Understanding Japanese Cleanliness Concepts

At the age of twelve, my father shared an intriguing idea he had encountered at work. He was inspired by Japanese trainers who emphasized the significance of cleanliness in the workplace and its correlation with heightened efficiency. He brought home a pamphlet filled with literature and illustrations that elucidated this concept.

We were captivated, perhaps due to our newfound exposure to a foreign language, the shared moment with our dad, or a natural inclination towards the idea itself. Whatever the reason, it resonated with us.

As children, we learned the value of tidiness and organization early on, as our parents worked and assigned chores to us. My dad emphasized that the essence of the Japanese cleanliness principle was to first acknowledge the disorder and address it — this was the vital initial step.

Sorting through clutter involved sifting through items to distinguish between the necessary and the extraneous. According to this principle, items unused for over six months were likely never to be utilized again, making it pointless to hold onto them. Hoarding only contributed to disorder and did not enhance efficiency.

Thus, during our cleaning sessions, we always focused on items we hadn’t touched in six months, finding ways to clear them from our space. Recycling was ingrained in Indian culture, so discarding items often meant finding someone in need, donating them, or even selling them for a small profit.

This process became enjoyable for us.

I learned that the Japanese term for sorting was "Shiro," and the phrase for “removing unnecessary items” was "Shibaka." Even now, as my siblings and I approach our forties and my father enters his seventies, these terms remain part of our daily vocabulary.

Interestingly, I recently searched for these terms online, only to find that "Shiro" and "Shibaka" do not actually exist in the Japanese language. Further research revealed that this concept is closely tied to the 5S framework for effective housekeeping, which encompasses the Japanese terms Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in order), Seiso (Sweep), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain).

The 5S method translates roughly into English as sort, set in order, sweep, standardize, and sustain. It seems we adapted the original terms into what we could pronounce.

Thus, our initial Japanese words, Shiro and Shibaka, while incorrect, have significantly influenced our lives.

The foundation of 5S is the understanding that disorganized and cluttered environments hinder productivity. Beyond the physical barriers created by clutter, a clean and orderly space fosters happiness, which in turn encourages diligence and careful attention to tasks.

The first step, sorting, is often the hardest, as it requires confronting the mess head-on. Many people shy away from this challenge, feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Instead of tackling the problem, they tend to hide it away, hoping it will resolve itself. However, this never happens.

As time goes on, issues only grow larger.

Taking that crucial first step is essential; it propels us forward and prevents us from becoming trapped in our clutter or challenges. Once we engage in the process of sorting through our belongings and discarding what we do not need, we create space, clarity, and motivation to achieve more.

When we discover what works and establish a routine, nothing can stand in our way.

This principle applies universally, not just to cleaning. The key is to confront the mess and begin organizing.

After sorting and decluttering, the subsequent steps become straightforward. Once we've sorted out what is necessary and eliminated the excess, maintaining order comes naturally.

The fourth step, Standardization, involves establishing a system for what is essential. The fifth step, Sustaining, requires the discipline to ensure that the system continues to function effectively, with adjustments made as necessary.

These principles have guided my approach to every aspect of my life, from work routines to personal responsibilities and navigating motherhood. I believe my brothers would affirm that this philosophy has also simplified their lives.

This video, titled "Duolingo's FATAL Mistake (And Why Japanese Learners Are Quitting Duolingo)," explores common challenges faced by learners of the Japanese language. It delves into why some learners abandon the platform, highlighting key factors that impact language acquisition.

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