Into the Era of "Cleanliness Capital" — Rebooting Industrial Health's "5S" as a Universal Survival Strategy (OS) for Humanity

 

Into the Era of "Cleanliness Capital"

— Rebooting Industrial Health's "5S" as a Universal Survival Strategy (OS) for Humanity

1. Introduction: Why is the World Seeking "KIREI" Now?

In the post-COVID era, the world faces two distinct types of "pollution." One is biological pollution caused by viruses and pathogens. The other is the mental "noise" (filth) generated by information overload and social division.

It is worth noting here why the image of Shohei Ohtani picking up trash on the baseball field was praised worldwide and received with a sense of "awe." He stated that he was "picking up luck." To dismiss this as mere unscientific superstition would be premature.

From the perspective of the latest cognitive science and behavioral economics, "subjective intervention in one's environment (cleaning)" is the most cost-effective technology for regaining a "sense of agency" in an uncertain world.

2. Scientific Evidence: "Clutter" Destroys the Brain

The clinical intuition that "a messy room equals a messy mind" is now being proven via fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging).

• Visual Cortex Overflow: According to research from Princeton University, a cluttered environment competes for processing capacity in the visual cortex, physically reducing concentration and information processing capabilities.

• Cortisol Spikes: A UCLA research team suggests that a cluttered home environment disrupts the diurnal variation of cortisol (stress hormone) levels in residents, leading to chronic fatigue.

• The "Broken Windows Theory" of the Brain: Just as filth in a city invites crime, filth in a personal living space continues to send a signal to the brain that "I do not value myself." This forms a vicious cycle (negative loop) of self-neglect and depression.

In other words, cleaning is not merely a chore; it is "a maintenance act to free up brain memory and stabilize emotions."

3. From "5S" to "10S": Updating the Civilization’s OS

The "5S" (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) method born in Japanese manufacturing sites is no longer just for factories. We are expanding (updating) this into a universal philosophy applicable to modern society and the world. Aiming for the magic number "7," and ultimately the complete "10."

【Basic Kernel: Physical Foundation】

1. Seiri (Sort): Discarding the unnecessary. Removal of noise.

2. Seiton (Set in order): Arranging the necessary. Ensuring accessibility.

3. Seiso (Shine): Actual polishing. Status assessment and inspection.

4. Seiketsu (Standardize): Maintaining the clean state. Standardization of hygiene.

5. Shitsuke (Sustain/Habit): Rebranded from strict "discipline" to modern habituation. Automated routines.

【Expansion Pack: Social & Spiritual Foundation】 6. Safety: Ensuring physical and psychological safety. 7. Seijo (Sanctity): This is the Japanese Original. Going beyond mere hygiene, this is the Shinto approach of "Hurai" (exorcising/cleansing) and sanctifying a place. It is an act that gives meaning and dignity to a space. 8. Seishin (Spirit/Mindfulness): Viewing cleaning as "Active Meditation" (Zen). An act of organizing one's inner self. 9. Sustainability: Reducing environmental impact and circulating resources. The practice of SDGs 2.0. 10. System: Implementing these not just as individual efforts, but as societal infrastructure and mechanisms.

4. "KIREI" is the Ultimate Security and Ideology

When viewed from a democratic perspective that respects the individual and liberty, this "10S" shines even brighter.

• Counter to Totalitarianism: Cleaning is not something done under coercion. It is an extremely "subjective and active" exercise of power—governing and controlling one's own territory.

• Security Clearance: Protecting oneself from infectious diseases and filth (pests, mold) is the first step in "personal security," independent of the state.

• The Solution to Inbound Tourism & Cultural Friction: Tourists visiting Japan are amazed by its cleanliness because there is an "Invisible Code." We should theorize this not as "manners" to be forced upon others, but as a "rational system for maximizing comfort" and export it to the world.

5. Conclusion: Making "KIREI" a Global Common Language

In the West, due to changing hygiene perceptions, a "Shoes-off" culture in homes is rapidly spreading. The adoption of Washlets (bidet toilets) is following a similar trend. The world is unconsciously seeking "Japanese Purification."

Marie Kondo took the world by storm not simply because she taught "how to throw things away," but because she provided an animistic spirituality of facing objects and asking if they "Spark Joy."

Now is the time to advocate for this "Cleanliness Capital" from the field of industrial health. It is the most primitive yet cutting-edge ideology for improving mental health, preventing infection, increasing productivity, and above all, preserving our dignity as human beings.

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Commentary: Key Points of This Article

• The term "Cleanliness Capital": Drawing from the context of "Social Capital," this power word is designed to resonate with investors and the business class.

• Adoption of "10S": By including "Sanctity" and "Spirit" to provide Japanese religious depth, and adding "Sustainability" and "System," the structure appeals to Western intellectuals who favor systems thinking and SDGs.

• Universality beyond Left and Right: It can be read as "conservative morality," "liberal well-being," or "radical self-determination." It is a "strong layer" that creates no enemies in any direction.

I believe this can serve as a layer that improves the world, little by little, not only for the field of industrial health but also for executives, educators, and people overseas.