One of the most startling things for people new to Japan is the lack of public garbage bins. The battle to find a basic garbage can in a nation known for its cutting-edge technology, cleanliness, and organization strikes one as rather bizarre. Still, this odd custom has its origins in a terrible tragedy nearly three decades old—the Tokyo subway sarin attack of March 20, 1995.
Regarding cleanliness
Japan does not depend on public garbage cans to preserve its pristine surrounds, unlike many other countries. Rather, the society itself fosters individual accountability in terms of garbage management. Visitors could have seen viral pictures of Japanese football supporters clearing grounds post games or of students straightening classroom in schools. Japanese culture values cleanliness as symbolic of respect for communal areas.
Signs all Japan over encourage everyone to “take their rubbish home,” therefore strengthening the custom of carrying their waste until it may be thrown away. Still, the lack of public trash cans is more than just cultural customs—it goes back to a past safety worry.
The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack of 1995
The Tokyo subway sarin assault on March 20, 1995, was the starting point of the choice to eliminate public waste containers. Leading the Aum Shinrikyo cult, Chizuo Matsumoto directed a well-coordinated sarin nerve agent attack. Cult members with plastic bags of liquid sarin rolled in newspapers targeted several subway lines. Sharpened umbrellas were used to pierce the bags of packed trains and let free the poisonous gas inside.
The awful assault killed twelve people and left more than a thousand wounded. Many had faint vision, dizziness, and trouble breathing; victims dropped right the subway doors opened. The incident rocked Japan to its core, aiming not only at the nation’s pride—the third-largest subway system—but also at innocent passengers.
The Aftereffects: Japan’s Reaction
Japanese officials implemented strong security measures after the assault to stop any repeat. Among the most important changes was the elimination of public garbage bins, which could serve to hide explosives or devastating substances. Nationwide, the government implemented this regulation; signs softly instruct citizens and visitors to take their trash home.
This is one way Japan is not special. Following terrorist attacks, other nations have also scrapped or changed public waste disposal systems. Thailand, for instance, used clear plastic bags in clear plastic bags to deter concealed explosives. But Japan stuck to its guns even as some countries later brought back their public trash containers.
A lasting heritage of order and security
Japan has maintained their nearly three-decade restriction on public trash cans. By emphasizing its traditional cultural values of cleanliness and responsibility, the nation has adjusted to this shift. Though it is inconvenient, japan’s cities are quite clean, which shows that a society-driven strategy may be more successful than dependence on public infrastructure.
If you’re traveling Japan and can’t see a rubbish container, keep in mind that carry your trash with you, as the locals do.
