Page 269 - Easy Japanese - Learn to Speak Japanese Quickly! (TUTTLE)

Itsu ka denwa shimasu. I’ll call you sometime.
-Itsu de mo shite kudasai. Please call me anytime.

CULTURAL NOTE The Concept of Mottainai and Recycling in
Japan

Mottainai is an expression of regret regarding waste—used when a useful object
is thrown away, misused or underused. This expression may have originated
from the Shinto animist concept—that all things have a soul and should be

respected—and the Buddhist transmigration of soul philosophy, resulting in the
desire to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature. To achieve this, Japan
has embarked on several efforts at energy conservation (shō-ene 省エネ),
preserving the environment (kankyō 環境) and ecology (eko エコ), among other

things. Naturally, recycling is strictly enforced in Japan.
Public trashcans are rare in Japan, and you will usually see several bins
arranged together, each dedicated to different items. You should strictly follow
the garbage disposal system in your local area.
Waste disposal (gomi-shūshū ゴミ収集) is carried out at the municipal level
and each city has a completely different system. You will need to note the day,
container, disposal location, and put out the right garbage on that day or your

garbage will not be picked up. Get a booklet from your municipal office or have
your landlord/property manager explain the rules to you. Ganbatte kudasai!

Recycling Materials in Japan

Paper (紙 Kami) Plastic (プラ Pura)
Aluminum (アルミ PET bottles (ペットボトル
Arumi) Pettobotoru)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_in_Japan

PATTERN PRACTICE 5

Cue: Sutete mo i’i desu ka. May I throw it away?

Response: Ie, sutete wa No, you must not.
ikemasen yo.
Cue: Tabako, sutte mo i’i May I smoke?

desu ka.
Response: Ie, sutete wa No, you must not.