What the U.S. Can Learn from Japan’s Cleanliness, Organization, and Politeness

My name is Michael Stoian, and I am happy to say that I just got back from my first time in Japan, and it is a truly impressive nation! Japan is often admired for its cleanliness, organization, and politeness. The country’s ability to maintain immaculate public spaces, an efficient and orderly society, and a culture rooted in respect and etiquette is impressive. As the U.S. continues to grow and evolve, there are valuable lessons to be learned from Japan's approach. Here’s a look at how the U.S. could benefit from adopting some of Japan's key cultural practices.

In Japan, cleanliness is more than a habit—a deeply ingrained cultural value. From a young age, children are taught the importance of cleaning their homes, classrooms, and public spaces. Students in Japan even participate in daily cleaning routines at school, an activity that emphasizes collective responsibility and respect for the community. This practice helps to instill pride in maintaining clean surroundings and encourages individuals to care for public spaces as if they were their own​.

For the U.S., encouraging a culture of cleanliness and responsibility could start by integrating these principles into school curriculums and public awareness campaigns. Shifting the mindset from “someone else will clean it” to “we are all responsible for keeping it clean” could lead to cleaner neighborhoods and more well-maintained public spaces.

Japanese cities, particularly Tokyo, are known for their efficient use of space. Being the largest city in the world, Tokyo has mastered the art of optimizing space to accommodate everyone’s needs, from its compact yet effective public transport system to its well-organized housing and commercial areas. This focus on order and efficiency allows cities to thrive despite space limitations​.

The U.S. could adopt similar urban planning strategies, particularly in cities facing congestion and housing shortages. Investing in efficient public transport systems, redesigning urban spaces to maximize their potential, and encouraging sustainable growth could significantly improve the livability of American cities.

One of Japan’s most notable cultural traits is its emphasis on politeness. Whether it’s bowing as a greeting, removing shoes before entering a home, or speaking softly in public spaces, social harmony and respect for others are woven into daily life. This emphasis on civility extends to how people interact in public places, helping to create a peaceful and orderly environment​.

The U.S. could benefit from embracing a similar focus on politeness, particularly in crowded or public spaces. Encouraging more significant consideration for others—whether through better manners or simply being more aware of shared spaces—would foster a more pleasant and respectful environment.

Japan has one of the world’s most efficient and structured recycling systems. Citizens must separate waste into distinct categories, and each type of waste has specific disposal days. This rigorous system has helped Japan reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, making it a global leader in sustainability​.

In the U.S., there’s room for improvement when it comes to recycling and waste management. Adopting a more structured approach to recycling, where individuals are given clear guidelines and regular reminders, could significantly impact. Additionally, incentivizing sustainable practices and supporting community-based recycling efforts could help reduce waste and encourage greener living nationwide.

In Japan, people tend to respect public spaces, not only by keeping them clean but also by being mindful of noise and personal space. It’s common for people to keep conversations quiet in public places like trains, and personal boundaries are respected. This awareness of how actions impact others contributes to the country’s sense of orderliness and peace​.

The U.S. could create initiatives that promote similar awareness. Encouraging people to consider how their actions affect those around them—whether through noise reduction in public spaces or showing more consideration in crowded areas—could lead to a more pleasant and harmonious public experience.

My opinion of Japan’s cleanliness, organization, and politeness practices are deeply rooted in cultural values. Still, they also represent highly effective strategies for fostering a more respectful and efficient society. While cultural differences exist, the U.S. could learn significantly from Japan’s focus on community responsibility, urban efficiency, social harmony, and environmental sustainability. By integrating some of these practices, the U.S. can work toward creating a cleaner, more organized, and more respectful society, ultimately improving the quality of life for all its citizens. With all this said, Michael Stoian will be planning more trips back to Japan in the future!