26/08/2025
In Japan, education goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks. One of the most unique traditions that sets Japanese schools apart is that no staff is hired to clean the school premises. Instead, every single day, students and teachers roll up their sleeves and clean the classrooms, hallways, and even toilets together. đ§šđŠâđĢđĻ
This practice, known as âO-sojiâ (big cleaning), is more than just about keeping schools tidy â it is about instilling values that last a lifetime. From an early age, children learn that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility, not someone elseâs job. Working side by side with teachers, they understand equality, respect, and the dignity of labor. đ¸
By sweeping floors, wiping desks, and scrubbing surfaces, Japanese students are not only keeping their surroundings clean but also learning discipline, humility, and accountability. The tradition fosters teamwork and reminds children that order and harmony in life begin with small acts of responsibility. đâ¨
This simple yet profound cultural practice has given Japan a unique identity â where citizens grow up respecting public spaces as much as their own homes. It is one reason why Japanese cities, despite being highly populated, are remarkably clean. đđŋ
In a world where many often look for shortcuts, Japanâs cleaning tradition teaches us a timeless lesson: great societies are built not just by laws and leaders, but by values and habits nurtured in classrooms. đ
