Okay, let's talk about something you might find super surprising (or super cool): Japanese students clean their own schools—yes, really! If you've ever been curious about why Japanese people clean schools themselves, you’re not alone. When I first heard about it, I was totally amazed too. No janitors? Kids actually wiping floors and scrubbing bathrooms? It sounds a little wild compared to what we’re used to—but it actually makes so much sense once you understand the “why” behind it.
So... why do Japanese students clean their schools?
The answer is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the education system. In Japan, cleaning is not just a chore—it’s a way to build character. The idea is that students take ownership of their space. They’re not just learning math or science; they’re also learning responsibility, respect, teamwork, and humility. And honestly? That’s kind of amazing.
There’s even a special word for this daily cleaning time: “souji no jikan” (掃除の時間), which literally means “cleaning time.” It usually happens after lunch for about 15–30 minutes. Students grab their cleaning tools—brooms, dustpans, rags, and sometimes even mops—and clean their classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and more. Everyone participates, from first graders to high school seniors. Even teachers sometimes help out!
It’s not punishment—it’s part of growing up
One big thing to note here is that school cleaning in Japan isn’t used as a punishment. It’s just a normal part of the school day, like recess or gym class. In fact, students actually take a lot of pride in keeping their school clean. It's not about being forced to do it—it's about learning to respect the space you're in and contribute to the community.
Compare that to what we might see in other countries, where cleaning up might only happen when you’ve made a mess or broken a rule. In Japan, it’s a completely different mindset.
A reflection of Japanese values
This whole system reflects bigger Japanese cultural values like:
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Group harmony: Everyone works together, no one is above or below the task.
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Respect for shared spaces: Whether it’s the classroom or the bathroom, it belongs to everyone, so everyone keeps it nice.
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Personal responsibility: If you make a mess, you clean it. Simple as that.
It’s also connected to “Gakko no Seikatsu” (school life) lessons, which teach students how to behave responsibly—not just academically, but socially too. So the goal isn’t just to keep schools tidy, it’s to help raise better humans.
No janitors?
That’s right—most Japanese schools don’t have janitors in the way we think of them. There may be some staff who help with maintenance or big clean-ups, but day-to-day cleaning is mostly handled by students and teachers. It’s just part of the rhythm of the day.
You’ll also see this kind of self-cleaning in other places in Japan, like restaurants where you bus your own table, or public spaces that are surprisingly spotless. Cleanliness and consideration for others is just built into the culture.
What do students actually clean?
Here’s a quick peek at what Japanese students are expected to clean during their souji time:
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Classrooms – sweeping, wiping desks, emptying trash
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Hallways – sweeping and mopping
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Bathrooms – yes, even toilets (this teaches humility!)
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Entrance areas and shoe cubbies
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Schoolyards or stairwells, depending on the day
They rotate jobs weekly so everyone gets a chance to try everything. No one escapes the toilet duty, but no one is stuck with it forever either. It’s all about fairness and shared responsibility.
What can we learn from this?
Okay, I’m not saying we need to totally copy this system (though wouldn’t it be kinda cool if our kids tidied up their classrooms too?), but there are definitely some lessons here we can borrow:
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Chores can build confidence. When kids feel like their work matters, it boosts their self-worth.
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Everyone deserves to learn responsibility, no matter their age.
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Respect for community spaces leads to better habits overall—less littering, less graffiti, and more appreciation for shared areas.
As a mom, I’m always thinking about ways to raise thoughtful, responsible kids. And this? It’s honestly inspiring.
Final thoughts: It’s about more than just cleaning
So now you know the real answer to why Japanese people clean schools themselves—and it’s got very little to do with saving money and everything to do with teaching life skills. It’s not just about a clean classroom. It’s about growing up with a sense of respect, duty, and awareness of others.
