How Japan Keeps Clean

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

I've been meaning to make this video for a couple years, even before I was #trashtag by Rachel and Jun. And as I was about to release, I learned about #teamseas. What a coincidence! Support a good cause by helping to remove garbage from oceans at teamseas.org/. Every $1 removes 1lb of garbage from the ocean (The Ocean Conservancy and the Ocean Cleanup will be making sure the donations turn into cleanup). I'll be donating and hope you can join me!

[@pxelguyplays]

This is one of the topics that I was very interested in. I knew about school teaching kids, but I thought that the real deal is that people don’t litter. In the country where I’m from ( Hungary) the littering situation highly improved over the last decade, but it is still bad compared to Japan. I guess it’s the cleaning part that we are missing. Here cleaning in public places is not seen as a thing that is honorable, but rather as a low wage job, if you have nothing else. There are several smaller movements, but those ppl are rather seen as hippies by the majority of the public.

[@KitKinetic286]

you choose very interesting and unique topics for your channel, so different from the others, and definitely not like the money grabs live streams repeatedly from John.

[@modulator1]

#teamseas is bs

[@ramsesclviii2584]

@Life Where I'm From thank you. love the title

[@rabbit251]

You forgot to include the exception: the vomit ramen. There is less of it because of the pandemic, but for people who don't live here, it is common for businessmen after drinking heavily to eat ramen, which they then vomit at the train station or on the street somewhere. I saw some near my home the other day and the crows were eating it. Gross!

[@keithkyli]

Japan also feels "clean" by how well the roads and pavements are maintained. Most roads have smooth, uniform tarmac surfaces and pavements are nicely laid with fitting slabs, free of large crevices or bumps. Potholes and uneven roads are rare, mostly found in rural areas and repaired during planned revamps. This makes the walking and driving experience visually clean and physically pleasant.

[@michaels3003]

I live in a wealthy country where people prefer poor-quality roads to higher taxes, so I only see nice roads on TV or YT.

[@melelconquistador]

@@michaels3003 USA?

[@michaels3003]

Si Señor. Since this is a federation, the roads' condition can vary from state to state (the same is true for taxes).

[@melelconquistador]

@@michaels3003 oh, I know. I've driven on them. Colorado pot holes are atrocious. I think there is corruption, because I25 has been under construction since summer 2019, over a new toll lane. These days I wouldn't say the USA is a rich country anymore, rather it has the most rich people. Whats the point of being the richest country if hardly anyone benefits from that title.

[@michaels3003]

@@melelconquistador , yes if you subtracted the money owed by the Gvmt, a lot of people would be much less affluent.

[@paulccrimmins]

The children are raised properly by their parents and teachers and they carry their cleaning traditions into adulthood

[@myujokt733]

Plus if your raised to do it yourself at a young age with minimal assistance, You're more likely to do it automatically, and independently contrary to popular belief.

[@doriswaddington2418]

In Singapore and Malaysia it’s the norm - all school kids have daily cleaning duties - I cleaned school toilets when I was a kid

[@toshi-ki6016]

@@doriswaddington2418 Not so sure about that in Singapore: recently they have had to institute fines to get patrons at food centres to return their trays after their meal.

[@toshi-ki6016]

Cultivate that cleaning habit from young, in schools, and that will make generational change to mindsets on taking care of the environment. "Cleaning Up After Ourselves" needs to become a cultural norm in all societies, which will also go a long way to tackling environmental improvement and climate change. Cleaning up after ourselves will force a re-evaluation of the true costs of production to include recycling and disposal, and not "externalized" such costs to Mother Nature or Planet Earth itself!

[@o0Avalon0o]

@@myujokt733 Very true! I've found that keeping a regular schedule including healthy habits trade long-term benefits.

[@valusha_wooster]

I was in Japan this year. I was struck by the cleanliness in the center of Tokyo. I've traveled all over Japan and everything is very clean. Very friendly and neat people. Perhaps a sense of inner dignity led to such accuracy and reasonableness.

[@Lostboy811]

When I went to Japan you can find in parks overflowing trash cans and it spilling onto the ground. Now you think I'm blaming the Japanese but as this park area was a major tourist attraction it was actually mostly foreign tourists throwing trash into already overflowing trash cans having the trash spread all over the ground around the trash bin which didn't seem to stop people from still throwing trash in them. And here is something that shocked me. Around the trash bin was a homeless old Japanese man at least from the clothing and can you guess what he was doing at the trash can. Now you probably thought it was searching the trash, but you be wrong. He was picking up the trash and moving it to other less full trash bins. So yes the homeless Japanese man was cleaning up the trash from overflowing trash bins that had trash spilling onto the ground.

[@HackersSun]

my observation is that the cleaning crews are run by old people, not bad but in 20 years...

[@devilisbackk]

​@@Lostboy811that really brought tears.....that's called social response and that shows how much he loves and respects his country..... 😢

[@nathanmciver6496]

​@@Lostboy811LOL, you better know when to draw the line! Man people are beyond aweful

[@nathanmciver6496]

He's not poor! Don't people understand yet? Or is this the spiritual move!!!! I have my own home, I pay my bills for the sake of scary people and thier childish games! Not here though, although some sounds might suggest otherwise! And I wonder when will this get better instead of finding a tec family in a civic center local old drinking place that can change the family venue the same as any other place as fast as they change boxers! Yeah tang tang ting tang tang! Tang! Tang ting! Anyway, I miss the days of guy girl, friends! Wash your dam hands! I hear that's making a come back! All cleanly thoughts within mind

When you mentioned the cleaning done by soccer fans I instantly remembered how absolutely SHOCKED Brazilians were to see the Japanese cleaning the stadium after the end of every match they were in at the World Cup 2014. It actually became news in the big media around these parts. 😅

[@yashvinjagarlamudi7961]

even the 2018 world cup. I remember reading an article after the Belgium game they got knocked out of

[@konamoon]

A class act.

[@bmona7550]

Gotta be clean and tidy. I really wonder why that isn't the norm. It provides extra jobs at least. I hate it when stadiums get dirty

[@user-jt1jv8vl9r]

How respectful are the Japanese to clean after themselves and how disrespectful are we in the West not to.

[@carlosa7598]

Yeah. Its a shame to the host countries that they cant even do it themselves

[@ericzaddock]

Discipline, self respect, love for place, teaching children properly. So Awesome!

[@nathanmciver6496]

And 2 gloves while in a kitchen instead of, it's art work and getting freaky!!!!

[@marlodoctolero4081]

When it comes to cleanliness, Japan's level of discipline and teamwork from their citizens is so inspiring.

[@TheWayToIslamHD]

Why does japan is so clean? THEY CLEAN !!

[@alonespirit_1Q84]

That's it..

[@towaritch]

I live in a town in the South of France close to the Med. Out of the 16. OOO inhabitants (0ld center+ new burbs) I am the only volunteer who picks up random trash on a daily basis. And I don't even originate from that town.I also noticed the worse offenders ( by a wide margin) are the teens and young adults.Yes, my dear Greta...

[@stevedavenport1202]

It is culture. They don't have the "not my job" mentality that Americans do. In fact, many Americans are quite slovenly even on their own private properties.

[@HaPiinJapan]

Haha true true. Every single job seems to have cleaning as a responsibility.

[@stefan0ro]

who would have thought...... 😂 it was such a big surprise, i never saw it coming.. Now i have to recover my prosthesis from the floor 😜

[@veerabrahmendrak5166]

Japan is an ideal country for its cleanliness. I hope people all over the world learn that kind of upbringing and discipline.

[@kubyoindiya3269]

my grandma was under Japanese colonization, trust me even my mom they have some next level cleaning and organizing habits 😅

[@johnosullivan-nq2wd]

I hope their governments do better and follow their citizens. Giving the green light to pouring Fukushima's radioactive waste into the Pacific Ocean is really a disturbing decision made by the Japanese government, I'm assuming the main reason is to save money at the cost of the world's environment.

[@jmanninja]

Even on their construction sites, it’s immaculate. Only the rare best construction sites in United States does it, and it’s somewhat common in Germany, but no country does it like Japan does it.

[@Truthseeker371]

​​@@johnosullivan-nq2wdhere else can you dispose? The ocean has more powerful dissolving mechanism than burying them in the ground, as Australia does with the French disposed ulanium. Give us your solution. The Topco will happy to hear from you.

[@AngelloDelNorte]

Well, Nordic countries are clean, stable, and safe as well. Being homogeneous and having decency/morals really benefits the country, i guess.

[@idolcarol5264]

Disciplined since birth! That’s the way they educate their children! I’ve been in Japan for 30 yrs & that was really ammazed me, very clean country!

[@nathanmciver6496]

Lol, ugh :( I witness some amazing discipline and also from very tough experience see the truths! Yet other from noticing says "thank god!" Because thier is or was way to much scary non sence within the world taking away from what it can be! Join isn't always the way to show beauty! I can appreate other methodology because they showed results, and I knew they people behind the sceans with safe living in mind where the answer! I thank them, they can't be replaced

[@mikes-wv3em]

WOKE INDOCTRINATION! /S

[@Asifur_Rahman]

Japan is so clean, this is one of the reason why i like Japan.

[@gugy68]

It’s all about culture. People there are educated, clean, polite to an extreme and hard worker. We definitely need some of these traits in the US and many other countries.

[@olchat2012]

Watching the video, and listening how he talks about manual labor and physical work, it is clear to me where the narrator is from. He is from a country where manual labor and physical work are referred to as "back braking" work 😅😂🤣

[@Guys_Love_Each_Other]

especially in polluted countires

[@HackersSun]

its also about the willingness to follow those rules, all its takes is that one punk who gets drunk and leaves bottles in the bushes in the USA I highly doubt that individual would care in the first place :/

[@coloringfunn]

hygiene and cleanliness is more of A Mentality of a society

[@Arnold_X3]

Pandemic or not, Japan is the cleanest major country on Earth. I've been many places, and I can say this with confidence.

[@doriswaddington2418]

You obviously have never been to Singapore

[@Arnold_X3]

Yes, I have. On the backstreets as well. It was filthy. Not all it's cracked up to be. Secondly, I said: MAJOR - Singapore is a (comparatively) tiny city state. Not a large country with thousands of cities. Tokyo itself is 7-8 times more populated. Try again.

[@n07w4tU7hnk]

mmhmmm someone has to do it, so there are those who do mostly the mess here is caused by crows who pick at improperly placed gomi bags

[@walterdayrit675]

@@Arnold_X3 I'm amazed how they can keep Tokyo that clean considering its size and high population density.

[@jrent52002]

@@doriswaddington2418 overrated

[@FuzzySamurai]

Mad respect for the elderly that choose to help their community. man that takes a lot of humility and humbleness.

[@childearth4039]

I have the greatest respect for Japanese civilisation. The exampe of not letting other human beings see their garbage as well as not clean their garbage for them shows a great deal of respect for themselves as well as for their fellow human beings.

[@RacistChinaWhite]

Actually, Japanese people are quiet but very proud and noble.

[@geraldbaria]

Japan has it all figured out…it’s all in the people themselves. What a country.👏🏻

[@Szystedt]

They definitely does not have it all figured out, heh, not going to bother ranting about it, but there's a large difference between traveling to japan and living and working in it.

[@dumbodum]

@@Szystedt ya their work habits are quite bad, people working themselves to death

[@jonglopez5400]

be aware that this is in line with the context of 'cleaning'. Japan has its own problems as well, just like any other countries.

[@mascarenhas9624]

@@jonglopez5400 not like any other country, don't travel to were I am from. South America., Mister Lopez😉😂

[@thestarspark2288]

I love Japan. I don't like the attitudes towards women, gender roles, LBGTQIA+, and mental health.

[@Groet]

I love the idea of giving elders some purposeful work for a few hours a day cleaning. I hope that they are not suffering financially and feel forced to work.

[@paulb2092]

If you're old and suffering financially and someone gives you an opportunity to work for money, most people in Japan will feel grateful, not resentful. In my country Canada, if you say you're busy, people say "Don't work too hard." In Japan, they say, "That's great! You're so lucky."

[@Mwoods2272]

A lot of the elderly in Japan volunteer cleaning their neighborhoods and volunteer as crossing guards near school because it gets them out and about and occupies a few hours of their day.

[@thecapone45]

I think it’s a shame that in the west, when the elderly work we feel Sorry for them. If they are disabled I can understand. But I find it insulting that we deem them almost useless and that they shouldn’t be working. Elderly are people too and people like feeling needed and useful. That they fulfill some purpose and still have life within them and can DO things and contribute. To say they should be in the house for the remainder of their life is just sad to me.

[@7Write4This9Heart7]

@@thecapone45 I think what OP means is, they hope the elderly aren't forced to work for financial reasons. If they WANT to and like feeling useful, that's great! But only working because otherwise they'll literally be on the streets would be so sad! (Sadly, that's how it is for a lot of them in the USA... SO awful!)

[@apdiversion834]

My opinion is that Japan is truly an example to the world.🕊

[@Ratatoothie]

This is beautiful. Something every country in the world should implement. I learned how to efficiently recycle when I started researching Japan.

[@blablup1214]

I can tell you it is very frustrating if you do it alone. I collected several sacks full of garbage around my neighborhood just to notice. It takes around 1 week to be as dirty as before...

[@Ratatoothie]

@@blablup1214 You're amazing for continuing to do such a thankless job, over and over. I hope you can get some help! However, I wish it took 1 week to get dirty again where I live. I'd say 2-3 days maximum and people refuse to even use the right bins. Twice a year they clean the streets of gum, and it can take months to even remove animal droppings, which are everywhere. This isn't how people should live! The UK needs to get its act together.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@blablup1214 Take some pictures and post it on a local group webpage.

[@GikamesShadow]

@@blablup1214 Agreed, its hard to get anything done when its not engrained in your culture. Germany for as advanced as it is in other fields has a very bad habit of people just not caring about it much. I was taught from the moment I was born not to throw trash out in the middle of nowhere but even I fail at it at times with natural waste such as "apples" or "tissues" that dissolve and rot away over time cause in germany there lies no importance on it. @abhilaash Akter That is easier said than done. This is a very culturally driven issue. Many people dont live this way and therefor will never get used to doing it. Its a sad reality.

[@blablup1214]

@@GikamesShadow Sad thing is. I believe it was engraved in German culture at some point...but when I see my district, I think it goes like this. We have many foreigners here who really don't care. I am always shocked that they have no problem with letting their own children play with so much trash around. The old people are scared to say something. The younger people think they are cool because they throw bottles etc. on the ground... and the others think something fell out of my pocket, but well, here is so much trash, there is no difference if I don't pick this up ... @abhilaash Akter Government doesn't care, because it is a "bad district" and if you say it is caused by foreigner you are just a racist :D They just clean up once a year to take some photos with the press...

[@aravindgtch]

Cleanliness is a habit that has to be cultivated from childhood. It is a noble imitable culture to clean not only our compound but our surroundings also.

[@diy5729]

Some cultures ARE better than others, clearly.

[@dr.kalyanpokuri1079]

I love Japan 🇯🇵........ Cleanliness, respect, technology, food..... Japan specials

[@StevesSlideandJazz]

The eat alive animals!!!😳😳😳

[@lazyjaney28]

@@StevesSlideandJazz fresh seafoods not animals, no oil, no additives -> healthy

[@thxlovefactor]

They have such a strong sense of community. I think that’s one of the contributing factors as well. Japan is possibly one of my favorite countries in the world because by comparison, they seem to excel in morality, integrity, humanity, and spirituality. Not all may display these qualities but the fact that they are generally ingrained and valued in the culture itself is admirable.

[@MariaLuiza-re4wr]

Yeah, but they are currently releasing radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean for the next 30 years.

[@sallymoyae3203]

Wow, the level of discipline is what makes the difference! Thank you for the cleaning series. I'm from Kenya.

[@mrrm3619]

I am from wakanda

[@aditya1068]

I am superised to know that they have so many cleaning events, people volunteerly clean their neighborhood. Also their culture helps in this. This just shows that if everyone contribute you can keep your country clean, I hope my country those these things too😢

[@martian9999]

perhaps it's also the Japanese philosophy whereas a job done well is always honorable -- there are no "inferior" or "dirty" jobs. Cleaning is for everybody, because it elevates everybody.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

Martin Schwoerer: The Collective mind that Japanese have, always thinking of the collective benefit, may be the key, because when one finds himself in a country where everyone is Just Out for themselves and what their own individual benefit is, one can witness the disorder and chaos it creates in Society. I recently visited the Dominican Republic, a small country that shares an island with Haiti, and they are Such disgusting, inconsiderate of others, Selfish & individualistic individuals, that you cannot Wait to GET OUT of there, only a few short days after you arrive, only because is Disgustingly Noticeable.!!!!!!!

[@tedf1471]

So true, like a nearly retired chief exec acting as the doorman to his own company offices as a humble 'thank you' gesture. Comical to see him and his juniors bowing to each other!

[@Biloxicharles]

I think you have "hit the nail on the head here". Absolutely. I wrote about living and working in Denmark and there is a mentality of "inferior" and "superior" jobs by many Danes (not by my boss BTW who owns the company). We could make a plaque of your "cleaning is for everybody, because it elevates everybody" and put it in all public places. What you wrote is so true and beautiful.

[@martian9999]

@@Biloxicharles thank you!

[@金子利雄-i5g]

😂😂❤❤

[@jwwelder07]

They value their country and respect its environment. I will keep on visiting Japan for this!

[@ChenBeixuancultivatingnshieeet]

not like the wild wakandians who live to loot burn and kill

[@FLAME456X]

Indeed and honestly if only every other country can learn from Japans example of keeping clean then we could truely live in a world where not just Japan but every world and country is clean and in the words of the British Spotless and imaculet.

[@kiven9299]

We love you japan from philippines..

[@StevesSlideandJazz]

But the Japanese MURDERED 100,000 Filipinos!

[@dogwalk3]

one thing that stuck with me when i was in japan is seeing the govt workers immediately sweep up leaves that had fallen after a rain in the city; & power washing gum off of sidewalks daily. it was so impressive.

[@skybaby444]

Here in Hawaii I see old Japanese cleaning in front of their houses frequently. I try to always give them a nod or say thank you.

[@cherrycherry8517]

Japan is my type of country as I am in love with clean environment ❤

[@Angie-lp2hk]

Watching these videos made me realize that having "group mentality" does have its pros when everyone is working together towards something for the greater good of society. On one hand, being a country that's all about conformity can be harmful (ex. can't disagree with others even if they're wrong, can't stand out too much or look different, etc) but on the other hand, most are able to agree to this kind of thing that is universally good and needed.

[@paulb2092]

Having lived in Japan for more than 40 years, and having drunk with Japanese people during that entire time, I can assure you that although there are tendencies for group activity and orientation as you say, there is no conformity of opinion outside these mandated group activities and tendencies.

[@golferpro1241]

If you disagree with democrats they cancel you. What’s your point

[@paranoidhumanoid]

Yes, though despite being a nominally conformist society, the Japanese are some of the most creative (artistically and fashion-wise) I've seen in all my travels. People don't necessarily all dress or look the same -- there is a plethora of looks and brands they love to peruse and purchase more so than the "on-trend" fervor here in the States...

[@thechikuwa284]

>ex. can't disagree with others even if they're wrong, can't stand out too much or look different, etc This is a characteristic of Westerners. Westerners are strange. They cannot even unite in community, yet they critically interfere with the appearance and speech and behavior of others. In Japan, as long as one does not "cause trouble for others," one's appearance or unusual speech or behavior is not criticized. This is because it is considered "childish" in Buddhist teachings to criticize others at every turn. In contrast, Christianity is all about being ""Punishing/Teaching/extrapunitive", right? I feel there is a cultural difference.

[@themercifulguard3971]

" can't disagree with others even if they're wrong" Funnily enough this is just as apparent in societies which brand itself to be multicultural, diverse, and non-conformist. In the end, all societies have a status quo to uphold.

[@braveheart2679]

I am an Indonesian and I was very impressed with the cleanliness of Tokyo when I visited in 2001. Apart from that, the way the Japanese drive is also very polite and obedient to traffic, I have never heard a horn.

[@wilfredolegaspi1757]

I love Japan. Very clean, foods are so good and traffic is not bad at all.

[@santoshadhikari9933]

Such a beautiful country. Hope to be there once in a lifetime.

[@teresatsai8753]

Thank you all! So Japan public streets and structures were keeping it so clean. Thank you all! Bravo!

[@zawwin1846]

I think this is a lot better for the older citizens since it keeps them active and engaged in the community.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

In my area, we have ‘jichikai’, a kind of neighborhood committee, which handles many of the activities you discussed. For example, we manage the ‘gomi toban’ that way - one household is responsible to maintain and clean the area’s garbage-collection bin (where we take household garbage every day). We also have a garbage cleanup event one every month or so where all members of the community walk around together and pick up trash, etc. And lots more. This is a common system in rural areas, like where is live. It’s kind of a pain sometimes, but the result is we have a strong sense of community, are well-organized, and yes, our streets and parks stay clean.

[@empty_world3397]

In my city trash cans are clean then the street.. Im not japanese

[@carkod]

I wonder how do you choose who cleans up the worse areas?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@carkod Rotating duties. Each household takes turns being in charge of varies things (cleaning, but also recycle station, fire brigade, area representative, etc.) according to a pre-decided order. It’s a bit of a pain when it’s your turn, but the overall result is good. (Some foreign resident manage to get out of their responsibilities…but then they’re not really accepted as full ‘community members’. )

[@JerryChanD]

Thank you for making your country so good to visit! I was so happy about my trip to Japan in February, definitely the best country in the world to travel to and visit!

[@anelson8856]

I work at McDonalds and part of my job is ensuring that the restaurant's restrooms, dining room, and outside areas are clean. Seeing the amount of work that the Japanese dedicate to keeping both outside and inside areas clean inspires me to clean better to provide an exceptional experience for our guests and employees.

[@thecapone45]

I work at a chick fil an and I feel the same way. The Japanese are an inspiration in this area.

[@passager01]

They are not only clean but also tidy . I have visited Tokyo , such a beautiful , clean and tidy city .

[@elenafran9]

Thanks!

[@patrickd1968]

I miss living in Japan so much. It truly is such a safe and wonderful place to experience.

[@kuroneko7022]

I agree. When I left I cried at the airport. The people are so nice and the country is beautiful! I really felt at peace there. I would walk to Lawson near my hotel at 1:00 a.m. and all hours and nobody bothered me. In the States, a woman out walking at 1:00 in the morning would have been raped and murdered.

[@sanjoyroy2313]

Japanese are very hardworking peoples. That's why they always keep their surroundings so neat and clean all the time. There are so many good manners in Japanese that should be followed by every Indians.

[@sergel02]

It should be noted that there is more than just cultural things, as Japan didn’t used to be this clean.

[@sum5687]

Even after 100000000years we will never see this clean in india. Unlucky to be born in india.

[@Mesooraj]

Unlucky me😢​@@sum5687

[@RF-hb3uw]

​@@sum5687 Iam japanese. I think Indian people in Japan can do it if they want to do it, as they are very clean.

[@benbenwards9999]

@@RF-hb3uw I think so too. I'm not a Japanese but been living here for fifty years. I have some Indian friends. They are so tidy and clean. Sometimes visit their homes and they are very clean. So I think the surrounding can play a part.

[@jannatulferdouse7970]

They are soo organized😮😮. However, Japan is always my dream country, and I wish I visit this country as soon as possible.

[@ken1735]

I hope you come and enjoy(^^)

[@Komainu959]

I've been to a bunch of states in the US, Canada, Mexico and Japan. So far Japan has been the cleanest overall and especially so if you consider just how many people they have there.

[@136760mas1]

I love the Japan. What a people.

[@runmiltality5230]

its the Japanese people high discipline which my fellow Filipino mostly don t have...big salute to Japanese's people you are one of a kind..

[@itsJoshV]

Love the less glamorous but very interesting topics you always look at. It's these types of "small day to day" things that I find interesting.

[@dhruvilkumpavat6037]

Every South Asian Countries need to learn from this man. Making your child responsible from the start developes instinct of Cleaning and not to be belittle of. Man I wish there would be people like me or all other who keep plastic bottles and bags with them and throw in the dustbin and not just throw away. Amazing work Japan. You have my gratitude. Thank you for this

[@buckybarnes3803]

This is great-- when I was a kid my grandma said when she grew up in Germany, they were expected to clean the sidewalk and the section of the street in front of their house. so now in Northern Ohio USA, I'm always doing just that, especially because I live by a busy shopping center. some people look at me like I'm one of those older silver workers doing it for the city, but I'm just taking care of my own property. And a little more.

[@WolkeYume]

we still do that here! love that you keep up this tradition(?)😂💪

[@leechrec]

While also being part of the Avengers? Dayum bruh, you rock.

[@MrSmith_]

It goes a long way to show that you respect the space around you. Keep it up! I more people shared your sentiment

[@connydm729]

The same here in Belgium...long time ago People were cleaning everything around the house every saterday and were happy about it, that is totaly gone, the younger generation...they dont like to do it anymore, i really regret it, and shopping in dirty streets isn´t fun anymore...

[@zezmerelda240]

bucky-- sounds familiar! I am from Toledo area. My mom used to wash our huge front porch, steps, and sidewalk. In the winter.

[@CheapCharlieChronicles]

I’ve always felt Japan was fairly clean, there are exceptions though like Shibuya at 3 am lol.

[@GinJ1337]

it is a sight to be seen. or the last train in Tokyo

[@cobytang]

Yeah because it's Shibuya, the "rough" part of Tokyo.

[@rabirai1003]

Common Charlie! 🤣

[@encabsss]

I personally experience this in Osaka as well in Dotonbori to be exact and then came back in the morning and all of the sudden, the thrash is on the garbage bag in the corner of the streets and waiting to be pick up. Its was like Ninja clean up the mess when party is done.

[@unixtreme]

Japan also generates tons of plastic that is never recycled, tons of people I know here don't bother recycling. Almost anything you buy has individual packaging, even things you may never think of like you buy a 4 small cookie pack and each cookie has individual packaging and sometimes even and anti humidity pack... It's very bad.

[@Emmanuel-i1p]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I was in Japan five years ago and was very impressed by cleanliness and politeness wherever I went. In fact, I took a lot of pictures of public toilets, the cleanest in the world. It's the Japanese culture: they are taught at school and at home to look out for others.

[@demoscratos4577]

Their culture, is why they keep it clean. They are naturally constructive people.

[@mirage_404]

The quality of these videos is better than some documentaries I've seen on tv. And it's so soothing. Well done, subscribed!

[@violetgruner754]

It is common sense. The Japanese culture. Is logical and more importantly cooperative. We can all learn their approach to daily living. I thank them for that lesson!!

[@nofilter.906]

The men are perverts,and there is a high suicide rate......so dont praise to much you weirdo

[@eugeniocorpuz8338]

At the World Cup the Japanese team cleaned the locker room and neatly folded their towels.

[@KOSMOinfinite]

I love the idea of the sliver senior cleaners. It gives elders a sense of pride in taking care of their communities and doing honest work and also helps keep them active. This could never fly in North America as there is a stigma attached to cleaners - no pride. Many of our elders here in North America are not active and suffer ailments quicker due to the lack of mobility. 'Use it or lose it' applies to your muscles and body as you age, if you don't move around and stay active your body will start to get rid of your muscle.

[@karengarrow5579]

I have such deep respect for the Japanese people such discipline and honour rest of world could learn a lot from this country

[@lewisjackson6395]

Yes could be nice and clean here in the UK to

[@DaveVargas90012]

Traditionally they take pride and pass it down from generations. So much respect to Japan.

[@joh514]

It's all about Japanese discipline. They truly are an amazing country

[@Hawthornne]

People like to talk about the cleaning duties in japanese schools and about how it should be implemented in their own coutries. But parents teaching their kids simple things, like not throwing trash around 'cause someone else gottta clean' would already be a good way to start. I was born in Brazil, but my grandparents were from Japan so I've learned from my mother either to find a trash can or take it home to dispose it, but never throw trash on the ground.

[@ganymedehedgehog371]

It should definitely be done at home, but clearly it’d help for schools to do it too.

[@YangSunWoo]

If you teach cleanliness in schools, then those kids will eventually teach their own kids when they get older.

[@nirmitkadakia7871]

Here, cleanliness is also a matter of patriotism. One must love one’s country as his own home and strive to keep it clean. Very respectable.

[@fitofito1001]

It’s more about hard working. Dirty = lazy.

[@sunset3052]

Great country with great citizens!

[@HaniSo]

Well education is the key. Everyone is responsible about cleaning. Good job Japan.

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Was in Tokyo in January 2023. We didn't see a single tagging. We saw one plastic bottle, one aluminum can, this was outside. We also saw a paper towel, like Cleenex on the floor in a train station. Other than that, Tokyo was cleaner than any other place I've ever visited. Greetings from Norway.

[@kokokyoushi]

When I visited Japan around 1972, I came away with the impression that it was clean on the inside, dirty on the outside. There seemed to be trash everywhere, even at shrines, temples and other sites and attractions. I saw Japanese people casually discarding trash on the ground including polaroid film covers etc. The insides of buildings, temples, department stores etc., were immaculate. I just visited again in 2019 and was struck at the difference. Japan is SO much cleaner now. I found this to be true in Tokyo and other large cities and in rural areas,. It was a very pleasant surprise and makes me wonder if there was nationwide cleanup campaign at some time between my visits.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

I do wonder what changed, because I've read of similar accounts.

[@takkyit5372]

I was born in 1970, but when I was a child, stations had cigarette butts and dirty toilets. With the rapid economic growth, buildings were rebuilt and became cleaner, and at the same time, cleaning became a habit in our daily life from elementary school to high school. However, some people do litter, and they are considered to have very bad manners.

[@sergel02]

My coworker who was born and raised in Japan said the same thing. A good thing is that it shows how fast it changed, which means it’s possible for other countries too.

[@Samrid1234]

@@LifeWhereImFrom can you make a video researching this? Seems interesting.

[@haha-eg8fj]

I guess it’s education + heavy fine that imposed on littering change the way people behave.

[@ethansancti2864]

The people are the foundation of each country. Incalculating values like disciplne, integrity, selflessness, cleanliness and honor when they are still small and you greatly lessen the problem when they grow up. The attitude and mindset of the people in a countty will dictate its path.

[@DaveVargas90012]

Japanese culture is so discipline and responsibility comes with respect. This is an excellent example of community.

[@TheWanderingLibrarian]

I think I’m going to have a word with our head teacher about how we can instil some of this care and teamwork into our students. Thanks for another video that’s got me thinking.

[@BirdBath1]

Katherine, look at bird bath

[@growingup15]

I started adopting this Japanese Cleaning up lifestyle around my house and when im out and about now for about a year now since learning how japanese do it and since I was planning to move to the country in the coming years I figure I might as well start learning the customs now and adopting it into my life and others around me. hopefully one day here in America we can be more like Japan. I know thats very foolish to think that'll ever happen but I hope with us younger generation that it will be a thing in our lifetime.

[@MRDonWick2]

Same

[@potbellyfatguyfromnewyorkcity]

yes that is indeed very foolish and idiotic to think like you do about implementing this cleaning in America.

[@thecapone45]

It’s hopeful and I’m glad you have hope in the youth. As a millennial, I absolutely detested the shame that we endured by the Gen Xers and the boomers. After that, I told myself to not bash an entire generation based on the actions of a few. They gave us no respect.

[@kvsconstructionwork]

I really love the culture of japan, this country is keep clean every time, the people is so responsibility, i hope my people like that too one day!

[@susannpatton2893]

This needs to be shown on national TV and shown in every school in America. If we were to raise our kids this way, it would be a cleaner America and maybe a little better off morally too

[@suunt12]

I will never forget my trip to Tokyo in 2002. Amazing place.

[@TheDasHatti]

How did u get there? I thought, travelling to JP was restricted while the Olympic Games?

[@hello-ny9ri]

@@TheDasHatti 2002 not 2022. I thought it was 2022 and was confused too

[@TheDasHatti]

@@hello-ny9ri Oh dear^^ How bad did i missread that! Thanks mate!

[@Skydawn-f1m]

Уважение японскому народу!

[@karyu0in0japan]

There is a phrase I learned in school, "more beautiful than when you arrived". This means that when you leave a place you have visited, you should leave it more beautiful than before. There is also a famous saying that everyone knows: "立つ鳥跡を濁さず(A bird does not foul the nest that it is about to leave.)". This is a reminder that those who leave should do so in a neat and tidy manner so as not to be seen as unsightly. It also means that the time of leaving should be beautiful.

[@Biloxicharles]

Thank you for this. You have a big ahhhh of longing from me.

[@Lyoshi157]

"How does your country keep clean?" In my country we just don't.

[@_kriscross]

I was looking for this comment :D

[@angelicamartacahyaningtyas9083]

In my country, people loves cleaning their own home, then throw the trash to any vacant lot around LOL

[@We_Want_It_All]

@@angelicamartacahyaningtyas9083 in my country Malaysia, people love keeping the insides of their cars clean of trash, and then throw the trash on the road ~ highway/freeway, you name it, while the car is moving.

[@foxroaming7994]

My country leaves it's trash to rodents and cockroaches.

[@willymags123]

What country is that? Because America does their part as well to keep the streets beautiful. If you find there's a problem why don't you become part of the solution?

[@CDeeez94]

This is awesome! These lessons should be taken by every country around the world...especially here in America!

[@WayneCook306]

All countries should be like Japan's great work.

[@crazybooklady2104]

America has so much to learn. We can definitely learn from the Japanese on this.

[@charliemartin-k7m]

America does learn this we just have to many people that sadly don't care.

[@scruffy7443]

try living in Liberal cities no one cleans unless you are paid to clean up

[@lisamac8503]

@@scruffy7443 Most people do not clean their yards or homes I they do not care about there own space then wont be caring about others Lazy is what its called

[@churblefurbles]

america is made up of people who ran away because they were extreme rule followers or not at all.

[@crazybooklady2104]

Americans are just flat out lazy unless they are getting paid to do it. It's really sad honestly.

[@kiyokoprovenzano2206]

All the individual doing very good manner!!

[@milanperisic3636]

My niece is half Japanese and when she came back from visiting Japan at age of 6, she said: When I grow up I wanna live in Japan. When we asked her why she responded with: Everything is clean there. :)

[@Wahbull]

Just wanted to say a massive thanks for the years of amazing videos. It's been lovely hearing about your/ your family's experiences. Greatly appreciate the learnings you provide and the research you perform to provide such an awesome window into Japanese culture and lifestyle.

[@MarlaTanuan]

The Japanese word for “clean” and “beautiful” is the same word - kirei.

[@sheiladickerson5198]

Americans can learn a lot from Japan! Love the video!

[@grande6075]

It is no wonder that Japan is a prosperous country becausevif their unique character.

[@kennethbolton951]

When I was in japan at 15 yrs old I must have picked up the vibe. When I go for a walk I take a five gallon bucket and usually fill it in two or three blocks, pick a different route once a week. I was stopped by one fellow who asked me why. I replied " Why not"? It always amazes me when I see trash right next to a trash receptacle. Selfishness is a disease and trashiness is the main symptom.

[@megapangolin1093]

Great video, fascinating to see and good to see that people are doing the cleaning automatically as part as a permanent self discipline. So refreshing and responsible. A joy to see how helping keeping the environment clean actually can be done.

[@yuascarlet427]

If only all people think like this, the world will be more beautiful to live.

[@user-cd1yj9bw9j]

True, but it's a shame most people don't do any source of tidying

[@kb1688]

If everyone in this world can be like this it would be nice

[@javabrown4851]

Bravo for Japan...love to visit this country someday.

[@Nightscream452]

For the elderly or retired, it also provides them someway to contribute & a way to keep busy, as well as setting a good example to the younger generations.

[@adamdahl3080]

As I've said many times before; japanese are on a completaly different level!

[@cheycherry806]

I visted a Japanese small city around 20 years ago. Even though it was a very shor time to stay there, my first impression was that the city was clean and people there were super kind. I hope I can visit Japan in the very near future. I am Korean. :)

[@rjacks3284]

you cant overlook the fact japan is spilling millions of gallons of radioactive waste into the ocean instead of being responsible for their nuclear disaster. every neighboring country was condemning japans decision to pollute and they still did it.

[@cheycherry806]

@@rjacks3284 Thank you for your opinion. But I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about politics. I hope that we should not be controlled by some political elites and their agenda. We are just human being and can be friends, Nevertheless we always should keep an eye on the politician's bad ambition and behabiors. Thanks again for your insight. :)

[@indeepjable]

jacks, be advised no nations exist

[@BA-or4om]

i love Korea and Korean people! from japan:)

[@syamkumarkaturi9761]

What happens if gold transportation ships sinks

[@oiocha5706]

In Korea, people generally seem to dump their garbage anywhere they feel like. They also seem to rather enjoy finding creative places to litter, like in a tree or on top of parked cars.

[@thebpulse6477]

That’s fucked up. And it’s got a massive population given its size. It must be a dump there

[@keurikeuri7851]

It's similar here in the Philippines. I remember one time I parked my bike for only an hour, when I came back, there's already some trash in my front bike basket. Also, there is also a belief here by some people that littering helps give jobs to street cleaners.

[@Stick_Chronic]

I heard korean fans at the 22 wc helped to clean up the stadiums after their matches.

[@teresatsai8753]

Even trashes picked up trucks were so clean. Wow! An interesting sharing.

[@michaelsebastian2842]

In Shinto cleanliness is godliness. A core part of their culture as you showed so well. Great piece!

[@Luckingsworth]

Remember this anytime anyone says they live in a trashy area because the area itself is trashy. No, the people are. The environment reflects the people who live there, not the other way around.

[@babasobedkyale4075]

I am from India,l daily watch NHK World japan, today i watch this type of program on this channel,l like Japan so much.also japanese people, I love india and also Japan.

[@Jrad117]

How does Japan keep clean. Very simple the people respect everything and everyone.