Why Take Off Shoes In Japan

In Japan, as in many cultures, it is considered disrespectful not to remove shoes before entering a home.

This practice, while at one time a practical necessity, has long become a tradition and is common in many parts of the world, including Hawaii. While the reasons for swapping shoes for slippers before entering the home have changed, the result is still a cleaner floor.

Significance

When traveling to countries with different traditions and cultures other than your own, it is important to remember to be considerate and respectful of those traditions and their significance to the culture you are visiting. In Japan, it is considered very disrespectful to wear shoes inside a house and, in some cases, offices as well.

The Reason Why

According to some sources, the tradition of removing shoes is related to the climate in Japan. As it is a country that experiences heavy rainfall, roads, and sidewalks are often wet and muddy. To track this muddy mess into another's home would be less than thoughtful if the visitor understood that many Japanese use rooms for more than one purpose; for example, futons may be laid on the living room floor at night for sleeping.

In Practice

Remove your shoes when in the genkan, or entryway, to a home. In practice, remove your shoes so that you are still pointing in the direction in which you entered the home. Then kneel and turn them around and move them to the side to allow easy access to the door for anyone else who may be arriving. It is important to note that in Japanese culture it is a sign of disrespect to show your back to your host.

Once Inside

Generally, a pair of house slippers will be waiting nearby for you to put on before entering any home. Even the house slippers must be taken off to step onto tatami, or floor mats, in the house to protect them from damage and dirt. Additionally, when using a restroom, house slippers are removed and a different pair, just for using the restroom, is used.

In Other Cultures

Removing one's shoes at the door as a sign of respect to a host is not a tradition confined to Japan. It also exists in Thailand and the Czech Republic and has migrated into many Western countries.

What traditions do people follow in your country? Share your ideas below.

Learn about the British wedding traditions, listed in this article.

Оставить комментарий

Для комментирования необходимо войти через Вконтакте