Why Japanese change their slippers so many times?

In Japan, indoor slippers are very popular, and even in the same house, people often change their slippers several times depending on where they are in the room.

For example, the first thing to do is to take off your outside shoes at the entrance and change into indoor slippers.

The second place to change your slippers is in the bathroom.
Many households have their own slippers for the bathroom for hygienic reasons. Having a pair of slippers for the toilet helps to keep the room hygienic in Japanese households where people often sit or relax directly on the floor.

The third slipper to change into is an outdoor slipper for use on the terrace, balcony, or a small garden. These slippers are for outside use, but they are designed to be easy to put on and take off. For example, they are used for hanging laundry on the terrace or doing a little work in the garden.

In countries other than Japan, it may be unusual to change your slippers many times like this. However, in Japan, where people are accustomed to sitting, lying, and relaxing directly on the floor, slippers are used to keep the floor of the room clean.

Another major reason is the cultural background of taking off one's shoes for spiritual and traditional reasons.

In Japan, there is a phrase, "stepping into the house with shoes on. In Japanese, there is a phrase "DOSOKU 土足"

which directly translates to "to step into someone's territory with one's shoes," DOSOKU 土足” has the meaning of "shoes worn outside," but it also has the spiritual meaning of "dirty, rude, lacking in etiquette and respect.

In other words, taking off the shoes you wear outside and changing into indoor slippers helps to maintain a calm and clean environment both mentally and physically.

Please feel the charm of Japanese style slippers.

Heiwa Slipper