The Japanese have used Hemp since ancient times, predominantly for rope and clothing. Today, each part of the plant continues to have a variety of uses: the bark of its stalks is still used for bell ropes at shrines, and for the cloth-thong of Japanese sandals, known as Geta, the seeds - said to be one of the most easily digestible forms of protein - are used in food and cosmetic products as well as lubricants, and the stem cores are used for both building materials and car interiors.