Japanese law is pretty relaxed (some would say arbitrary) in many areas, but one requiring strict conformance to rules is garbage disposal. Put out the wrong stuff on the wrong day or mix your garbage and the bag will be slapped with a sticker checkmarked with your sin, and then you’ll have to perform the walk of shame by carrying it back home - and you’d better do that because the neighbors WILL be watching.
The gentlemen bowing in this photo are apologizing for an Amakusa elementary school teacher (59) who had repeatedly not correctly sorted his garbage. He was fined 300,000 yen by the city and his salary was reduced by 10% for three months. Don’t let this happen to you.
(As an afterthought, the article also mentioned that he was accused by a female coworker of sexual harassment. He excused this by claiming he was drunk - but this, apparently, doesn’t equal not separating your garbage.) - William
