Job Discussion Forums

jgmodlin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 120 Location: USA

I was wondering about one of the common things that is said about Japan, that it is extremely clean and unpolluted. I realize that may be true compared to other Asian countries, but since most of us are coming there from western countries I am wondering why so many comment on how clean Japan is. I have lived in the USA most of my life and England for a time and think both of those places are far less polluted.
I recall having to literally scrub my balcony at least once a week just to get the black grime off of it at my place in the suburbs of Tokyo. That apartment was a good 25 minute subway ride out from the city, next to a park, and not near a busy street and still everything that was outside for more than a day or two was covered in black stuff. Walking along the streets I found plenty of garbage strewn about and the beaches, jeez the trash was everywhere. The only thing I found to be impressively clean were the subway stations.
I am just curious if the parts of the U.S. and England that I lived in were that unusual in their cleanliness or if I am being too hard on Japan. Like I said, I just keep seeing people post on threads about how unpolluted Japan is and I wonder, "where are these people are coming from?".

BobbyBan · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 201

Is this some kind of joke?

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=72529

Symphany · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 117

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

As BobbyBan suggested, this topic, with the exact same title even, was done to death only a few weeks ago. Check out the previous thread in BobbyBan's link, and then let us know if you have any more questions.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Ditto what BobbyBan and Aspara have written.

As Aspara mentioned, this same topic with the exact same title is found in the middle of page 2 of this Japan board. The last response was made only 2 weeks ago, and there are at least 35 responses on that post. Why not check out that previous post to get more ideas and insights about Japan being clean or not? Check BobbyBan's link.

Regards,
fat_chris

jgmodlin · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 120 Location: USA

Yep, I stand corrected. I hadn't checked out the Japan forum in a while and had only looked at the most current page.
Anyway, good reading on the previous post and nice choice of a title...

Anyway, it is nice to be able to clean my windows once a year back here in Virginia instead of much more. My lungs feel healthier too and no more nagging cough. I imagine those living in the countryside of Japan do enjoy some fresher/cleaner conditions...