As many of you already know, I spent a summer in Japan. I was there as one of the cast members of a stunt show version of the musical 'Peter Pan' (my role was Mr. Smee). We performed the show in the beautiful harbor city of Kobe.
As many of you also know, I honored Japan. It is a place that was akin to my soul. Japan felt like home. And I instantly fell in love with the Japanese people.
One of the many things I was intrigued by about the country, was its customs. Such as removing your shoes before entering your home, or someone else's home.
And this is something I still do in my apartment.
Not to be gross or anything, but I live in a city. A very dirty city. And it's getting dirtier every year. If you saw all the disgusting things I've seen (and continue to see) on the sidewalks of Philadelphia, you'd turn to stone. Things like syringes, dental floss picks, spit, vomit, covid masks, half-eaten pieces of pizza and sandwiches, condom wrappers, and even doggie poop. One day I was walking behind a guy eating a banana, who when he took his last bite, carelessly threw the banana peel on the sidewalk. What blows me away is watching people walk BAREFOOT down the streets during the summer months with their shoes in hand, knowing how filthy the sidewalks are.
Therefore, is it any wonder I immediately take my shoes off (and sanitize them) as soon as I walk into my apartment? If I didn't, I'd be tracking all that horrendous stuff through my apartment. As an extra precaution, I also wet mop my hardwood floors once a week because I'm OCD.
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Japanese Custom Of Removing Their Shoes
Why do Japanese people feel it is important to take off their shoes when entering some buildings?
Cleanliness
One of the main reasons is simply that of cleanliness. Taking off your shoes before entering keeps dirt from your shoes at the door, which, in turn, keeps the inside of the home or business cleaner. This is especially relevant in Japan, where traditional tatami mat flooring can be easily damaged, easily soiled, and difficult to remove stains from.
Also, the high humidity during the rainy season in Japan is a risk factor for both tatami mats and other flooring alike. Taking your shoes off so that you do not track in excess water and moisture is a necessity to avoid mold and other similar issues.
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And just for the record, Japan is the cleanest country I have ever visited. You could eat off the sidewalks without hesitation.
Showing Respect
In addition to practical reasons, taking off your shoes is also seen as a sign of respect when entering someone’s home or place of business. Traditionally, it could be seen as disrespectful to keep your shoes on in someone’s residence.
When and Where to Take Off Your Shoes
If you are new to Japan, you may be wondering at what point you need to take off your shoes when entering a building, and which types of places it is okay to leave them on. A common rule of thumb is if the place is culturally traditional, has tatami mats, or is someone’s personal space like a residence, then you should take off your shoes. Otherwise, it is likely okay to leave them on.
If you are in a place where you need to remove your shoes, there will usually be a clear entrance area called a genkan. This is often a step down from the main floor and provides a clear hint that removing your shoes is necessary.
Homes
The most standard rule is that shoes should come off inside private homes. This applies to visiting family, friends, or a first-time acquaintance.
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I would like to share of photograph of the doorway entry in my apartment. I keep a bottle of sanitizer spray near the mat, which I created using alcohol and essential oils to kill bacteria. I remove my sneakers and dress shoes before walking through my apartment and spray them. And every few days I wash the soles of my shoes.
I do, Ron. I didn't use to before I lived in a city. But like you, the stuff you see on the sidewalks and streets is disgusting. Tell me, does your city provide enough public trash can on the streets? We need more here. And the ones we do have don't get emptied enough. Many are over-flowing, with garbage all around it.
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of keeping sanitizing spray at the door so that you can immediately spray them when removed. I'm going to start doing that myself. Can I ask what essential oils you use in the spray?
I have always wanted to visit Japan. From any of the photos I've seen (even of Tokyo) it looks spotlessly clean.
Love those HOLY socks!
Boy Ron, your sneakers look so clean! So smart of you to have that spray handy as you enter your apartment. This way you don't forget, hu? Never thought to do that myself, but you gave me food for thought. Even though I don't live in a city, walking outside overall brings in all kinds of residue.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I do remove my shoes. Absolutely. And I keep a pair of comfy slipper inside the doorway, so I can slip right into them after taking off my shoes.
Walking barefoot down a city street in the summer? Noooooooo way! And do you really see doggie poop? I have a dog and when I take him for a walk to do his business, I take dog waste bags. I'm surprised Philadelphia allows that.
Interesting post, Ron! One day I will get to Japan. It's on my bucket travel list.
"That is unless they are these kinds of holy socks..." Ron, they look like something a Catholic priest would wear under his vestments. LOL! Did you go to Catholic school? I did.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, I don't remove my shoes before entering my house unless it's been raining or snowing and my shoes/boots are wet. But I should get into the practice of doing it all the time. And OMG, I cannot believe the stuff you see on the ground living in a city!?! Condom wrappers? Really? Ha! I've been to Dallas, Tx a few times on business and thought it was incredibly clean. I didn't notice any of those things mentioned in Philadelphia.
No wonder you take your shoes off. I would too. Yikes!
Morning, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I know, living in a city gives you a whole different consciousness about stuff like this.
" Tell me, does your city provide enough public trash can on the streets? We need more here. And the ones we do have don't get emptied enough. Many are over-flowing, with garbage all around it."
OMG, thank you for mentioning that because, NO, Philly needs more trash dispensers. And like you, the ones we do have are usually filled to capacity, which makes people just drop their trash on the side of the dispensers.
As you can tell from the photograph, I purchase hand sanitizer from Trader Joe's and add the essential oils myself ( I use eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender). I also make one to store in my backpack, so I can sanitize my hands instead of using regular hand sanitizer (which can dry out your skin). In addition, I love the way it smells.
Japan is truly the most clean and organized country I've ever been. And the people are so lovely.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
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Hey there Abby!
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, I took that photograph about a week after I got those sneakers, so that's probably WHY they look that clean! I usually purchase two pairs of sneakers at a time, so I can rotate them. I walk a lot. And I mean A LOT, so I have to wear good supporting foot wear. Plus, my father was OCD about keeping your shoes clean, so I think I got that from him LOL!
True, regards of whether you live in a city or in the burbs, shoes still track in stuff.
"And I keep a pair of comfy slipper inside the doorway, so I can slip right into them after taking off my shoes."
GREAT idea! And it's funny you mentioned that because the Japanese people do that as well. They also never walk around barefoot. People either wear shoes or socks.
Yes, BAREFOOT walking down the street, can you believe that? Most people DO pick up after their dogs, but you will still see doggie poop every so often, especially in certain areas of the city.
If you ever do visit Japan, I think you'll love it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby. Have a great rest of your week!
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Thanks, Ron! I'm going to start making my own. And awesome idea about carrying one in backpack, so you'll have it at all times. Smart!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! I started doing that about four years ago.
ReplyDelete"I was there as one of the cast members of a stunt show version of the musical 'Peter Pan' (my role was Mr. Smee)." ---- that is so cool, Ron! How long were there? I've never been to Japan, but visited Seoul, Korea many years ago. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Reading over the list of things you see on the streets of Philadelphia is quite scary. I take my shoes off as well. I usually exit and enter my home via the carport, which includes a door that leads to a vestibule. That's where I remove my shoes. It's something I've always done. I'm OCD too. Lol!
I just recently saw the movie, Maestro. Wasn't it wonderful? I noticed you had it listed on your sidebar.
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, Candice, I DID go to Catholic school. You too?! I went for 8 years and then switched to public school, which I liked much better.
ReplyDelete" And OMG, I cannot believe the stuff you see on the ground living in a city!?! Condom wrappers? Really? "
Yes, no lie. I REALLY do! I've even seen underwear. I kid you not!
"I've been to Dallas, Tx a few times on business and thought it was incredibly clean. I didn't notice any of those things mentioned in Philadelphia."
I have never been to Dallas, Texas, but a friend of mine lives in San Antonio and said that Texas overall is a very clean state. The only areas of Philadelphia that are kept clean are all the tourist areas. And the city does that purposely. To KEEP the tourist coming back. Other than that, it's dirty. And getting worst every year. And it's sad because Philadelphia is architecturally a really beautiful city.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice! Have an awesome rest of your week!
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My husband and I both grew up in homes where you take your shoes off, so we have always been a shoeless household. I think it was mostly for comfort, but as I grew more aware of germs, I’ve become quite militant about it. I remember when my kids were toddlers and I read about lead in the soil and that really made me realize the importance, especially when kids are crawling on your floors.
ReplyDeleteI’ve not thought about sanitizing spray, but that’s a good idea. One thing I do is always wash the bottom of my shoes if I’ve been in a public bathroom because that is the grossest place to me!
I always enjoy hearing about your Japanese experiences. If I ever get my act together, I will do a post about my son and DIL’s trip to Japan last May. I’m slowly getting better. My cough is mostly gone, but I still feel a bit congested. This is the longest I’ve ever been sick in my life. XO from a distance!
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI was in Japan for 2 1/2 months. The musical was a shorter version of the original Peter Pan stage production. They also added a lot of stunts, which were primarily done by professional stunt men and women. However, there were a few I had to learn how to do, which was a lot of fun!
I've been to Seoul Korea as well, but only for a 3 hour layover. In fact, the airline that we flew to Japan on was Korean Air - EXCELLENT service! I wish I had more time there.
"WOW! Reading over the list of things you see on the streets of Philadelphia is quite scary. "
And it gets scarier with each passing year. It used to be only in certain areas of the city, but now it's everywhere. Some of the most beautiful areas are Philly, now look absolutely trashy. And the homeless situation is pandemic. It's sad. Truly sad.
"I usually exit and enter my home via the carport, which includes a door that leads to a vestibule."
That is so cool! I love vestibules! Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your week!
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I couldn't WAIT to see that film, ever since I started watching the trailers and interviews with Bradley Cooper and the cast. LOVED it! He was AMAZING in the role. And so was Carey Mulligan. She was brilliant in the role as his wife! It's one of those films that I will watch again.
ReplyDeleteRon, we've long left shoes off inside the house. I always blamed it on my mom, who regularly bought white carpet and wanted to keep it clean. And really, walking without shoes is supposed to be good for your feet, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteDuring the pandemic, I regularly sprayed the bottoms of my shoes with Lysol when I returned from any trip outside the house, too. And while our streets aren't anything as nasty as what you've described, Monk has uncovered plenty of filth while walking on his leash (face masks, cigarette butts, leftover Halloween candy, even somebody's dirty old underwear!!)
I love the photos of Japan that you included, and I can see where that way of life would be appealing. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by so much ORDER???! We have far too much clutter here, probably because we tend to equate "stuff" with "wealth."
Great post, my friend. Did y'all get snow??? xxx
Hellooooooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete" I always blamed it on my mom, who regularly bought white carpet and wanted to keep it clean. And really, walking without shoes is supposed to be good for your feet, isn't it?"
I had a feeling you did the same! Must be that "Virgo" in us. LOL! And yes, you're right, it's so much healthier for your feet walking without shoes. When I lived in Florida, walking on the beach (sand) was something I did frequently because it was good exercise for my feet. It's like getting a massage and exfoliation at the same time. Ha!
"During the pandemic, I regularly sprayed the bottoms of my shoes with Lysol when I returned from any trip outside the house, too."
Good for you. I did the same!
" Monk has uncovered plenty of filth while walking on his leash (face masks, cigarette butts, leftover Halloween candy, even somebody's dirty old underwear!!"
What is it with the dirty underwear because I've seen that here as well!?!? I mean, I can't figure out how it got there. Did it just fall out of someone's suitcase? Or did someone just take there underwear off and leave it there?!? Either way it's disgusting.
" Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by so much ORDER???! We have far too much clutter here, probably because we tend to equate "stuff" with "wealth."
That's one of the many things I loved about Japan --- no clutter. And that fact that they are minimalists and space savers.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this topic, my friend. Always enjoyed!
Yes, we did get snow, which lasted about an hour. However, it was mixed with rain, so it was more like slushy ice. It's been cold here (which I am enjoying), but I'm not sure we'll be getting much snow this year. Much like last year. Bummer.
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I make my family take their shoes off in the garage! This started during COVID lockdown, and we never went back. I feel ill when I see people wearing their shoes inside their homes. I know I shouldn't pass judgment, but there are so many filthy places in the world, not to mention PUBLIC BATHROOMS!! GAHHH.
ReplyDeleteI also kept Lysol on the garage step for a long time. To spray on shoes. OMG, you and I are soul mates. Or should I say, sole mates. 😂😘
My dad worked for a Japanese company for most of his career and was able to visit Japan for two weeks. He loved it there. I hope to visit there myself someday. It's on my travel wish list.
Great post as always, my friend. 😘❤️
This was an interesting topic to post about, Ron, and yes we always remove our shoes when entering our apartment (sometimes before taking off outerwear). Since we have to walk along carpeted areas to get to our apartment, most times are shoes do not contain any debris and, if wet, we leave them outside the apartment for a short time. Our coat closet has shoe and boot trays as well.
ReplyDeleteLike yourself, we also live in a city and the sidewalks contain many of the same items you see on Philly streets. WHY do people discard dental flossers?
". I feel ill when I see people wearing their shoes inside their homes. I know I shouldn't pass judgment, but there are so many filthy places in the world, not to mention PUBLIC BATHROOMS!! GAHHH."
ReplyDeleteKari, that's not judgement, that's your opinion, and you are entitled to your opinion. I know, PUBLIC RESTROOMS!!?!?!? Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I don't know how the woman's restroom is, but the men's is horrendous. Particularly the floor area around the toilet seat. Some men can't aim properly. LOL!
"To spray on shoes. OMG, you and I are soul mates. Or should I say, sole mates. 😂😘"
Hahahahahahaha! LOVED that! You're right....sole mates!!!! And it's funny you said that because I have another blog (on Wordpress) that is titled "Foot Notes - good stuff for your body, mind and soles" where I used to post about Reflexology, Reiki, and Aromatherapy.
And how AWESOME that your dad got to visit Japan!!!!! And I'm not at all surprised that he loved it because most people find the country A-MAZING!
Thanks oodles for stopping by, my friend. Have a fabulous rest of your week!
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Helloooooooo there, D!
ReplyDelete"yes we always remove our shoes when entering our apartment (sometimes before taking off outerwear). "
Yup, I do the same thing! I remove my shoes first. In fact, sometimes when I'm in the elevator riding up to my apartment, I will loosen my shoe laces so that when I get inside my apartment, I can easily slip them off.
"if wet, we leave them outside the apartment for a short time. Our coat closet has shoe and boot trays as well."
That's awesome! I like the idea of shoe and boots trays. I have to see if I can find them at Target. Thanks for the idea!
"WHY do people discard dental flossers?"
Isn't that disgusting? I mean, what makes a person use one and then toss it on the ground? Why not put it in a trash receptor? It's like the guy I saw throw his banana peel on the ground. WHY?!?!?!
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're having a fabulous week so far!
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Gooooooooood morning, Mary!
ReplyDelete"I know you love many things about Japan and am not surprised at all that you follow the custom of removing your shoes. "
Yes! You and I are both LOVERS of all-thing Japanese, particularly the history of Geisha's!
"Your list was extra icky. Eewww! "
I know, isn't it disgusting? And that list is no exaggeration. These are things I see consistently on the streets; in many different areas of the city.
"But, that's really understandable because we've always had dogs and they are outside running around in god knows what, then bringing it in."
That's a great point! Here in the city, I've seen dogs with little shoes/booties on their paws, specifically for that reason. I had to ask a customer one time what they were for. And she said, to keep their paws clean from all the CRAP on the city streets. Also, in the winter, it keeps their paws from getting irritated from the salt they throw on the sidewalks when it snows.
"I've used that hand sanitizer. It's great you're reusing the bottle w/your own blend. I just got a new aromatherapy diffuser and am enjoying it very much!"
Isn't that stuff GREAT? And so cheap too. I buy 2-3 at a time, so that I always have them handy.
And speaking of diffusers, a guy I work with generously gave me one that was given to him for Christmas. He didn't want it.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on this topic, neighbor! I always enjoy your comments! Have a fabulous rest of your week!
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Ron, being from NY and now living in Philly, I have always removed my shoes prior to entering my house. My mother started me with that when I was a kid. "Remove shoes before walking into the the house" - them was the rules. Lol!
ReplyDeleteIt's disgusting the things you see on the pavements, isn't it? Like you said, Philly is getting dirtier with each passing year. It's like nobody cares.
Being that you're from here, was it always like that or was it different? I know being from NY, the city went through periods of trashy and clean.
I love your idea about using sanitizing spray! I may steal that!
Hope you're having a great week, sir. Loving this weather? I am! I see next week it's gets even colder. Hope it brings some snow! xo
Good morning, Elaine!
ReplyDelete"My mother started me with that when I was a kid. "Remove shoes before walking into the the house" - them was the rules. Lol!"
Yes, I think a lot that came from our childhood. My father was fanatical about clean shoes, which carried over into my adulthood. He also was OCD about keeping his dress shoes polished. We had a shoe shine kit in our basement that we used every week.
"Being that you're from here, was it always like that or was it different? I know being from NY, the city went through periods of trashy and clean."
TOTALLY different when I was a kid. I remember coming into the city during the holidays and the city was clean as a whistle. But like you said, it's gone through periods of trashy as well. When I moved back here in 2001, the city was much cleaner. But over the years it's gone downhill. I lived in NYC during the 70s and 80s and it was so dirty. What was shocking to me was going back in the late 90s and early 2000's and seeing how cleaned up it became. It was like a whole different city.
Yes, I am LOVING this weather so much! The other day when we had all that wind and rain, I went outside walking in it! I saw on the weather channel that next week the temps drop into the low 20s. Yahooooooo!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaabulous weekend!
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Ron, anytime you've shared about your time in Japan, it makes me want to go there and experience it for myself. I think (KNOW) I would love it and feel as you do.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely take our shoes off before walking around our apartment. We've done that every since we've been living together. And holy shit, I cannot believe the list of things you've seen on the streets of Philadelphia. The condom wrappers did it for me, as well as the syringes. YIKES!
You never fail to both educate and make me laugh with your stories. Write a book, dude!
"It was like a whole different city. Of course, there are pros and cons about that because NYC lost a lot of the things that made it NYC. It's become very homogenized."
ReplyDeleteSo true, Ron! Which is why it's hard to go back. I miss the gritty days! :(
BTW, are you loving that is snowed last night?? I bet you are! x
Yup, you better believe I am! In fact, I'm headed outside soon to walk around in it and take some photos!!!!
ReplyDeleteHiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it disgusting? The one that bothers me the most is the SPIT. During the summer months, I see A LOT of people doing that. And not just men, women as well!
You would LOVE Japan, I just know you would. And so would your girlfriend. Being that you are both into art and technology, you'd really enjoy seeing how gorgeous the country is. And how advanced they are with things like computers and phones. But at the same time, they are very much into their Japanese history and customs. It's a LONG trip to get there, but it's so worth it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Hope you're having a fabulous week!
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