Japan's Impeccable Cleanliness: Unraveling the Mysteries Behind This Asian Giant's Spick-and-Span Reputation
Hangin' with Miho Shimizu, a freelance writer savoring life in Shizuoka, Japan, alongside her better half and a pair of cuddly bunnies. Her itch for adventure struck at 18, transforming long holidays into jaw-dropping expeditions around her homeland. Her passion for music, drawing, and devouring novels, complemented by a constant mug of green tea, make her a true Japanese Renaissance woman.
Traveling through Japan, from bustling metropolises to serene countryside, you'll be left speechless by the meticulous way the Japanese maintain their community's beauty. Cleanliness has traditionally been a pillar of Japanese culture, and you'll notice this unspoken work ethic every day throughout the country. But what mysterious forces keep Japan's streets spotless? Here are the top reasons why this Land of the Rising Sun remains a spotless country!
- 1. Minimal public trash cans
- 2. Cleaning as an integral part of school life
- 3. Volunteer cleanup initiatives
- 4. Strong societal disapproval of littering
- 5. Cleanliness as a tenet of Buddhism and Shinto
- Some fun tours you'll adore
- Some more reads to satisfy your curiosity
1. Minimal public trash cans everywhere, from city life to convenience stores and restaurants
In Japan, it's not usual to find many trash cans in public spaces, including train station platforms, convenience stores, restaurants, and department stores. One major reason for this is public safety. A public trash can is accessible to anyone, who could potentially use it for dangerous objectives such as indiscriminate attacks or acts of terrorism. Consequentially, many trash cans were removed from public places after the tragic sarin gas attack that hit Tokyo's subway system in 1995.
Beyond security concerns, Japanese citizens typically understand their responsibility towards waste disposal. Generally, people take their trash home and dispose of it themselves. It's part of Japanese culture, which is a significant secret to Japan's incredible cleanliness.
Additionally, there are strict rules for the separation of garbage in Japan. Families will collect their trash and properly separate it into various groups – such as burnable, unburnable, recyclable, and unrecyclable. Leaving household trash in public trash cans is strictly prohibited, so they bring it to designated collection areas near their homes on designated days.
2. Cleaning is an embedded part of school life
Cleaning is part of the daily routine at Japanese schools. This usually happens right after lunchtime or at the end of the school day. Each classroom often has a cleaning kit containing tools like brooms, mops, cleaning rags, dustpans, and brushes. Only a handful of schools, usually private ones, hire janitors to do the cleaning instead of the students. From sweeping floors to maintaining toilets, students are responsible for keeping both their classrooms and school grounds clean. By doing so, Japanese students learn the importance of cleanliness from an early age.
3. Volunteer cleanups are common in communities across Japan
On weekends, Japanese communities organize volunteer cleanups to help maintain the cleanliness in their local area. Volunteers remove weeds from parks, clean streets, and collect trash from beaches, among other tasks. These activities provide a fantastic opportunity for everyone to contribute to their community while spending time outdoors. If you have kids, volunteering can also help instill a sense of responsibility and positivity in them.
4. Littering is seen as unacceptable
It goes without saying that littering is a significant no-no. Wherever you travel around the world, littering is a growing challenge many countries are struggling to overcome. If you dispose of trash or waste in public places, you will face a hefty fine in Japan. Littering is considered a selfish and thoughtless act that threatens the environment.
You'll often find eye-catching signs warn against littering in Japan. These signs aim to remind people about the repercussions of littering and help maintain clean streets. Thanks to these awareness campaigns, the amount of littering in Japan has reduced year by year and continues to rank lower compared to developed countries worldwide.
5. Cleanliness is closely linked with Buddhism and Shinto
Both Buddhism and Shinto place great emphasis on cleanliness as part of religious practice. For example, Buddhist monks and Shinto priests cleanse themselves before entering sacred spaces. As a result, cleanliness becomes a symbol of spiritual purity and moral superiority in Japanese culture.
While the link between cleanliness and religion may not be directly related to modern cleanliness practices, it adds a deeper historical context to the enduring cleanliness of Japan.
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▶ Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours): Ready to dig into Tokyo's history? There's no better way to explore the city than with one of our expert, local guides. Discover hidden gems and uncover the fascinating stories behind each destination.
▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo: Gaze at Mt. Fuji's breathtaking scenery on our guided bus tour, hitting all the best spots in the area in comfort! Our tour departs from Shinjuku, making it easy for you to join the fun.
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More journeys to inspire
Enrichment Data:Japan's remarkable cleanliness stems from a variety of cultural, societal, and historical factors. Here's a closer look:
- Cultural Norms and Social Responsibility:
- Personal Responsibility: Japanese citizens are taught to carry small bags of trash home, as street dining is often discouraged. This practice fosters cleanliness, complemented by the lack of public trash cans.
- Community Focus: Waste disposal is guided by a strong sense of community, with a focus on recycling and shared responsibility.
- Education and School Practices:
- Cleaning as Part of Education: Cleaning is embedded in the daily routine of Japanese schools, teaching students the importance of cleanliness from an early age.
- Volunteer Cleanups and Community Activities:
- Community Involvement: Japanese communities regularly organize volunteer clean-up activities, promoting an environment of collective responsibility for cleanliness.
- Social Stigma Against Littering:
- Social Disapproval: Littering is deeply frowned upon, creating a cultural norm that discourages improper waste disposal.
- Influence of Buddhism and Shinto:
- While not directly related to modern cleanliness practices, Buddhism and Shinto teachings emphasize respect for nature and cleanliness in spiritual contexts. However, their current impact on cleanliness practices is more symbolic than practical.
- Historical and Security Factors:
- Security Precautions: The absence of public trash cans is linked to security concerns, following the 1995 Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attacks, which highlighted the potential dangers of public bins.
These factors combined help maintain Japan's reputation as one of the cleanest countries in the world.
- The Japanese culture emphasizes cleanliness, which is reflected in their daily lives, as evidenced by the lack of public trash cans in cities, convenience stores, restaurants, and department stores.
- Cleaning is a integral part of school life in Japan, with students responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their classrooms and school grounds.
- Volunteer cleanup initiatives are common in communities across Japan, with volunteers participating in activities like removing weeds from parks, cleaning streets, and collecting trash from beaches.
- Littering is strongly discouraged in Japanese society, with strict rules against disposing of trash in public places and heavy fines for offenders.
- The emphasis on cleanliness in both Buddhism and Shinto religious practices adds historical context to the lasting cleanliness of Japan.
- During your trip to Japan, consider joining a guided tour offered by our travel agency for an enriching and memorable experience, such as the Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour or the Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour.
- Japan's remarkable cleanliness is the result of multiple cultural, societal, and historical factors, including personal responsibility, community focus, education and school practices, social stigma against littering, and the influence of Buddhism and Shinto.
