Shoe Day (Kutsu no Hi) — September 2nd Wordplay for "Shoes"

What Is Shoe Day?

September 2nd is "Shoe Day" (Kutsu no Hi) every year. It was established in 1992 by Diana, a women's shoe retailer with its main store in Ginza, Tokyo, based on a wordplay where 9 and 2 read as "ku-tsu," the Japanese word for shoes. It's a day to pay attention to the shoes that support our daily lives and to think about choosing shoes that fit and caring for them. Coming just before the autumn outing season, it's also a good time to review what's on your feet.

A Brief History of Shoes in Japan

Western-style shoes became widely worn in Japan only from the Meiji era onward.

• The start of domestic shoemaking: On March 15, 1870, entrepreneur Katsuzō Nishimura opened the "Isekatsu Shoe Factory" in Tsukiji, Tokyo, which is said to have begun full-scale production of Western-style shoes in Japan. March 15 is now "Shoe Day" in honor of this.
• Diana and Ginza: Diana, which established this September Shoe Day, started out in 1948 as a shop specializing in imported women's shoes on Ginza's Suzuran-dori street.

Tips for Choosing Shoes That Fit

Because we wear shoes for so many hours a day, size and shape matter.

• Measure width, not just length: Shoe sizes in Japan are labeled by both length and width (girth). Shoes that are the right length but the wrong width can cause pain and blisters.
• Check the heel fit: Walk around the store to make sure your heel doesn't slip and your toes don't hit the front.

Interesting Facts About Shoes

• Your feet often differ: The left and right feet often differ in size and shape, so always try shoes on both feet.
• Try shoes on in the afternoon or evening: Feet tend to swell later in the day, so shopping for shoes in the afternoon or evening is often recommended.
• Give shoes a day off: Feet are said to sweat quite a lot each day, and wearing the same pair daily traps moisture. Rotating several pairs helps shoes last longer.
• Caring for leather shoes: Brushing off dirt and moisturizing with cream helps prevent cracking so leather shoes last longer.
• Other shoe days: Japan also has "Shoe Day" on March 15 and "Good Shoes Day" on November 9, among others.

Tips for Spending Shoe Day

• Line up your shoes and check them over. If heels are worn down or soles are peeling, consider getting them repaired.
• Carefully polish your favorite pair.
• Have your foot length and width measured again at a shoe store — foot shape can change even in adulthood.
• Take a slightly longer walk than usual in a comfortable, well-worn pair.

A Thank-You to the Pair That Supports Every Day

September 2nd is a day to pay attention to the shoes that carry us to our destinations every day. Whether it's a workday or a day off, comfortable feet make the whole day easier. Why not take a moment today to care for your shoes?