On May 5, 2025, a recent survey conducted by the Tourism Authority of Japan revealed a significant concern among international travelers regarding the lack of public trash bins in various locations, particularly train stations. This issue, highlighted by the responses of over 4,000 tourists at five major airports, has been identified as one of the most inconvenient aspects of traveling in Japan, with 21.9% of participants citing it as a major drawback.
The survey, which took place between December and January, involved travelers departing from New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports. While the dissatisfaction rate has seen a slight improvement of about 8% from the previous year, many respondents expressed frustrations about having to carry their garbage back to their accommodations for disposal.
Historically, Japan was known for its abundance of public trash bins, but in recent years, these have largely disappeared. The reduction in available waste disposal options stems from heightened security concerns following terrorist incidents, such as the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack in 1995 and the Madrid train bombings in 2004. As a result, the absence of trash bins has become a pressing public issue, particularly in tourist hotspots.
Yo Takeura, CEO of Force Tech Inc., which specializes in solar-powered trash compaction bins, pointed out that popular tourist destinations like New York and Paris maintain approximately 30,000 public trash bins. Although the government-installed bins in Tokyo have dwindled, Takeura noted that private sector initiatives still provide some waste disposal options.
In addition to the trash bin issue, the survey uncovered other areas of dissatisfaction among travelers. About 15.2% reported communication barriers, particularly with restaurant staff and service personnel who were unable to speak English. Furthermore, 13.1% of respondents complained about overcrowding at various attractions, which added to their overall travel discomfort.
Long wait times at immigration checkpoints also emerged as a notable concern, with tourists expressing frustration over the delays they encountered upon arriving at Japanese airports.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Thai government has been receiving positive feedback on its "30 Baht Protect All" health policy, which ranked first in a national satisfaction survey conducted by the National Statistical Office. The results, released on the same day, revealed that 71.6% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with this initiative.
Treechada Sritada, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized that the government, led by Minister Somsakdi Thepsuthin, has been dedicated to enhancing public welfare and health services for the Thai population. The survey, which included participants aged 18 and older from across the country, indicated that citizens felt positively about several government measures, including economic stimulus programs and energy cost reductions.
The survey also highlighted other areas of satisfaction, with 55.8% of respondents appreciating the economic stimulus project, 41.3% favoring equal marriage legislation, and 32.6% approving of efforts to reduce energy expenses.
Treechada noted that over the past six months, the Ministry has been actively implementing initiatives to improve healthcare access, such as enhancing the "30 Baht Protect All" program to allow citizens to utilize a single health card for various health services. This integration aims to streamline healthcare delivery and make it more efficient.
Moreover, the Ministry has been focusing on community health volunteers (CHVs), increasing their budgetary support and encouraging vaccination drives, particularly for cervical cancer prevention. The ongoing commitment to public health has led to a plan to recruit 50 million CHVs to engage in health promotion and disease prevention efforts by the end of the year.
Treechada described the government's strategies as vital for fostering public health awareness and participation across all sectors of society. She underscored the importance of creating a collaborative environment where citizens can contribute to their health and well-being.
In addressing the rising concern over non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and diabetes, the Ministry is prioritizing educational campaigns to promote healthier dietary choices among the population. The government aims to reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake as part of a broader strategy to enhance public health.
As both Japan and Thailand navigate their respective challenges in tourism and public health, the emphasis remains on improving the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. The survey results from both countries reflect a growing awareness of the need for better infrastructure and services that cater to the needs of the public, whether it be through waste management in Japan or health policies in Thailand.
Ultimately, the feedback from tourists and citizens alike underscores the importance of addressing these pressing issues to foster a more enjoyable and healthy environment for everyone.
