Japanese railway company comes up with a cute solution to one of the biggest problems for overseas tourists.
garbage
The traditional, reusable cloth that can be converted into a bag is part of a new campaign designed to “Keep Tokyo Clean.”
We sit down with the environmentally conscious Gomihiroi Samurai to find out what they’re really about.
The Internet rejoices at this new, potent meme fodder: trash bags that declare its contents have no other recourse than to be burnt to a crisp.
Shocked net users lament the beachside paradise littered with garbage–an uncommon occurrence in usually tidy Japan.
Forget putting the fear of God into someone; this graveside sign calls on spirits to ensure people mind their manners.
The insane queues for the release of Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus were reported by media outlets around the world, but what fewer of them have picked up on is the aftermath of the hype, and what was left behind once Apple fans had got their mitts on the latest slinky gadgets.
Japan is one of the cleanest countries you’ll encounter as a traveler. The inside of the bullet train is kept absolutely spotless, taxi drivers can be seen buffing their vehicles of dust and road grit while waiting for the next customer. Graffiti is rare here and men in jumpsuits are employed to scrape off gum and anything else adhered to train station floors. Glamorous and gleaming is the way the Japanese like things. Even diesel trucks are washed down in their terminals after a day on the roads.
So it’s no surprise that the city streets are litter-free, that public trash bins ask you to separate your refuse into burnable and non-burnable bins, or that the Japanese have a reputation for taking their garbage home with them when attending sporting events.
So it may have been a surprise to some of our readers when someone commented on the trashiness of Japanese beaches in response to my previous article on Japanese beach culture, saying: “The number one beach activity in Japan is actually turning it into a giant open dump, full or empty beer cans, cigarette buds, and plastics of all kinds. It’s a big paradox when you see how clean the streets are.”
Their national team may have lost their World Cup game against Ivory Coast yesterday morning, but Japanese fans didn’t forget their manners, it would seem.
Like all good kids who remember to say thank you to their friend’s mother after playing at their home, Japan’s passionate football fans reportedly grabbed refuse bags and cleaned up after themselves before leaving the stadium following their team’s match against the African side.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter
Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Pokémon Adidas crossover sneaker line releases in Japan, gives your feet Pikachu hugs [Pics]
Japan’s new delicious dark horse sweet potato dessert drink is waiting at a beef bowl chain
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
Starbucks and clothing brand Beams team up for launch of second collaborative core collection
Visiting Kagawa’s popular cooking class where you make noodles with your feet
7-Eleven Japan releases a Kebab Sandwich… but does it really taste like a street-stall kebab?
Are Japanese temples on Mt Koya cashing in on the foreign tourism boom?
Weekly
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan- Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
Burger King goes viral in Japan for opening new store in a Japanese-style building
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
Starbucks and clothing brand Beams team up for launch of second collaborative core collection
Visiting Kagawa’s popular cooking class where you make noodles with your feet
7-Eleven Japan releases a Kebab Sandwich… but does it really taste like a street-stall kebab?
Are Japanese temples on Mt Koya cashing in on the foreign tourism boom?
The confusing enjoyment of our day-trip bus tour from downtown Tokyo to Yamanashi [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Burger King goes viral in Japan for opening new store in a Japanese-style building
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Hot pot in cans coming to Japanese vending machines this fall
Emperors, anime icons, and porn stars show up in six-nation survey of most famous Japanese people
Ghibli store Donguri Kyowakoku now has special frames to protect your anime art Paper Theater kits
Does washing rice in this Japanese pouch really make it more delicious?
-
