Cleaning(Souji)

1. Today's Japanese words
## Basic Japanese Vocabulary related to Cleaning (Romaji):
**Verbs:**

* 掃除する (sōji suru) - to clean
* 片付ける (かたづける) (katadzukeru) - to tidy up, put away
* 洗う (arau) - to wash
* 拭く (ふく) (fuku) - to wipe
* 掃く (ほうき) (hōki) - to sweep
* 磨く (みがく) (migaku) - to polish
* ゴミを出す (gomi o dasu) - to take out the trash
* 洗濯する (sentaku suru) - to do laundry

**Nouns:**

* 掃除機 (sōjiki) - vacuum cleaner
* 雑巾 (ぞうきん) (zōkin) - cleaning cloth
* モップ (moppu) - mop
* ブラシ (burāshi) - brush
* スポンジ (suponji) - sponge
* 洗剤 (senta剤) - detergent
* ゴミ箱 (gomi bako) - trash can
* 洗濯機 (sentakuki) - washing machine
* 洗濯物 (sentakumono) - laundry

**Adjectives:**

* きれい (kirei) - clean
* 汚い (きたない) (kitanai) - dirty
* きれいにする (kirei ni suru) - to make clean
* 汚れる (yogoreru) - to get dirty

**Phrases:**

* 掃除をしてください (sōji o shite kudasai) - Please clean.
* ゴミを捨ててください (gomi o捨ててください) - Please throw away the trash.
* 洗濯物を干してください (sentakumono o hoshite kudasai) - Please hang up the laundry.
* きれいにしましょう (kirei ni shimashou) - Let's clean up.

2. Today's topic
The cleaning culture in Japan is fascinating and multi-faceted, with practices deeply embedded in tradition, community spirit, and even religious beliefs. Here are some key aspects:

Emphasis on personal responsibility:

From a young age: Children learn the importance of cleaning at home and school. In schools, students themselves clean classrooms and facilities, fostering responsibility and ownership.
Carrying over: This translates into adulthood, where individuals clean their homes, workplaces, and even public spaces without needing prompting.

Community participation:

Volunteer clean-ups: Many neighborhoods organize regular clean-up events where residents gather to collect trash, promoting community bonding and environmental awareness.
Respect for shared spaces: People avoid littering and generally maintain common areas, showing respect for their surroundings and others.

Religious influences:

Purity in Shinto and Buddhism: Both religions emphasize cleanliness as a way to purify oneself and show respect for deities and nature. Rituals like handwashing at shrines exemplify this connection.
Maintaining harmony: Keeping things clean reflects the cultural value of maintaining harmony and order within oneself and the environment.

Practical aspects:

Densely populated: In a limited space, cleanliness becomes essential for hygiene and comfort.
Humidity control: Regular cleaning helps prevent mold and mildew growth in humid climates.

Additional points:

Specialized tools and techniques: Japan has a wide range of unique cleaning tools and methods, reflecting their dedication to the practice.
Aesthetic appreciation: Cleanliness goes beyond hygiene; it's about creating a sense of beauty and order in living spaces.

It's important to note that, like any culture, Japan's cleaning practices aren't perfect. Individual experiences may vary, and there can be social pressure to conform to expectations. However, understanding the cultural context helps appreciate the deep-rooted values and principles behind this unique aspect of Japanese society.

3- Today’s news
Japan's culture of school cleaning
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240213110159760/

A school that provides rehabilitation education for juvenile delinquents
Mother, look. Spartan education of cleaning toilets with bare hands (40 years ago)
https://www.tiktok.com/@shoyu.wasabi/video/7090078510437420289