Spring Cleaning in the States Vs. End of Year Cleaning in Japan

Ahhh spring. The snow is melting. It's the time of yearthe winter clothes for the summer set of course. And,
when nature brings new life into the world. People'sin this country the screen windows tend to remain in
spirits are refreshed and invigorated. Spring truly is ahomes all year round.
wonderful season. In fact, is there anything bad aboutSo, why the difference in cleaning seasons? Actually, I
spring at all? Oh yes... Spring cleaning.believe the physical and mental feelings the people of
Cleaning: the bane of fun. As if appeasing mythese countries have during their annual cleanings are
girlfriend's wrath by throwing my dirty socks into thequite similar. As stated above, the all around general
laundry basket instead of onto the floor wasn't enough,feelings I/we (Americans) have during the spring time
the American society has decided to dedicate at leastare feelings of renewal. This is the same feeling the
one full day (that's 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400Japanese experience for the coming of the New
seconds) of its citizen's lives to the horrific act ofYear.
cleaning.But when it comes to cleaning for the comatose,
Although I loathe the act itself, I can understand whyJapan may have America beat. Both countries have
poor innocent spring has been chosen to be burdenedtheir maid and cleaning services. However, Japan also
with the negative public relations as the season ofhas the one day super deluxe maid service. Almost to
cleaning. It's time to pack up the winter clothes andthe minute of your appointed date two or three girls
take out the summer clothes. Switch the glassshow up at your place to start their work. The basics
windows with the screen windows. Spring is a time toare of course covered; laundry, washing the dishes,
throw away all those things that are being outweighedironing, vacuuming, etc. But then, going up and beyond
by the dust that has accumulated on top of them. Tothe call of duty, these girls will move boxes and sort
me, spring cleaning symbolizes a fresh new start.through your year old accumulation of trash and put
However, spring is not the universal season of cleaning.anything you want anywhere you want as per your
As I presently reside in Japan I have come toinstruction, all the while maintaining a smile. These girls
experience and understand the art of "end of yearhave a sixth sense for cleaning. So, when it comes to
cleaning". Every year in late December in Japan,the evils of spring cleaning, I fully recommend that
people all over the country do almost the exact sameAmerica imports the super deluxe maid service from
thing we do during spring cleaning, aside from switchingJapan. Ahhh spring. It just got a lot easier. S.B.