Would it be okay if I wore geta sandals out in public?

11 comments

1. Yes.

2. Some people in Japan wear geta like Crocs or another kind of dumb slip-on shoe for quick errands.

   Generally speaking about cultural appropriation, there are different levels.

   Sometimes you’re actively invite you to participate in culture; a Japanese restaurant is only going to be successful if they invite many customers, for example.

   Sometimes a group is generally okay with people taking interest in and exploring their culture. Japanese are generally like this for most things – language, kimono…

   Other times there is a line. That Logan Paul video from a few years ago is an example of crossing the line. He’s recklessly filming in a shrine; he’s throwing money into the donation box like a child; he’s going into an area where people are known to commit suicide for the views… you shouldn’t do shit like that, obviously.

   Some cultures would rather you don’t participate. Some groups won’t allow outsiders to record or document their language, even if it’s dying, for example. If an anthropologist documented that language and published his findings, he is an asshole.

   And finally, sometimes elements of a culture are taken by a dominate group and it’s praised, while the original minority group is demonized for the same thing. Hip-hop fashion from African Americans, for example.

   I’m not Japanese, but I’m sure most Japanese would be a bit amused that you’re wearing geta. You’d probably get a pass.

3. Why not? All the fat old guys in my area (Kobe, Japan, a place called Sannomiya) wear their geta when they walk to the conveni in their pajamas every evening to buy their booze to take home. Klik-Klok! Klik-Klok! Klik-Klok! Join the club. You’ll fit right in.

   Seriously, though, the Japanese aren’t offended by someone learning and sharing their culture, and don’t think you’re “appropriating” their culture. They’re not as foolish as many Americans.

   **Wait a minute… you’re in Canada doing this? I wouldn’t.** You might be attacked… by one of my fellow Americans trying to “defend” the Japanese culture that they don’t understand.

4. The worst that can happen is you offend some well meaning dumb white people.

5. It is ok to wear literally anything. Since you are foreigner in Japan wearing something Japanese, you will get some looks or stares. If you can deal with it, then it is fine. There is no such thing as cultural appropriation in Asia, there is just cultural appreciation. Japanese people are happy that foreigners engage in Japanese cultural activities. Do as Japanese people do, you can copy 100% or 5% and can modify the shit out of it. Do not annoy anyone else and it will be fine. Just do not be Logan paul and it is fine.

6. I know know why you would want to wear something as uncomfortable as getas (seriously, they only feel good for about 10 minutes but after a few hours of wearing them, walking bare feet on the warm asphalt feels like heaven), but other than that, just wear whatever you want in whatever country you want as long as you don’t do it with the intention of disrespecting someone else’s culture.

   “Cultural appropriation” was made up by Americans for Americans who need their daily dose of outrage to feel alive.

7. I think geta are really useful to take out the garbage when there’s snow on the ground.

8. Nobody will care. I live in Canada too. I’m white and sometimes I wear hakama on hot days.

9. If you are brave enough or have the lack of self awareness required to stay one whole fashion level below crocs and uggs, go for it. Nobody cares about the cultural aspect, don’t worry.

   It’s also the most uncomfortable footwear I have tried, but it could be comfortable in a masochist way, I guess.

10. From a Japanese person living in Japan: yes, wear them! Wear whatever you like, and I say this without any irony or judgment. Do what makes you happy! If I saw you wearing them in Canada it would make me happy. And I’d think you must really like Japan and appreciate the culture. I also find them comfortable, especially in the heat!

    If you were in Japan, absolutely no problem, wear geta, hakama, yukata, whatever you like. It’s all good!

11. Sure why not, but I don’t think I can ever agree with you finding them comfortable. And I’m Japanese myself.
    Also don’t go where it needs to be quiet since getas make so much noise.