When visiting one of Japan's cities, the first thing you might notice is how clean it is. They're practically spotless, which is especially surprising in places like Tokyo with large populations and huge amounts of tourism. Regardless of whether you're walking through Tokyo's high-traffic streets or a tranquil park, the cleanliness is noticeable.
This isn't due to an abundance of garbage cans or solely the result of public policy. Keeping Japan clean is a shared responsibility. It is part of its cultural mindset and relies on institutions and citizen participation, two parties which are necessary to maintain the upkeep.
Central to Japan's ability to keep its cities free of litter and debris is a deep-rooted cultural belief. Some of the traditional values of Shinto reflect purity, and the mindfulness of Zen Buddhism also believes in respect for communal spaces and the environment. It's common for children in Japanese schools to clean their classrooms and shared areas as part of a practice called Soji. This practice focuses on cleaning as a means to cultivate our minds. This helps instill a sense of ownership over communal spaces and forces everyone to lend a hand.
In Japanese cities, littering is illegal under national law and local ordinances. Furthermore, it is socially frowned upon, and littering can draw the ire of other people. You are likely to carry waste home if you can't find a garbage or recycling bin.
Japan does have a structured waste-management system that's well-organized and effective. This system supports the cultural responsibility for public cleanliness. Municipalities require residents to sort their waste into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables, and the Waste Management Act provides the standards for waste disposal.
It's not the sole responsibility of municipal workers to maintain clean public spaces. It's a collective effort with a clear mandate. There are often neighborhood clean-up groups and schools, businesses, and citizens will commonly sweep sidewalks or maintain public plants and green spaces without prompting. This even extends to high-density transport hubs where cleaning crews work tirelessly and precisely. Not to mention, passengers chip in by being mindful of their waste.
Japan's strategy to keep its cities spotless has been so effective that it's surprising other countries haven't adopted the same policies and mindset. What other countries fail to realize is that city-wide cleanliness isn't about funds and budgets. The trick is to embed cleaning habits in the culture, starting with young children. Then, you can compound this with public policy, structured waste management, and encouraging citizens to do their part.
If you visit Tokyo or another Japanese city, be sure to not only note the cleanliness but also enjoy it. A busy yet clean environment is an experience, especially if European or North American cities. For countries looking to replicate Japan's success and clean up their streets, the takeaway is obvious. Make citizens feel connected to their city, create a system of accountability, and provide the systems to dispose of waste consistently and effectively. The result will be clean urban spaces that everyone can enjoy.
