Secrets Behind the World's Cleanest Airport

What is "Kind" Cleaning That Supports the Operation of Haneda Airport?

Niitsu joined Japan Airport Technical Service Corporation (present-day JATEC) in 1995. She found that airport cleaning was very different from the cleaning work she had previously done.

"Airport cleaning must prioritize the safety of its users first and foremost," she says. "For regular buildings, cleaning is usually done when no one is inside, but in an airport, we must remember that there are always people around."

So, for example, when carrying a mop, it must be carried directly in front of the body so that no passer-by gets hit with it. The cleaners must always be aware of their surroundings while they work, so when wiping a wall, instead of turning their backs, they face sideways to be able to observe people's movements.

Niitsu's turning point was when she came in second place in the Tokyo preliminaries for the All-Japan Building Cleaning Competition. She had been aiming for first place and was disappointed. That was when a superior told her, "There isn't enough kindness in your cleaning." Niitsu thought hard about that.

Then, two months later, she won the final contest of the All-Japan Building Cleaning Competition.

Niitsu says, "Back then, I thought I was able to clean more thoroughly and efficiently than anyone else. But that isn't enough when it comes to cleaning. What's important is putting your heart into it. I became more considerate of the airport users and handled the cleaning tools with gratitude, which allowed me to clean even better and win the final contest."

Niitsu always has a smile on her face while she works. She says she strives to remain calm and collected at all times and never forgets to be mindful of the people around her. Even if she finds something unexpectedly dirty, or no matter how tired she is, she handles everything with a smile.

"I have one other reason for always smiling," she adds. "It's because I take pride in what I do. Some say that cleaning is a behind-the-scenes sort of work, but I want to do it boldly. That way, I can take responsibility for the work I do."

Niitsu's efforts play a key role in supporting the operation of Haneda Airport, the world's cleanest entrance into Tokyo.

Cleaning Training Begins with Creating Your Own Manual

These days, Niitsu does not clean in the field, and instead, trains staff. She was previously in charge of a new employee training program, where she began, not by giving the participants a common cleaning manual, but by showing them how a veteran cleaner works.

"That way, I get them to understand how clean a place must be to pass inspection," she explains. "On the second day, I teach them how to use tools like the mop, and from the third day on, I get them to clean on their own. I give them advice during that time, like what they could do to speed up the task, but ultimately, I want each of them to create their own manuals."

Since the staff are all different ages and have different levels of stamina and skills, Niitsu believes it is best that they each work using methods that are most comfortable for them. That allows them to continue working over a longer period.

The Cleaning at Haneda Airport Reveals Japanese Character Traits

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a steep rise in the number of overseas travelers visiting Japan. Has that affected cleaning?

"The cleaning work itself hasn't changed much," Niitsu replies. "We continue doing what must be done. But I always keep in mind that this is where people get their first impression of what kind of country Japan is, and what kind of city Tokyo is. Japanese people are hygienic, good at handling fine work and very diligent. We want to convey that through our cleaning work." 

Lastly, Niitsu has a request for all overseas visitors: "I want you to experience Japan and interact with Japanese people without any preconceptions and with a blank slate, forgetting everything you experienced in your own country. That way, you can notice all the good things about Japan. It's a country with so many great aspects, so I hope you can return to your countries after discovering as many of them as possible."

Niitsu Haruko

Niitsu joined Japan Airport Technical Service Corporation (present-day JATEC) in 1995. She won the All-Japan Building Cleaning Competition in 1997 as the youngest winner at the time. Later, she began to actively take on a teaching position and continues to contribute to the environmental maintenance of the entire Haneda Airport as JATEC's only Environmental Meister. She was also featured on NHK's TV program, The Professionals and is the author of several books.
YouTube: Niitsu Haruko's Easy Cleaning Channel
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