sfjen's Profile

I believe 'shoes off' is pretty universal in most Asian cultures, not just Japanese. I am Korean and I was taught that it is disrespectful and just plain wrong to wear your shoes inside anyone's home. It's not a germaphobe thing, it's a cultural thing. Though the germaphobe thing makes sense too...

A handful of times when I've prepared to take my shoes off in others' homes I've been told not to. I've also noticed that a number of non-Asian households I've visited have a no-shoes policy also. When I enter someone else's home, I do whatever they do. If I'm not sure, I ask. It's their home, not yours! Remember that you are a guest!

It's not rude to ask someone to take off their shoes. It's rude to ignore the preference of your gracious host.