Have you ever wondered why the Japanese remove their shoes or slippers before getting inside a house or a temple? This tradition is still practiced in modern-day Japan and has been around for centuries.
This article explains why the Japanese take off their shoes and outdoor slippers before entering houses and religious places.
We will go through this as we explore the history, beliefs, and practical benefits behind the tradition.
Tradition of removing shoes in Japan
Removing shoes and sandals before going inside a house or a temple is common in many parts of the world. But, it is particularly prevalent in Japan.
This tradition is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is still practiced by many people today. But why do the Japanese people take off their shoes?
History Behind the Tradition
The custom of taking off shoes and outdoor slippers before entering a place is believed to have begun in 794-1185, during the Heian period.
Buddhist temples were built with raised floors. People had to take off their shoes and sandals before going inside.
This was seen as a sign of respect for the gods and the temple. Over time, the tradition spread to other parts of Japan and became a part of everyday life.
Samurai warriors in feudal Japan followed the tradition of taking off their shoes before going inside a house or temple.
As part of their code of conduct, the samurai were expected to remove their footwear before entering a house or temple. This was a way of showing respect and humility to those around them.
Religious Beliefs
The practice of taking off shoes and sandals before going inside temples or shrines is closely related to religious beliefs in Japan.
Buddhism and Shintoism are Japan’s main religions. They both have strong ties to the tradition of removing footwear before entering a house or temple.
In Buddhism, people see removing their shoes as a sign of respect for the gods and the temple. Buddhists believe that temples are home to gods. To show respect, remove shoes and slippers before entering.
In Shintoism, people see removing one’s shoes as a sign of respect for the kami (gods). Shintoism teaches that the kami inhabit all parts of nature, including the ground.
As such, it is necessary to show them respect by taking off one’s footwear before entering a house or temple.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
People remove their shoes and place them in a genkan before entering a house or temple to keep things clean and hygienic. This tradition is also connected to religious beliefs.
In Japan, the floors of most houses and temples are made of tatami mats, which are soft, absorbent mats made of straw.
It is essential to keep the mats clean, which can be done by removing one’s shoes and sandals before entering a house or temple.
Also, traditional Japanese temples have floors made of wood or stone.
Removing one’s shoes also helps to keep the floors clean and free from dirt, dust, and other debris. Dirt and debris can easily damage these floors. So, it is essential to keep them clean.
Practical Benefits
Removing one’s footwear before entering a Japanese home or temple has practical benefits. It is not just about religious beliefs and hygiene.
For one, it helps to keep the floors clean and free from dirt and debris. It also helps to protect the floors from wear and tear, which can be caused by walking on them with shoes.
Removing one’s shoes also helps warm the house or temple during cold winter. Most houses and temples in Japan use tatami mats for their floors, which do not retain heat, as well as carpets or rugs.
As such, keeping the floors warm by removing one’s shoes before entering is important.
The Meaning of Respect
Removing your shoes before entering a house or temple is also closely related to the concept of respect in Japanese culture.
In Japan, removing one’s shoes is seen as a sign of respect for the gods, the temple, and the people in the house or temple.
Removing one’s shoes is also a sign of respect for the house or temple. It is seen as a way of showing appreciation for the time and effort spent building and maintaining the house or temple.
It is also seen as a way of showing respect for the people who have lived in or visited the house or temple in the past.
Practicing the Tradition
The etiquette of removing one’s shoes before entering a house or temple is still practiced in modern-day Japan.
When entering a house or temple, one must take off one’s shoes and leave them at the entrance.
When visiting someone’s home, it is polite to bring clean indoor shoes so as not to go barefoot. It demonstrates your respect for the host and the house.
Placing these indoor shoes in the exact location each time further signifies reverence for the house or temple.
It also makes it easier to find and wear shoes when leaving the house you are visiting.
“Shifting Paradigms: The Stance of Younger Generations on Shoe Removal”
Young Japanese people’s views on removing shoes indoors are changing. This is due to cultural changes, urbanization, and globalization.
- Urbanization in Japan’s cities and towns has led to smaller living spaces. People in small apartments struggle with traditionally removing their shoes. This is because they have limited space at the entryway.
- Globalization exposes younger Japanese to Western customs. This influences a more relaxed approach to shoe removal in informal settings. They embrace diverse norms.
- Younger people who live in apartments or shared spaces may not care about having specific areas for taking off shoes. This can lead to a more relaxed attitude towards the traditional practice.
Preserving Tradition in a Modern World: My Perspective
Let’s not forget the wisdom embedded in traditions. Removing our shoes at home honors customs and adds a mix of tradition and modernity. This creates spaces that nurture respect and heritage.
As cities grow, there is less space for specific purposes. However, by adapting and preserving this tradition, we can stay connected to values that have existed for hundreds of years.
It promotes mindfulness and consideration for others. These are important in today’s compromised personal spaces.
Embracing shoe removal isn’t just a nod to tradition; it’s a commitment to shared spaces and communal well-being.
This way, we carry the essence of Japanese customs into the 21st century.
Read Uncovering the Fascinating Reason Why Don’t Japanese Shave to learn more about Japanese culture.
