Tuesday, January 09, 2024

Japanese Custom Of Removing My Shoes Before Entering My Apartment

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

But there is one thing you have to be very careful about when you do this, particularly in public spaces. 

To avoid embarrassment, make sure you're not wearing holey socks...

That is unless they are these kinds of holy socks...

Sock it too ya' folks!

Have a faaaaaaabulous week! 

💗

*So what about you? Do you make a habit of removing your shoes before entering your home or apartment?