A 5-Minute Morning Clean: A Habit That Protects Our Machines and Shapes Our Culture

At Mishow, every workday begins with a small but meaningful ritual: cleaning.

It is nothing complicated—just five minutes before the morning assembly, when each worker tidies up their own machine and the surrounding area. Using a compressor to blow away threads and dust, giving the floor a quick sweep—just a short routine, yet this habit gradually transforms the atmosphere of the entire factory.

What we value most is initiative. This is not something done by command or in unison with loud calls. Instead, each person takes care of their own machine out of a sense of responsibility. Of course, team leaders may remind workers when necessary, but there is no official “cleaning time” set. The purpose is for those who handle the machines every day to maintain them themselves—because only then does it have real meaning.

Cleaning alone may not directly create dramatic results. Yet, from observation, workers who are careless with cleaning tend to face more machine troubles. Sometimes it’s technical—oil not properly managed, or dust causing issues. Other times, it reflects personality—those who neglect small details may also show carelessness in their work. On the other hand, those who clean carefully are often the ones who prevent problems before they occur, maintaining steady and reliable performance.

There is another distinctive aspect.

The company president also takes part in cleaning. Every morning, he himself tidies areas around the lines where newcomers are assigned, as well as hallways and shared spaces. In Japan, this is a familiar sight at many small and medium-sized companies—the top leader taking the initiative to clean, silently conveying a message to everyone. At Mishow, this spirit is alive as well, and it fosters a culture where the importance of maintaining a clean and organized environment is naturally shared.

For Mishow, cleaning is not simply about keeping things neat.
It is a daily practice essential for keeping machines in good condition for long-term use, for setting the right mindset toward work, and for sharing a space that everyone feels proud to belong to.