Deep Dive is off this week, but we will be back at the start of July with fresh episodes. While we're away, we're bringing you a rebroadcast of our episode with Alex K.T. Martin where he looks at what form compulsive hoarding disorder takes in Japan and how it manifests. You'll learn how keeping spick and span in a country known for its cleanliness can be easier said than done.

Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode:
Alex K.T. Martin: Articles | Twitter

Read more/Watch more:
Deal with clutter while the choice to toss is still yours (Louise George Kittaka, The Japan Times)
In graying Japan, pet hoarding proving to be a pesky problem (Kyodo)
RiskBenefit
Trapped in trash: Japan’s hidden hoarders (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)

Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, head to japantimes.co.jp. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Photo: Traumatic experiences, perfectionism, genetics and brain function are often raised as potential reasons for hoarding. | COURTESY OF RISKBENEFIT