My first visit to Japan It perplexed me. Walking through the streets, with a soda in one hand and a delicious Milanese sandwich in the other, I realized that there was nowhere to throw the garbage. I asked a local and he explained that in Japan they take their trash home. This peculiar custom, although disconcerting at first, hides a deep philosophy and gave rise to a surprising phenomenon: the rise of high-quality used clothing.
On these islands getting rid of garbage is not as simple as it seems. Each type of waste has its specific collection day, and meticulous separation is mandatory. In addition, collection has a cost, which provides an incentive to reduce the amount of garbage.
The absence of bins trash On the streets it forces Japanese people to take their waste home, this is uncomfortable, but it also encourages environmental awareness and promotes individual responsibility.
This peculiarity led to an unexpected solution: the proliferation of second-hand stores. In neighborhoods like Koenji and Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, used clothing became a tourist attraction. Unlike other countries, second-hand Japanese clothes are in impeccable condition, almost like new.
The Japanese obsession with cleanliness and meticulous care of belongings means that the clothes used in Japan be a treasure. It is common to find almost unused clothes carefully washed.
The superior quality of Japanese used clothing fueled a global business. Platforms such as eBay and Rakuten make it easy to sell these garments to international markets, especially the United States, where consumers value the durability and impeccable condition of Japanese clothing.
Exporting used clothing is not only a profitable business, but also promotes sustainability and responsible consumption. By giving garments a second life, the environmental impact of the textile industry is reduced. Waste management in Japanalthough complex, offers valuable lessons for the world.
Rigorousness, environmental awareness and the search for creative solutions led to surprising results, such as the rise of high-quality used clothing and a flourishing global business.
The Japanese experience shows that meticulous care of belongings and individual responsibility can transform challenges into opportunities, both for the environment and the economy. In a world where sustainability is increasingly crucial, Japan shows us a way forward. Things as they are.
*Mookie Tenembaum addresses international topics like this every week with Horacio Cabak on his podcast El Observador Internacional, available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and all platforms.
