Posted inQuestion about Japan
Why do Japanese clean so much?
This article explores the various cultural, religious, and practical reasons why the Japanese clean so much. These include the traditional Japanese house design with a separate area for washing up before entering the living space, mottainai which roughly translates to 'don't waste' or 'make good use of resources', respect for the environment, Shintoism's emphasis on purification rituals and hygiene, practical considerations such as health concerns related to hygiene practices, and even just stress relief. All these elements combine together to create an overall culture where tidiness is highly valued.