After returning from a week-long family vacation in Japan, American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel sparked a widespread discussion with his critical remarks about the cleanliness standards of the United States compared to Japan.
On his popular late-night show, Kimmel described his astonishment at the high levels of cleanliness observed throughout Japan. The experience made him view the U.S. as a “filthy and disgusting country” by comparison.
Kimmel’s observations were not limited to a general admiration for Japan’s cleanliness; he provided specific examples that left a strong impression on him and his audience. One of the most striking comparisons he made was between the public restrooms in Japan and those in the U.S. According to Kimmel, restrooms in Japan, from hotels to restaurants to even truck stops, maintained a level of cleanliness that surpassed even the operating rooms in U.S. hospitals. This comparison was vividly illustrated when he jokingly noted that these restrooms were “cleaner than Jennifer Garner’s teeth,” highlighting the pristine condition of facilities that many in the U.S. might take for granted or overlook.
The cleanliness of Japan’s public spaces can be attributed to several cultural and systemic practices that differ markedly from those in the U.S. After a sarin gas attack in 1995, Japan made the significant move of removing most public trash cans, which led to an increase in personal responsibility among citizens to carry and dispose of their own trash. This practice, alongside strict waste management rules and a strong cultural emphasis on cleanliness, has contributed to the remarkably litter-free streets and public areas throughout Japan.
“People manage their own waste; there aren’t any trash bins in Tokyo,” he explained. “Everyone, take care of your own trash.’ And that’s precisely what they do. They take their refuse back home.”
He humorously remarked that Japan felt like “Disneyland” in its orderliness and cleanliness. At the same time, he likened the U.S. to “living in Six Flags,” a comparison that paints a vivid picture of the disparity in cleanliness standards between the two nations.
However, Kimmel’s comments were not without controversy. His remarks sparked various reactions, with some individuals on social media criticizing his comparison. Despite the backlash, Kimmel’s observations have ignited a conversation about the standards of cleanliness in public spaces and the societal behaviors that contribute to them.
