Japan touted for its cleanliness, is puzzlingly devoid of waste bins frequently.
Strolling the Land of the Rising Trash-Canless
Take a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, where cleanliness is next to serenity, and the question on everyone's lips: "Where are the trash cans?" This is a conundrum, especially for guests from the West, as Japan attracts a whopping number of annual visitors.
Our buddy, Professor Chris McMorran, a Japanese studies maverick at the National University of Singapore, slyly uncovers the intriguing mystery behind this puzzling question. When guiding students to the Land of the Rising Sun, this query is a common concern, often creating a fuss among the budget-conscious travelers seeking a quick snack.
You might be wondering: "Why are the local Japanese folks eating their grub while we're struggling to find a bin?" McMorran elucidates that it boils down to etiquette and manners. The Japanese population usually consumes food they purchase from vending machines or convenience stores (kombini) at home or the office, and they don't typically munch while walking down the sidewalk. In fact, some Japanese cities have prohibited the practice, considering it bad form.
However, the absence of public trash cans has become a bone of contention for travelers, who often end up struggling to dispose of their leftovers. Earlier this year, a survey by the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO) found that a massive 22% of tourists reported difficulty finding a trash can as the single biggest nuisance they faced during their travels, outranking a lack of English speakers and overcrowding at popular attractions.
But, it's not all doom and gloom. Mass tourism has precipitated some issues with cleanliness in Japan. In the UNESCO-listed city of Nara, home to adorable wild deer, trash became a matter of life and death for the furry residents. Eight poor deer lost their lives in 2019 after consuming plastic waste carelessly left behind by tourists. Trash cans were removed from Nara's parks in 1985 to prevent the deer from attempting to feed on them. To address the problem, the city reconsidered its policy and installed several trash bins near the busiest tourist attractions.
Tokyo, too, has grappled with the influx of tourists and the litter they've left behind. Local authorities have taken stern measures, such as banning alcohol consumption on the street during Halloween celebrations and crusading against littering. Now, tourists can find a wealth of knowledge about Japanese etiquette on TikTok, with tips on where to find a trash can when you're in a bind. For some, the challenge of finding a rubbish bin is a delightful part of the cultural experience, while others find it a bane that mars their vacation experience.
Meanwhile, Paul Christie, CEO of travel company Walk Japan, encourages tourists to respect the cultural principles of cleanliness and cooperate with the community to maintain the pristine condition of Japan. At the end of the day, Japanese communities have opted to avoid public garbage cans, and travelers have grown accustomed to having a waste disposal plan when buying something. Japan is also making a big push for recycling, which is another reason for the scarcity of large trash cans.
But, lurking beneath the surface, there's a darker reason behind the lack of trash cans in public areas. The 1995 sarin gas attack by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo's subway system led to increased security concerns, and the removal of many trash cans from public spaces to prevent the concealment of hazardous materials. This preventive measure is not unique to Japan, as various cities have followed suit in the face of terrorist threats. A creative solution for travelers seeking a disposable means to carry their waste throughout the day is using Furoshiki, square pieces of fabric often sold at souvenir shops in Japan. Perfect for a short-term waste solution, they can double as decorative collectibles after your vacay.
In conclusion, the dearth of public trash cans in Japan is a fascinating peculiarity. It presents cultural challenges for guests and locals alike, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management solutions in the face of increasing tourism. Embrace the novel experience, and remember to carry your small souvenir Furoshiki as you traipse through the Land of the Rising Sun.
- Embracing the unique cultural practices of homes and gardens, Japan's approach to disposing of waste contrasts starkly with Western lifestyles, with trash cans being scarce in public areas.
- When exploring the Home-and-Garden sector of Japan, it's essential to consider the recycling lifestyle that influences travel experiences, as finding a trash can might not be as straightforward as it is in other countries.
