Oosouji: Japan’s Annual Therapeutic Cleaning Ritual

  Oosouji is a Japanese method of house cleaning that is also an act of healing. Its goal is to remove dirt not only from spaces and objects but also from the mind. For the Japanese, cleanliness is closely associated with well-being. The word Oosouji roughly translates to ‘big cleaning’. Traditionally, it takes place around December 28 every year. The aim is to welcome the new year, leaving behind any remnants of the past that are no longer useful. However, it can be carried out at any time. The key to Oosouji is to plan the cleaning well. This not…