Sold for 460,000 Won? Controversy Over "Grimy" Used Indoor Shoes Sold Online in Japan

Indoor Shoes "Worn by High School Girls" Gain Popularity in Japan
Concerns Mount over Sexualization of Minors

Indoor shoes worn by female students actually sold on a Japanese secondhand trading platform. From Japan

It has come to light that indoor shoes previously worn by female students were sold at high prices on Japanese online shopping malls, prompting local authorities to launch an investigation. Some items were reportedly traded for as much as 50,000 yen (approximately 460,000 KRW) per pair.

On May 6 (local time), the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a large number of products advertised as "indoor shoes actually worn by female students" were being sold on Japanese online platforms, sparking controversy.

Even advertised as "with the original scent"... One pair sold for 460,000 KRW

The products in question are "uwabaki" (indoor shoes) worn by students in Japanese schools inside classrooms. Sellers are said to have marketed these products with phrases like "worn by an active high school girl," "preserved with the original scent," and "shows signs of use," attaching premium prices. Some items were sold for 50,000 yen (about 460,000 KRW) per pair.

Indoor shoes worn by female students actually sold on a Japanese secondhand trading platform. From Japan

Local media have analyzed that these transactions go beyond simple resale and align with the consumption culture of "JK products" (Joshi Kosei—high school girl products). In Japan, an underground market for buying and selling used school uniforms, gym clothes, socks, and shoes has existed for years, repeatedly causing social controversy.

Reports indicate that buyers tend to favor products with visible signs of wear or with embroidered names of students. Some sales postings have also been analyzed as attempting to increase product value by including photos showing a woman's hand or parts of the body alongside the item.

Criticism mounts over "sexualization of minors"... Authorities launch investigation

As these transactions spread, criticism is growing within Japanese society that "a culture of sexually commodifying adolescents still persists." The fact that online platforms have effectively neglected to regulate such transactions is also being pointed out as a problem.

Currently, Japanese authorities are investigating whether these sales violate regulations related to the protection of minors and the sexual exploitation of children. The investigation reportedly includes not only the sellers but also the responsibility of platform operators for management and oversight.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.