Japanese Schools Teach Responsibility Through Daily Cleaning: A Model for Holistic Education

In most Japanese schools, students are not only expected to study and follow school rules—they are also responsible for cleaning their classrooms, hallways, and shared school facilities as part of their daily routine. This practice, known as “o-soji” (meaning “cleaning” in Japanese), reflects a deeply embedded cultural and educational philosophy that values discipline, cooperation, and community responsibility.

Far from being just a tradition, o-soji serves as a cornerstone of moral and character education in Japan. Students are assigned regular cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and tidying up classrooms, bathrooms, and common spaces. Rather than hiring large janitorial teams, many schools reserve the majority of these everyday maintenance tasks for their students.

The Educational Philosophy Behind O-Soji

O-soji is not just about maintaining cleanliness—it’s about teaching students to take ownership of their environment. Japanese educators believe that involving children in cleaning nurtures self-discipline, respect for shared spaces, and a sense of personal accountability. These values extend far beyond the school setting and are seen as essential to becoming responsible adults.

Children learn that keeping a clean space is not someone else’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility. This mindset reduces entitlement and encourages mutual respect, both key components of strong social behavior. It also teaches humility: no one is above the task of cleaning, regardless of their role or status.

The process also enhances students’ teamwork skills, as cleaning is often done in small groups. Children are expected to communicate, delegate, and work together to complete their duties efficiently. In doing so, they naturally develop social-emotional skills like empathy, patience, and conflict resolution.

A Routine That Shapes Lifelong Habits

Japanese schools typically set aside a specific time each day—usually after lunch—for cleaning. Tasks are rotated weekly so every student has the chance to try different responsibilities. It becomes a natural, expected part of the school day, just like recess or homeroom.

What makes this routine so impactful is its consistency. Day after day, week after week, students reinforce positive habits and a proactive mindset. Many Japanese adults recall their school cleaning days fondly, crediting the experience for instilling a lifelong respect for order, effort, and civic duty.

This model also emphasizes the equality of effort: whether a student excels academically or struggles in class, every child contributes to the care of the school in the same way. It builds unity and reinforces the message that learning and responsibility go hand in hand.

Global Interest in a Culturally Rooted Practice

While o-soji is a Japanese tradition, its impact has resonated internationally. Educators and policymakers across the world have expressed admiration for this model, seeing it as a sustainable way to combine character education with daily life skills. In some international schools, particularly those inspired by Japanese pedagogy, elements of student-led cleaning have already been adopted.

There’s growing recognition that education must go beyond textbooks and exams. Schools that promote practical responsibility, community involvement, and self-reliance create more well-rounded, emotionally intelligent students.

Of course, many Japanese schools still employ professional cleaners for specialized or deep cleaning tasks. But the daily upkeep—keeping classrooms tidy and floors swept—is handled by students, maintaining a tradition that speaks volumes about the country’s cultural values.

What Other Schools Can Learn

While implementing full-scale o-soji in schools elsewhere may require cultural adaptation, the core lessons remain universal. When students are trusted with real responsibility, they rise to the occasion. When they are guided to care for their environment, they develop lasting respect for it. And when they participate in shared tasks, they learn that community is built through action.

O-soji is more than a cleaning routine—it’s a powerful educational tool that nurtures self-awareness, citizenship, and mutual respect. Schools across the globe can take inspiration from this uniquely Japanese model to build stronger, more responsible learning communities.

If the information about the school is not accurate or insufficient, please Contact us
Do you want to register your school? Click Here