Removing shoes in Japan is a preventive cultural practice shaped by climate, architecture, and consideration for others. While many people assume it is only about cleanliness, the custom reflects a deeper mindset: avoiding unnecessary problems before they arise. In Japanese homes, floors are living spaces, shared environments matter, and small actions at the entrance prevent larger inconveniences later. This article explains why Japanese people remove their shoes—not just as etiquette, but as part of a broader preventive culture embedded in everyday life. Quick Summary Removing shoes in Japan is rooted in a preventive mindset. The goal is to avoid dirt, damage, noise, ...
