Experiencing Japan’s School Cleaning Culture

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit a local elementary school and junior high school during their cleaning time. Together with the local students, our students joined in and helped clean different areas of the school.

For many people outside Japan, this can be a surprising sight. In Japanese schools, students are generally responsible for cleaning the spaces they use every day. At the end of the school day, students work together to clean classrooms, hallways, staircases, and other shared areas before going home.

When talking with our students, some mentioned that this was quite different from what they were used to. In countries such as the United States, for example, schools often have dedicated custodial staff who take care of most cleaning tasks. Because of this, participating in a school cleaning session offered an interesting opportunity to experience a different approach to school life.

Cleaning as Part of Education

In Japan, cleaning is often viewed as more than just a practical task. It is also considered part of the educational experience.

Students learn to take care of the spaces they share with others and develop a sense of responsibility toward their environment. Cleaning duties are usually rotated among groups of students. Depending on the week, students may be responsible for classrooms, hallways, staircases, or restrooms. This system allows everyone to contribute and share responsibility.

Many Japanese people grow up with these routines, so they may seem completely normal. However, when viewed from an international perspective, they reveal an interesting aspect of Japanese culture and education.

Learning Through Experience

Before the visit, we were unsure how our students would feel about participating in a school cleaning activity. After all, it is not something most people expect to do while studying abroad.

In the end, however, the students approached the activity with curiosity and enthusiasm. Working alongside local students gave them a chance to observe daily school life from the inside and experience a small part of what growing up in Japan can be like.

For many participants, the experience sparked conversations about cultural differences, responsibility, and the ways communities maintain shared spaces. It was a simple activity, but one that left a lasting impression.

Sometimes, it is these ordinary moments of everyday life that offer the clearest window into another culture. Rather than learning about Japanese school cleaning from a textbook or a video, our students were able to experience it for themselves.

Why Did Samurai Wear Indigo-Dyed（愛染-あいぞめ） Clothing?

As part of our Samurai Camp, we visited a traditional indigo dyeing workshop in Aomori.

Of course, our Samurai Master already knew all about it, but for many of us, it was our first time learning about the hidden benefits of indigo. However, we learned that indigo had many practical uses in old Japan.

In the past, samurai often wore clothing dyed with natural indigo. One reason was that the dark blue color made blood stains less noticeable during training and battle.

But that was not the only reason.

Natural indigo was also believed to have antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent effects. People noticed that when they wore indigo-dyed clothing, wounds were less likely to become infected. Because of this, indigo became popular not only among samurai but also among farmers and craftsmen.

Of course, people in those days did not know the scientific reasons behind these effects. Through daily life and experience, they discovered the benefits of indigo and continued to use it for generations.

During our visit, we learned about the history of indigo dyeing while seeing the traditional process with our own eyes. It was a great opportunity to experience a part of Japanese culture that has been passed down since the Edo period.

At Akita Inaka School, we believe that learning about Japan is not only about studying the language. By experiencing traditional culture, students can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history, values, and daily life!

This visit reminded us that even a simple blue color can carry hundreds of years of wisdom and tradition.

We are looking forward to sharing more cultural experiences with our students in the future.