valuable socks, and was said to be a luxurious fashion item for government officials and aristocrats.

During the Aska and Nara period, governmental officials worked at a desk sitting at a chair wearing shoes and pants due to influence from the Chinese Sui and Tang dynasty.
Also, milk and cheese were a part of their diet.
Seems like they were living a heavily foreign influenced classy life!
When Prince Shotoku established the law of 12 ranks, which was the first system to rank officials into 12 levels, each government official’s uniform color was decided based on rank.
Since then, by the 8th century even the color and raw marials of the shitouzu differed depending on rank or social status.
Seem like color was quite important!

However from the Heian period, the use of shitouzu slowly declined and the tabi was introduced.

As for the tabi, we will keep the fun for next time.