An increasing number of schools across Japan have started a policy where students are urged to carry their unwashed brushes home, causing many parents to feel perplexed. Especially among primary school students who are involved in activities that need brushes, this practice attempts to instill a sense of responsibility among the children for their personal belongings. The news comes amidst varying reactions from parents, some of whom find it a burden on their household works, while others appreciate the values that their children are learning.

This topic is generating significant discussion among parents and educators in Japan. Japanese society places a high value on cleanliness, responsibility, and self-reliance from a young age; these new school policies are seen as a way to reinforce those values. However, some parents feel the balance between school responsibilities and household chores is getting skewed.

In the US or EU, students are commonly expected to keep their art supplies clean and ready to use, although typically this is managed within the school itself. Imposing home cleaning responsibilities pertaining to school supplies might be seen as an overreach by schools into the family sphere, potentially causing similar debates.