Japanese Urban Legends

Shirokiya Department Store Deaths

The tragic fire at the Shirokiya departmental store in Japan is remembered as a bizarre incident that claimed 14 lives in 1932. This sad and unfortunate incident was also strange in many ways.

In December1932, when the fire and smoke filled the departmental store, the employees were able to get up to the roof of the eight-storied building. Firefighters then advised the workers to use the safety ropes to be rescued. The store staff started their rescue journey via safety ropes; however, when they get to the middle, a very strong gust of wind blew. Like the usual tradition, all the women were wearing the kimono (a traditional Japanese dress under which no underwear is worn). The females on the rope felt that the strong gust of wind would expose their private parts to the growing crowd of public below and to protect their modesty, they let go of the ropes.

However, there are a few facts that should be considered. First of all, Kimonos are very properly secured that leaves no chance for any type of indecent exposure in such circumstances (such as strong winds). Additionally, Japanese male and females were used to participating in nude spring baths for many years, which makes the sudden feeling of shame and modesty extremely suspicious. Yet the deaths are still documented in Japanese firefighting manuals and textbooks, so what are we supposed to learn from it? That wearing undies is extremely significant in case of a fire?