Nobody is talking about being a self centered capitalist except you.
The relevant aspect of Japan that is special here is that beyond the classroom, in all aspects of society, people take care of the commons, without compensation. Paying kids for cleaning means that they’re off the hook when you don’t pay them; Japanese society has everyone taking care of public spaces because it’s a common social expectation, not because they’re compensated or rewarded in any way for it.
The relevant aspect of Japan that is special here is that beyond the classroom, in all aspects of society, people take care of the commons, without compensation. Paying kids for cleaning means that they’re off the hook when you don’t pay them; Japanese society has everyone taking care of public spaces because it’s a common social expectation, not because they’re compensated or rewarded in any way for it.