Why does the slipper get so common item in Japan?

Thank you for visiting our website.
We are web based Slipper Store located in Japan and very excited to introduce you our various collections of the slippers.

But first, let me explain what we call “slipper” in Japan.

Most of the time, in Western countries, “slipper” means “a semi-closed type of shoe, consisting of a sole held to the wearer’s foot by a strap running over (or between) the toes or instep (Reference:Wikipedia)”. It is wearable shoes for outside, most of the time, and sometimes inside as well for comfort.

On the other hand, in Japan, when we say “slipper”, we think flat, in-house footwear item, and that is the kind we would like to spread to the world.

As you may know, it is our common practice since antiquity to take shoes off when we go in the house to keep the floor clean.

Then why do we wear slipper in the house?
Why does the slipper get so common item in Japan?

It is said that the origin of Slipper firstly appeared in Japan in the beginning of Meiji era (1868-1912),which was the time Japan was opening its country to the world and having more people visited from outside, especially from Western countries.

However, those visitors of course walked straight into the houses or hotel rooms without taking their shoes off.

Japanese people worried that the floor would eventually get dirty and the tatami would be damaged.

Slipper was devised to deal with the problems and to welcome people who came from different culture background.

Ever since then, slipper has become common/daily use items all over Japan. However, unfortunately, we barely find slippers made in Japan.

Our goal is “Return of Japanese Slippers”.

We will introduce you slippers made with spirits of Japanese hospitality.

“Benefits for all three sides, for the customer, society, and the vendor” is what we are aiming for.

We believe Slipper can be a bridge to the peace. (= “Heiwa”).

- Heiwa Slipper