Japan Remains Spotless: Minimal Trash Bins despite Impressive Cleanliness
Tokyo: A Paradise for Cleanliness Fanatics
(By: Doris Tromballa)
Step foot in Tokyo, and you'll be mesmerized by its pristine cleanliness. No litter, no graffiti, no cigarette butts – it's like walking through a dream world. But, where does all the trash go?
The Absence of Trash Cans
You may search in vain for trash cans in Tokyo's bustling streets. The reason is grim – a tragic event in 1995 when Aum Shinrikyo sect hid poison gas in subway stations, claiming 13 lives and injuring over a thousand. Since then, public trash cans have been scarce to prevent any similar attacks. Instead, homes serve as the primary trash receptacles. Don't be surprised if you spot "fishing nets" on fences – Japanese residents sort their recyclables neatly in these nets.
The Ritual of Taking Off Shoes
It's a common ritual in Japan to remove your shoes upon entering apartments. Slippers await guests, usually two pairs – one for indoor use and another for the bathroom. Shoes are always placed in the direction of travel, mingling tradition with cleanliness.
Smoking on Streets: A contentious issue
Many sidewalks carry "Smoking prohibited" markings, though not legally required. Cities implement these rules voluntarily, with smoking only allowed in designated areas. Interestingly, some hotels still offer smoking rooms. In 2020, the non-smoking protection law came into effect, but older hotels are exempt.
Cleaning Japan's Way: Wiping After Eating
Japan's food scene is a gastronomic paradise! Food halls showcase various food stalls and cleaning stations, where everyone cleans their table after eating. It's a respectful gesture that extends to rest areas and supermarkets as well.
Tissues Everywhere in Japan
In front of every drugstore, tissue boxes are stacked high. In restaurants and fast food joints, you receive them as wet wipes. They're also popular promotional gifts. A survey reveals that 76% of Japanese prefer taking tissues with advertising over flyers.
The Plastic Paradox
Despite a strong emphasis on cleanliness, waste reduction is not prioritized. Fruits and vegetables are often individually packaged, and packaging stations in supermarkets rely heavily on plastic. Japan could do more for the environment in this regard.
Japan is a haven for cleanliness enthusiasts, following order and cleanliness religiously. But the excessive use of plastic is a conundrum in an otherwise environmentally conscious nation. A challenge for the future.
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*Notes:- Cultural Practices and Community Involvement: Kaji and Souji, cleaning as routine, community involvement, public etiquette- Systematic Waste Management: Strict sorting and recycling, limited public bins, pay-per-bag system, modern toilet technology- Addressing Plastic Waste: Excessive plastic, cultural norms, practices like diligent sorting, recycling, and community cleaning activities help mitigate visible litter and maintain public tidiness.
Tokyo's home-and-garden lifestyle shows in the meticulous sorting of recyclables in fishing nets on fences, while travelers can enjoy a unique 'lifestyle' experience by adhering to the ritual of taking off shoes upon entering apartments. Meanwhile, the traveler's 'home-and-garden' practices may differ, as tissues are ubiquitous everywhere in Japan, replacing flyers as popular promotional gifts. Despite this, a conundrum persists regarding excessive plastic use, even in an otherwise environmentally conscious nation.
