54 Photos That Prove Japan Is Not Like Any Other Country

We lived in Japan for 2 years and my kids went to school in a normal school there. This practice was really useful because it also taught responsibility, leadership and social cohesion. Nobody messed up anyone else's area because the group responsible for cleaning that area knew and would not be happy. Also, an older student was given responsibility for managing a group of younger students to ensure that everything was done properly. A bit of a sacrifice of jobs but a great teaching moment for the kids.

This is a part of the education system that I imagine contributes to a more collectivist society. I do think the west could learn from this a bit, I think the pressure from living in such a ruthlessly individualistic environment can be very stressful for some

I can see this working to a point . I have a hard time picturing children running a floor polisher or cleaning a bathroom properly. Most schools have clean up things to do for students like after art class and cleaning the chalk board and brushes. Building maintenance is a full time job.

This should be done everywhere... all the bubble gums and marker scribblings would be gone in no time... ;)

I think this is done in most places in Asia. It was like this for my school, my cousins' schools, my parents, just about everyone I know.

Ahhh we did this everyday after school... fond memories.

Even in Malaysia. We do this in every school.

It also helps prevent the classist attitude many in the U.S. have about janitorial work/cleaning work in general. Sadly it's common for people to look at jobs in cleaning as "bad" jobs and the people who do this kind of work as having lower intelligence, education, etc. which is most often not the case in the slightest.

They do have janitors but they does other needed stuff the students shouldn’t and clean while they are at class

It's true that the students clean the schools, but the schools STILL have a custodian.

I'm only on #8 and it is difficult to think that these points/pictures were just cheery-picked and that Japan is just as messed up as the rest of the world.

Most of the time the kids do a very bad job of actually cleaning. They are kids after all. Cleaning the floor is more or less a quick sweep and a damp cloth. Lol. Most schools in Japan, especially juniors high and elementary, do have gardeners who are also janitors. Plus someone comes about once a week to properly clean the toilets (kids wipe the sinks and stock up). I've been teaching here for 8 years and have yet to see a mop and bucket, no vacuuming, no dusting etc - the desks are generally wiped down with a wet cloth (no cleaning agent or sanitizer - even they they spent all morning studying and touching god knows what and then are expected to eat at the desk). Teaching responsibility is fine, but this does very little.

This doesn't only happen in Japan.

Fantastic Idea!

When in boarding school, we used to have to clean our boarding areas and sometimes the bathrooms and the rest of the areas.

Also in Mexico

I may be ready to move.

Again, this shows how wise and honorable the Japanese people (society) are.

To build a nation that understand, realizes and show true repect for others it has to start early. These children will most likely never look down on a custodian or randomly debrise - ever.

same as China

Love this idea but kids cannot do true cleaning they just need to believe that they are doing the heavy cleaning,as they get older you can add more deep cleaning,yes kids should be thankful they have a good education and want to keep their school clean.

"Learning How To Become More Productive Members Of Society" Sigh... Capitalism and productivism at its highest perk...

Newt Gingrich said some yrs back, words to the affect: 'Maybe we should have kids here clean up their school, as in Japan.' He was accused of proposing the permanent lifetime enslavement of children into harsh janitorial labor. Look, I wouldn't vote for the guy for Pres or anything, but that point by itself wasn't so crazy now was it?

This is really a good thing. Our kids are so spoilt and messy and they carry it into their adult life.

Very well thought to teach the children from an early age order and cleanliness

It also teaches respect and responsibility.

I like that idea i taught all 4 of my children how to clean from age 2 as I was taught. also cooking lessons

I am sure both concepts could be shared in a society with a consciousness.

Hmm. In my schools they were making children clean the floor all the time. Just because everybody do it. Ukraine.

The same in the Philippines

American students lack real world knowledge, this would be a step towards correcting that short coming.

Pity the same "respect" does not seem to apply to the whales and dolphins they kill every year.

Here in Switzerland kids are spoiled rotten. They don't get educated by the parents, through their garbage on the sidewalks, hit the teachers if they are brought to order, don't even try to speak correctly, don't play outdoors, are out into the wee hours of the night and so on.

Every student has schedule to do chores before and after classes...and they have to wear "indoor shoes" inside the school building

Ah. This probably an Asian thing. I did this too back in my school. I learn half of basic chores from my 1st grade teachers.

And I thought cleaning my bedroom was too much... for 10 years

As a kid growing up in Nigeria we had morning 'portions'. These are small sections given to us to sweep every morning before class. Most of those kids grew up and became corrupt politicians though.

The parents in US would have A fit!

I work as a cafeteria manager in a poorer American elementary school (700 K-6th graders). Among several issues that reflect just how indulged our American school children (in general) are, you should see the cafeteria on an average day during & following lunch - it commonly resembles a food fight, in spite a the few (ineffectual) cafeteria monitors on duty. When asked why they do not pick up after themselves, some have arrogantly replied, "That's what you're here for". Most custodians ARE hired to do the cleaning, but is that an excuse for this sort of very common American behavior? Who appreciates someone making your already difficult (& low-paying) job harder & unpleasant, while treating you like they're doing you a favor?

I STILL wonder why the United States doesn't do this. Tsk, tsk... :/

Japanese schools have a janitor at each school. Their job is the maintenance of the buildings not cleaning.

This is so nice and thoughtful, but it isn’t necessary since children already do chores and another work.