The Type 38 Jika-Tabi is a model of Jika-tabi (written 地下足袋 in Yamataigo) that was introduced into service in YE 38. They can be used in place of boots in most Star Army of Yamatai uniforms. They are excellent for walking, running, and climbing. A pair of jika-tabi cost just 30 KS at the Star Army Clothing Store–significantly less expensive than standard Star Army leather boots. The jika tabi should be worn with tabi Socks (not regular Socks) or “tabi tights.”

The Star Army's Jika-tabi are manufactured by Ketsurui Zaibatsu.

Starting in YE 37, the Yamatai Star Empire's military, the Star Army of Yamatai, began allowing the replacement of boots with jika-tabi in its uniforms. The first uniform they were authorized to be used with was the Star Army Field Uniform, Type 37. These were very popular. In YE 38, the Star Army created a new design of jika-tabi that was usable with more types of uniform, including the Class B duty uniforms such as the Star Army Duty Uniform, Type 35, Star Army Duty Uniform, Type 42, and Star Army Coverall, Type 36.

The jika-tabi is composed of sturdy, matte black fabric and has a divided toe area. It is about the same height as a combat boot. The outer fabric is composed of flame-resistant meta-aramid material and a layer of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene, which is waterproof but breathable. Water beads off of it and it allows moisture to escape, keeping soldiers' feet dry. The boot also has a reduced n-IR signature. The interior fabric is made of white silk. It is opened and closed at a seam along the rear using twelve metal tab closures called kohaze that hook into loops of fabric.

It has a firm yet flexible rubber sole that allows the wearers to feel the ground but also provides protection. The rubber sole is gray colored and has a heavily textured surface. They have better traction than regular boots do.

The black jika-tabi with the gray sole is currently the only color combination available for this model of jika-tabi work boot, but other colors may be considered in the future. Since the boot is made of fabric, a RIKUPAT version is a possibility.

The Type 38 jika-tabi is difficult to get dirty since liquid does not soak into it, but if it does, it can be cleaned with a horsehair brush or a damp washcloth. The sole can be cleaned with a plastic scrubbing brush if necessary. To clean the interior: mix a mild laundry detergent in lukewarm water; use a sponge to rub the interior of the boot until clean; use a dry washcloth to absorb excess moisture, and then let air-dry for a few hours.

Thank you to Amaryllis for suggesting jika-tabi in the Uniform Updates for the Star Army of Yamatai thread on January 22, 2015.

On 4/3/2016, this page was created by Yamatai's faction manager, Wes and approved by Doshii Jun¹⁾. The proposal and popular support for the Jika-tabi came from the Star Army Uniforms thread²⁾.

Artwork was commissioned by Wes with a signed work-for-hire contract on June 26, 2016 from steeleaww at a cost of $20 and the finished illustration was delivered on July 6, 2016.