Q&A with Japanese Tidying Expert Miwa-san

Miwa-san is a Japanese tidying expert in Osaka and mother of 3 (tidy!) kids

Marie Kondo may have sparked joy around the world with her Japanese tidying methods, but in Japan cleaning up is a daily habit, not just a trend.

What is “Okatazuke”?

In Japanese, “okatazuke” (お片付け) means tidying up or putting things away. It’s a word often used with children, and it carries a gentle, respectful tone — turning clean-up into a normal, positive part of daily life, not a chore.

In Japan, tidying is seen as something that everyone does together, to take care of their shared spaces.

We recently spoke with Miwa-san, our resident Japanese tidying expert in Osaka to learn more about how Japanese families incorporate cleaning up into their daily lives.

Q : Why is tidying so important in Japanese homes?

A : In Japan, tidying is seen as a life skill — a way to manage your surroundings clearly and efficiently. Many families live in compact spaces, so they need to organize toys, clothing, daily essentials, and even emergency supplies in a limited area.

There’s also a cultural appreciation for clutter-free, well-organized homes, where everything has its place. Many families strive to create a space that feels both functional and calm.

Q : In most Japanese schools, children tidy every day.
Does this affect habits at home?

A: Yes, after lunch, children clean their classrooms together. It’s part of the daily routine.

This experience helps kids understand the importance of caring for shared spaces.

While each child is different, it can help them develop an awareness of their environment — and that often leads to more responsibility at home.

We're talking getting down and dirty to mop the whole classroom floor!

📷 : European Cleaning Journal

Q : How can parents make tidying feel natural for kids?

A: Adults usually tidy because they have to — for order or peace of mind.

Children, however, are more motivated by fun, encouragement, and the feeling of accomplishment.

If tidying feels positive and enjoyable, kids are much more likely to want to do it.

You can add music, games, or small rewards to make the process feel less like a task and more like play.

Q : Any ideas for how to turn tidying into a game?

A: Try timing clean-up. For example, “Let’s finish in 3 minutes!” Or playing music and tidying before the song ends. 

Some families also create a “tidy-up medal” or small reward for keeping a space clean for the week. A little fun goes a long way.

Q : What are your tips to make toy clean-up easier?

A: The key is to make sure kids know exactly where things go.

You can do this by:

• Using photos on storage boxes
• Creating color-coded bins
• Keeping it simple — avoid tricky lids or hard-to-reach shelves

If tidying is too complicated, kids won’t want to do it. Quick, easy clean-up works best.

Q : Can toys help with tidying habits?

A: Yes! Toys children use regularly are perfect for teaching tidy habits. When kids take things out themselves, they naturally learn how to put them back.

This helps build independence and routine.

Follow Miwa-san on Instagram for more fun and easy tidying tips to get the kids doing Okatazuke in no time 😉.

Thank you Miwa-san for sharing your tidying tips with us!