A Lawn, Lawn time Ago...

There is no grass at schools in Japan. Across the street from my school is a park. There is no grass in the park, either. In Japan, I have never seen a lawnmower or any similar piece of lawn-mowing equipment. The green in Japan is confined to rice fields, farms, temples and shrines. I am grateful for such places, but I want to know the mentality of being som completely anti-grass and anti-lawn.

Excuses so far that people have given me is that Grass is expensive!!!
My answer: So are are the unnecessary airports and expressways that Japan is building. Also, grass is free if donated, and care can be done via a push mower and many eager students.

What IS expensive is all the students having to have their clothes washed after playing in the "yard," the giant dirt and sand area outside every Japanese school. The dust and sand gets everywhere, and if something is dropped on the floor in the teachers room you can pretty much expect a layer of sand/grime/dust mix to adhere itself to the surface of the dropped item. Think about all the electricity, water, detergent used because students must get dusty and dirty on a daily basis. Plus, grass would reduce the harsh glare the "yard" creates and soften the landscape by providing something green.