Z Notes Blog by Jim Zumwalt
Z Notes Banner
Slippers

June 7 - "Can you use chopsticks?" After "Where are you from?" this is the question I am asked most frequently in Japan.

When I first arrived here, I do recall difficulties in mastering the art of eating with chopsticks. Grasping slippery tofu was even more difficult with expensive lacquer chopsticks than with thick, disposable wooden ones. My Japanese host-mother patiently explained to me how to hold one chopstick still between the base of the thumb and the ring finger, and then to manipulate the upper chopstick with the thumb, forefinger and middle finger. After a few weeks of practice I became quite proficient, and now I don’t think twice about using chopsticks when eating.

Another Japanese custom has proven more difficult for me to master, however. That is the art of wearing slippers. Before arriving in Japan, I knew that Japanese took off their shoes at home. I discovered that Japanese homes had small rooms called "genkan" designed for taking off one's shoes and leaving them behind when stepping up into the home. At that point, I learned, the host would place some slippers for the guest. This part of slipper-wearing was easy to understand, as the genkan provided a visual reminder of the need to change from outdoor shoes to indoor slippers.

Two other aspects of slipper etiquette, however, proved more challenging. One was to leave the slippers in the hallway when entering a room with tatami mats. Toilet slippers pose an even greater challenge. I know one is supposed to take off one's indoor slippers, and then change into bathroom slippers before entering. Then one must reverse the process when leaving the facility. However, I am generally in a hurry and sometimes forget. I remember once seeing people stare at my feet as I walked around a Japanese inn. I looked down, and to my horror I realized I had been walking around in white slippers with the English word “TOILET” written prominently on them. How embarrassing!

Chopsticks are much easier than slippers to master.

Until next time,

Jim

COMMENTS

Slippers in Toilet is good for clean, but wore it outside...lol. Thank you very much for funny story. i am glad you look good in pictures. i hope you to take care well.

Jim:

I have been enjoying your blog for months. Your experiences and exchanges remind me of both of my recent trips to Japan as well as my first trip. I agree that mastering slippers was the most difficult (and entertaining) aspect of Japan life.

Embassy of the United States Embassy Main |  U.S. Citizen Services |  Visas |  Policy Issues |  State Department
Contact Us |  Privacy |  Webmaster