Walk the Japanese Way: A Practical Approach to Understanding Uwabaki
With the new school year in session and students back in the classroom, now is as good a time as any to talk about footwear in schools.
Uwabaki ((上履) pronounced “oo-wah-bah-key”) are a slip-on style shoe that students, ranging from preschool to high school, wear when inside their respective schools.
These “slipper shoes” are typically made of lightweight, durable materials, and usually come in white.
Depending on grade level, uwabaki can also come in different colors.
For some of my junior high school students, their uwabaki colors are associated with their grade level.
As an example, the first grade junior high school students have white and blue uwabaki, while the second grade students have white and green and the third year students have white and red.
For many preschool and kindergarten students, the uwabaki worn at school are yellow.
However, a change in color isn’t the only difference that you’ll see.
When my kids were were in kindergarten their uwabaki had different characters on them, and had more of designer feel to them, rather than the plain style used by the older grade levels.
What is the Importance of Wearing Uwabaki?
A few things that come to mind are the consideration of others in a space shared by many, and students are taught to be responsible for something by learning how and why to take care of their uwabaki.
In Japanese culture, uwabaki symbolize a respect for shared spaces and communal values in Japanese society.
The practice of changing footwear isn’t a new concept for the Japanese and it is done when entering one’s home or going into the toilet room (i.e. bathroom); however, this practice is vital for the students.
Not only does it keep the school cleaner by not tracking in the dirt from the bottoms of footwear worn outside, changing one’s footwear to uwabaki reinforces discipline and responsibility among students.
What happens to the uwabaki when they become dirty?
To prevent odor and maintain hygiene standards, uwabaki are usually brought home at the end of each school week to be soaked, scrubbed, washed and air dried (or dried using a shoe dryer).
The regular cleaning and airing out of uwabaki is necessary for the students because they are able to learn about cleanliness, orderliness, and attention to detail.
For students in elementary school, as well as in other grade levels, uwabaki are brought home in a bag (handmade by a family member in my kids’ case), which is also washed and dried and ready to be used for taking them back to school after the weekend.
How long do uwabaki last?
That’s a great question.
With my kids they’ve usually used 1–3 pairs in one school year.
Of course this can be vary for others.
The weekly soaking, scrubbing and drying does break down the uwabaki over time and the rubber material wrapped around the shoe can start to separate or peel off.
My kids have continued to wear their uwabaki when this has happened, but after continuous weekly cleanings their uwabaki look more and more worn and in need of an upgrade.
There’s also been times when my kids’ feet have grown and we’ve needed to get new pairs.
Whether is wear and tear, a lack of comfort due to sizing, or some other factor, many students will use at least a few pairs of uwabaki during a school year.
My Thoughts
I like that students wear uwabaki at school.
They keep the inside of the school cleaner and all the students wear the same kind of footwear.
Whether it’s going into your home, entering a community center, visiting a doctor or a dentist office, the removal of footwear is something that one does on a daily basis here in Japan.
I feel the wearing of uwabaki is harmonious with the Japanese culture, and I think uwabaki play a significant role in a student’s life.
These slip-on “slipper shoes” not only represent cultural values, but they give students a form of direction and communal responsibility.
What do you think about uwabaki?
Do you think uwabaki could become a footwear worn at schools in other countries?
About Me
I have been living in Japan for over 17 years and enjoy talking about and learning more about this unique country. I am also a natto foodie and have been building my own site about these sticky, stringy beans. Follow along with me on my journey and learn more about this Japanese superfood at www.simplynatto.com.
