In a landmark case, the city of Osaka is planning to file a lawsuit against citizens accused of "kasu-hara", or littering. This move highlights the significant societal problems Japan is facing concerning public cleanliness. The action follows a wave of increasing public awareness and criticism of the practice.

Japan is world-renowned for its cleanliness and societal disapproval of littering or "kasu-hara." Therefore, a city such as Osaka suing its citizens over this issue is a reflection of the high standard the country holds itself to when it comes to public cleanliness. It also demonstrates the willingness of local governments to take direct action in maintaining these standards.

In the US or EU, littering also carries legal penalties, including fines and community service. However, cases being taken to court, much less initiated by the city itself, are much less common. Instead, enforcement usually falls to individual police officers or local watch groups.