ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Uwabaki

Uwabaki is a type of footwear that we wear in Japan when we go inside buildings like schools, hospitals, or even our own homes! Uwabaki looks like slippers, but they're special because they have a rubber sole which makes them safe to wear.

When we wear uwabaki inside buildings, we keep the buildings clean and safe. This is because when we go outside, our shoes get dirty and we can bring in all sorts of germs and dirt from the ground. But with uwabaki, we don't have to worry about that! We take our shoes off at the door and put on the uwabaki, allowing us to walk around comfortably without dirtying or damaging the floors.

In addition to the rubber sole, uwabaki usually have a soft and comfortable interior lining so our feet feel nice when we wear them. They're also easy to slip on and off, making them super convenient! So next time you visit Japan, don't forget to pack your own uwabaki!