Japanese paramedics warn against tidying shoes in emergencies
Paramedics in Kanazawa have issued a public appeal urging people not to stop to tidy shoes during emergencies, as it can delay evacuation and endanger lives.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Japanese paramedics have issued a public appeal urging people not to tidy up the shoes taken off by emergency crews when they enter a home. The warning comes from officials in the city of Kanazawa, who say that such tidying can hamper their ability to move quickly, particularly when carrying someone on a stretcher. The appeal was made in an Instagram video that has attracted more than half a million views.
The request touches on a deeply ingrained Japanese custom. Visitors are expected to remove their footwear when entering someone's home, and hosts will often turn guest shoes to face the door ready for an easy exit. This practice, known as omoyari, reflects a sensitivity to others, according to Mary White, a professor of anthropology at Boston University who specialises in Japanese studies. She told the BBC that the custom is not about rigid etiquette but about making things work and be comfortable for others.
However, White acknowledged that the practice can get in the way of the specific needs of paramedics, who need the shoes to be in the right place so they can leave expeditiously with the patient. She also noted that the genkan, the front hall, is a liminal space between private and public, and that the custom of removing shoes is rational, as shoes can ruin tatami matting.
The appeal highlights a potential conflict between cultural politeness and emergency efficiency. While the warning is specific to Kanazawa, it has resonated widely, sparking discussion about the balance between tradition and practicality in emergencies.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC News |
|---|---|
| An Instagram video about the plea has attracted more than half a million views. | |
| Paramedics in Kanazawa urged people not to tidy shoes left by emergency crews, saying it could slow them down. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC focused on the cultural context behind the appeal, featuring expert analysis from anthropologist Mary White to explain the Japanese custom of turning shoes to face the door. The report also noted the viral nature of the Instagram video and balanced the warning with a rational explanation of the custom, while acknowledging the practical conflict with emergency response.
- “Officials are urging people not to tidy up the shoes taken off by emergency crews when they enter a person's home.”
- “The facing of the shoes out by the host or hostess after a guest has arrived is such a common practice that it goes without saying”
- “It's about what's called omoyari, which means a kind of sensitivity to others.”
Broadcast Timeline
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