Do you know that litter bins are disappearing from the streets of Japan? Some information said that Japanese government had removed bins on the streets since the Subway Sarin Attack in 1995 for counter-terrorism purpose, but he guesses bins removal is not enough for a counter-terrorism measure. It is a good form of Tatemae (surface and fake reason), but he thinks there are other reasons, for example cost reduction, etc. After that, Convenience Store Chains have played the public role of garbage disposal by situating bins in front of their shops, but now, they became to have given up that public role.

      Some overseas travelers may have noticed, and amazed that there is no bin and at the same time no litter on the street. Someone said that the reason derives from Japanese high moral. When he read it, he was not able to stop laughing. He guesses, there is some deep reasons in cultural traits. For example, it’s obedience, almost every Japanese cannot stand their boss (Government or president) but obliges anyway because many people are afraid of personal and collective pressure by one’s Boss or the neighborhood. In addition, if you do say “No”, you should take responsibility about it and have a follow up action. So, saying nothing with obedience is good because there is be no responsibility.  Simultaneously, he thinks that another reason for the removal of litter bins on the streets, reflects and coincides with the Japanese cultural value of Mittomonai - it’s a traditional Japanese adjective, similar to "don't air your dirty laundry". It will be expressed well the word and Japanese mind following view, “We conceal a dirty thing because we do not want to see and show it for others.”

      In this blog, you may find the attractiveness and functionality of public rubbish bins on the street in the world, which Japanese lost. Also, you appreciate so many types of litter bins, and find for the various purposes, garbage cans, rubbish bins, trash boxes are made into the distinctive designs, shapes and functions in line with the country preference. Yes, ultimately, the reason why is every rubbish has its own way to be utilized. It is possible that a functionally attractive litter bin will encourage people to make the extra effort to take a detour to the rubbish bin and thus not to litter.