Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

it's a long story to tell why they take off their shoes.
Don't worry about it.
if they want you to take shoes off, they ask you to.

Personally, I like to take off shoes so that the house doen't get soiled and you won't be hesitant to lay around on the floor.
Japanese houses and apartments have the entrance hall, which has the raised entry passage leads to the inside. So you can sit down when taking off shoes. It keeps the dust from the outside coming inside, as well. I think the houses here should also learn from it!

Have you ever thought about what's on the sole of your shoes?
You have no idea what you just stepped on. (doggy poopy, someone's spit, fungus, soil with bacteria,,,,)

I love lying around on the soft carpet and cushions on the floor when I watch TV and my baby has just started crawling.
So I want my floor dirt free!

I just don't understand why people bring all kinds of dirt in their house and pollute entire room.