Japanese people take off their shoes at the entrance of houses to maintain interior cleanliness by avoiding bringing dirt and germs from the outside. This practice is also related to cultural beliefs of respect and purity.
In Japan, the idea of purity (in Japanese kegare) is central to daily life. Removing shoes at the entrance helps avoid bringing dirt from outside into the home, such as dust, mud, or unwanted bacteria. Inside, the spaces must remain clean and harmonious, thereby creating a calming and serene environment. This habit helps maintain a clear division between the outside space, perceived as impure, and the inside space, protected and welcoming, where cleanliness plays a key role. It is both a practical rule of hygiene and a symbolic habit that reflects Japanese culture as a whole.
In Japan, taking off your shoes before entering someone's home is a simple yet essential way to show respect for others' personal space. It demonstrates that one recognizes the symbolic value of the home as an intimate place that should be kept free from outside dirt. Removing one's shoes signifies respect for both the people and their home. This small, discreet, and automatic gesture concretely reflects the Japanese spirit of respect, known as rei, which dictates many other daily behaviors such as greeting politely or being careful not to disturb others. In this context, not taking off your shoes is not just awkward: it is perceived as frankly rude.
The tatami is a traditional flooring in Japanese homes, made from woven rice straw fibers. It is aesthetically pleasing but also quite fragile. Walking on it with shoes could quickly damage it, especially due to small dirt and gravel stuck under the soles. Removing shoes allows for longer preservation of the tatamis in good condition while maintaining a clean and pleasant indoor atmosphere. Additionally, it is comfortable to walk barefoot or with socks on this natural, soft, and insulating material.
The tradition of removing shoes in Japan has its roots in ancient Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. In Shinto belief, living spaces, such as the home, must remain clean and pure, isolated from external impurities. For Buddhists as well, not bringing dirt into the domestic space is essential to maintaining a healthy and harmonious spiritual atmosphere. Gradually, these religious habits have naturally integrated into the daily lives of the Japanese, becoming a norm that persists to this day.
The Japanese climate is very humid, with a distinct rainy season and particularly hot and muggy summers. Removing shoes at the entrance helps keep moisture, mud, and dirt accumulated during the day outside. As a bonus, it also helps maintain coolness inside the house during hot weather. During periods of heavy rain or snow, taking off shoes simply prevents turning the entryway into a swimming pool and keeps the interior clean and dry. This practical habit is therefore perfectly suited to the country's particular climatic conditions.
Did you know that studies have shown that taking off your shoes significantly reduces the entry of bacteria, pollutants, and allergens indoors, thereby helping to improve air quality at home?
In many Japanese homes, there is a space called 'genkan' near the entrance, specifically designed for removing and storing shoes before entering the house.
It's not uncommon to find special toilets in Japan that provide visitors with slippers reserved exclusively for this use! Be sure not to forget to take them off when you leave.
The practice of taking off one's shoes at the door is not limited to homes: it is also common in certain schools, temples, traditional restaurants, and even in some Japanese companies.
Ideally, in Japanese homes, you remove your shoes at the entrance (genkan) by placing your feet directly on the clean area or on a small mat designated for this purpose, without letting your socks or bare feet touch the outside (dirty) area. Your shoes should be carefully aligned and facing the exit so that they can be easily put on when it's time to leave.
The Japanese are extremely polite and may not say anything openly, but this gesture can cause some embarrassment. If you realize your mistake, apologize quickly and remove your shoes immediately to avoid any discomfort.
Indeed, this custom is not limited to homes. Shoes are also removed in temples, certain traditional restaurants, Japanese inns (ryokan), schools, and even some professional offices. It is always wise to observe if removed shoes or slippers clearly indicate this rule at the entrance.
Yes, often in Japan, there is a special pair of slippers reserved exclusively for use in the bathroom. You must exchange your regular "indoor" slippers for these special slippers just before entering the restroom, and don't forget to take them off and put your regular slippers back on when you exit. Forgetting this rule is a frequent source of embarrassment for foreign visitors.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes, taking off your shoes is an essential sign of respect towards hosts in Japan. Wearing shoes indoors can be considered impolite or disrespectful. It is advisable to follow this practice and use the slippers provided for you."
No one has answered this quiz yet, be the first!' :-)
Question 1/5
