A walk through Japan: An experience full of stimuli
Walking through the cities of Japan is an enriching experience thanks to the abundance of restaurants and convenience stores. In these stores you can prepare instant noodles or have an iced coffee accompanied by matcha tea cookies. However, something that stands out is the lack of trash cans or containers on the streets, even in Tokyo.
Cleaning the streets without trash cans: A Japanese mystery
Despite the lack of public trash cans, Japanese streets remain surprisingly clean. In Japan, recycling regulations are very strict: plastic, paper and organic waste must be disposed of on specific days of the week. These rules are followed very rigidly and littering outside of established hours is prohibited.
An event that changed everything: The sarin gas attack
The absence of trash cans in public places dates back to a tragic event in Japan’s recent history. On March 20, 1995, during the morning rush hour, the Tokyo subway system was the target of a sarin gas attack carried out by members of the Aum Shinrikyo group. According to Gizmodo, this attack left more than 5,000 injured. Because sarin gas is odorless and colorless, those affected did not realize it until symptoms began to appear. To prevent future attacks, many bins and containers were removed.
Reinforced security measures
Although many years have passed since that attack, security measures in metro stations have been maintained. Nowadays, it is not easy to find trash cans, although some stations have small trash receptacles near the ticket machines.
The culture of cleanliness in Japan
One of the reasons Japan’s streets are so clean is the personal responsibility of its citizens. From an early age, children in schools participate in cleansing rituals. This habit also extends to sporting events, where it is common to see fans cleaning the stadiums after a game. Examples of this were seen in the soccer World Cups in Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018).
A spiritual tradition
The Japanese commitment to cleanliness also relates to the tradition of Zen Buddhism, which promotes the idea that maintaining hygiene is essential for health. This mantra has survived in Japanese society and is reflected in its daily life.