WI Tabi socks more widespread?

The Japanese Tabi socks are an interesting oddity. Their main distinguishing feature, a separation between the big toe and other toes, has become an elemental feature of the Japanese kimono, though before the Edo period they were only available to nobles. Later during the 17th century the Tabi socks became widely available to the general populace, but they never became popular footwear outside of Japan to any large degree.

Now my question is how can tabi socks spread beyond Japan?

Since they were worn with thonged footwear in Japan I would assume that their use could spread to societies where sandals were more common footwear than boots and shoes. Interestingly enough, the Egyptians seem to have used an ancient precursor.
 
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I think the only way is for Japan not to shut itself away from the world.
If Japan remains open and competing to say. Then it is likely that Japan will eventually have embassies in other countries. All it would take is for one noble woman in a European country to spot the wife of a Japanese diplomat dressed in a Kimono with her tabi socks and to fall in love with the look. Thus a trend is born and eventually others will see it too, like it and copy it. In time, commoners could likely catch on too. Just like any modern trend, only with a much slower spread.
 
Now my question is how can tabi socks spread beyond Japan?

Since they were worn with thonged footwear in Japan I would assume that their use could spread to societies where sandals were more common footwear than boots and shoes.

The Islamic world seems like it would be the perfect place, since in many islamic countries it is customary to take off your shoes before entering a house much like in Japan. And sandals were common footwear too. I would agree with tonsofun that you'd need a more open Japan for this to happen, since Japanese traders and diplomats could itroduce the tabi socks to Islamic cultures.

Alternatively with a slightly more ASB route you can have Japan achieve total victory in WWII and impose its culture on most of Asia. It would be interesting to see an Indian, Arabic or Russian Geisha...
 
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