Do you know that not all Japanese are obsessed with cleaning and tidying up? While Japan is usually associated with cleanliness and tidiness, there is a phenomenon in Japan that describes exactly the opposite.

Japan’s Obsession with Cleanliness and Tidiness

In Japanese society, cleanliness is considered a reflection of one’s character and upbringing. From a young age, children are taught the importance of cleanliness and are expected to participate in household chores to contribute to the upkeep of their homes.

Cleanliness in Japan is also enforced in public spaces, such as schools, workplaces, and transportation systems, where people are expected to clean up after themselves and maintain an orderly environment for the society. This culture of cleanliness and order can be seen in various aspects of daily life, from meticulously arranged store displays to the efficient and systematic layout of urban spaces.

Not All Japanese Are Clean and Neat

Although Japan is known for its reputation as an orderly society, it’s worth noting that, just like anywhere else in the world, people in Japan have diverse lifestyles, priorities, and habits when it comes to household cleanliness. While some may take pride in keeping their homes spotless, others may have a more relaxed attitude towards clutter and mess.

Obeya (汚部屋), gomi heya (ごみ部屋), gomi yashiki (ごみ屋敷), and mono yashiki (もの屋敷) are terms used in Japan to describe living spaces that are far from appealing. They refer to rooms that are messy and unpleasant, often due to clutter or neglect. While all terms describe untidy rooms, they carry slightly different meanings.

Obeya (汚部屋)

Commonly known as “messy room” or “dirty room,” obeya usually refers to rooms that are disorderly or dirty because of garbage or other items that have not been properly organised, sometimes making it challenging to go about daily activities. This term is typically used to describe a general messiness that can be cleaned up relatively quickly.

Gomi heya (ごみ部屋)

Gomi heya refers to spaces where garbage and random stuff starts to take over. This term doesn’t encompass the entire house but rather several rooms or shared spaces, like the living room, kitchen, etc. This often happens when someone in the family struggles with keeping things tidy.

Gomi yashiki (ごみ屋敷)

When the garbage keeps piling up, it can escalate to gomi yashiki. Gomi yashiki, also known as a “hoarder house” or “garbage house”, represents the most severe level of mess and disorganisation. It refers to rooms that are excessively cluttered and crowded, often to the point of being unsanitary or hazardous. In many cases, the majority of living spaces are often buried under stuff, with furniture gets swallowed up and the residents are left with limited areas to move around the house. In extreme situations, intervention from local authorities may be necessary to address the situation and ensure the hygiene and safety of the environment.

Mono yashiki (もの屋敷)

Mono yashiki refers to a state where various items such as books, toys, clothes, and tools occupy the room, rather than obvious garbage or household waste. People who have a habit of collecting are prone to this situation.

In Japan, collecting items such as manga, CDs, action figures, and other memorabilia is a significant aspect of the modern culture that reflects both personal interests and societal trends. They may find it challenging to let go as these items are considered treasures to them. Although the items themselves may not be considered “dirty,” it’s worth mentioning the potential risks during natural disasters like earthquakes, which are common in Japan, where there’s a possibility of collapse or being trapped under items.

What Causes a “Dirty Room”?

Many cases of “dirty room” in Japan go beyond just clutter. The hoarding behaviour, like anywhere else in the world, often reflects underlying issues like mental health issues, social isolation, or even poverty. For some, accumulating possessions provides a sense of security and comfort in an uncertain world.

But hoarding habits don’t develop overnight. Before it becomes a habit, there are several reasons why living spaces begin to accumulate clutter in the first place:

Lifestyle Habits

Lifestyle habits significantly contribute to clutter and chaos. Individuals with busy schedules may prioritise other activities over tidying up their homes.

In Japan, many people who seek help with cleaning services for their cluttered homes are often professionals such as nurses, doctors, teachers, or government workers. The demanding nature of their jobs leaves them with minimal time for household chores, often resulting in exhaustion and neglect of cleaning responsibilities.

Additionally, the growing trend of remote work has blurred the lines between work and home life, making it tougher to maintain a tidy home.

Personality Traits

Perfectionism: Contrary to popular believe, some people who have trouble keeping their rooms tidy are actually very detail-oriented. Their desire for perfection can make it hard for them to throw things away or tidy up clutter because they feel they need to keep everything in a perfectly organised manner.

Attachment to Possessions: People who develop strong emotional attachments to their belongings often find it difficult to let go of items even when they are no longer needed. This attachment can lead to hoarding behaviour and contribute to clutter over time.

Procrastination: Procrastination is a common personality trait that can lead to clutter. People who procrastinate often delay tasks such as cleaning and organising until later, allowing clutter to accumulate gradually.

Disorganisation: Individuals who are naturally disorganised may struggle to keep their living spaces neat. They typically lack the organisational skills needed to effectively manage their belongings and maintain tidiness.

Health Conditions

Health issues can contribute to a “dirty room” in a variety of ways. People with physical injuries or illnesses may find cleaning and organising difficult due to limited mobility.

Similarly, mental health conditions can also zap motivation and energy, leaving household chores neglected. Others with neurological conditions or cognitive impairments may struggle with remembering where items are placed or impair their decision-making abilities, such as repeated purchases and an accumulation of clutter.

How Japanese Overcome “Dirty Room” Phenomenon

The “dirty room” dilemma in Japan may come as a surprise to some. While completely eliminating all cases of “dirty rooms” is no easy feet, efforts are underway to address the issue. Fortunately, Japan is known for its strong sense of community, which plays a crucial role in tackling this problem.

In recent years, a movement toward minimalism and smart organisation has gained increasing popularity, offering solutions to tackle clutter in homes across the country. More and more Japanese are embracing the modern minimalism trend, which promotes simplicity, functionality, and shedding unnecessary possessions.

The bestselling book by Fumio Sasaki, “Goodbye, Things,” has garnered massive attention, inspiring many seeking a simpler lifestyle. Influential figures like Marie Kondo, renowned for her bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” offer fresh insights into the mindful management of possessions, guiding people to lead more organised lives.

Beyond books, platforms like the RoomClip app provide a treasure trove of home decor and organisation inspiration. Users share photos of their homes, highlighting clever storage solutions, minimalist designs, and space-saving tricks.

In addition to that, well-known Japanese retailers like Daiso and Muji provide a wide range of organisational products that are favoured by those passionate about organisation. Through these efforts, more and more “dirty rooms” are being transformed into clean and orderly spaces, one room at a time.