Cultivating Values through Cleanliness: Japan’s Unique School Tradition

In the majority of Japanese schools, janitors or custodians are not hired for cleaning tasks. The Japanese education system upholds the belief that students should be responsible for maintaining their schools’ cleanliness. This practice instills values of respect, responsibility, and equality among students. By participating in communal cleaning activities called “osoji,” students learn to take care of their shared environment, develop teamwork skills, and appreciate the efforts of those who maintain cleanliness in other contexts.

Raccoon Invasion: The Unintended Consequences of Pet Imports in Japan

In 1977, the airing of an anime based on the book Rascal in Japan led to the importation of thousands of North American raccoons as pets, which were eventually released into the wild and have since become an invasive species in the country. As a result of the raccoon population explosion in Japan, government officials […]

The Japanese have been producing…

The Japanese have been producing wood for 700 years without cutting down trees. In the 14th century, the extraordinary daisugi technique was born in Japan. Pruning as a rule of art that allows the tree to grow and germinate while using its wood, without ever cutting it down.