The Genkan

In Japan there are many different customs and traditions than in the United States. One of the most interesting traditions was the genkan (玄関), which is a step at the entrance of all Japanese houses. Separation is very important to Japanese people, and the genkan is a great example of this. The floor below the genkan is seen as “dirty” or “unclean” and the house itself is seen as “clean” area. When you go into a Japanese home, you need to take off your shoes before entering the house. When you take off your shoes, however, you need to make sure your feet don’t touch the bottom level of the genkan once your shoes are off. Your socks (or bare feet) from then on should only touch the “clean” area (the inside of the home). As you are leaving the home, you need to put your shoes on the same way, without your feet touching the bottom of the genkan and becoming dirty.


Because of this, shoes that can be easily slipped on and off are very popular in Japan. Crocs, shoes that have viciously gone out of style in America are readily worn in Japan. They are very durable, easy to take on and off, and are very useful for Japan’s rainy season. Crocs have holes in them and allows water into them easily, but they are also completely waterproof because they are entirely made out of one type of plastic. Other shoes in Japan are made to be very durable because many people in Japan walk long distances each day. Slip-on shoes that don’t cause blisters from walking far are a must in Japan. There are also words you say when you return home from work or going out. These are usually said during use of the genkan. The person returning hom says tadaima (ｔだいま) to people who they’re living with (family, roommates, etc). Right after that, the family will say okairinasai (おかいり(なさい)) sometimes they say okairi for short. It basically means “I’m back!” and “Welcome home!”