Friends, neighbors join forces to tackle community cleanup project near Camp Zama

SAGAMIHARA CITY, Japan - More than 100 volunteers gathered Sunday at the Shindo Sports Ground on the banks of the Sagami River to tackle a community cleanup project.

The event was part of an initiative launched in 2022 to allow U.S. Army Garrison Japan, Sagamihara City, Zama City and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to combine efforts as community partners.

This year, Sagamihara City and JGSDF Camp Zama personnel took the lead in organizing the early morning activity.

During opening remarks, Sagamihara City Mayor Kentaro Motomura thanked all those in attendance, saying the event was a great opportunity for the residents to work together for the betterment of the community.

Kazushige Tatekawa, chairperson of the Sagami River Lovers' Association, said his organization formed in 1982 and has worked for decades to focus on the environment.

Tatekawa said he was happy to have the additional help in ensuring the river would be a safe and beautiful place for the community.

"I am grateful to all of you for your volunteer efforts," he said.

Zama City Mayor Mito Sato said that when the cities, the JGSDF and the U.S. Army decided to join forces on community cleanups, the goal was to keep the Sagami River beautiful.

She said Sunday's cleanup helped ensure the safety of the children who play near the river and will ultimately preserve the beauty of the sea.

"I'm sure that we can have a wonderful time together to achieve a better future," she said.

Sunday's event included 40 volunteers from the U.S. Army in Japan community, with Soldiers, civilians, school students, and members of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldier program and Cub Scout Pack 34 taking part.

Chase Lambert, a Zama Middle High School senior, said this was his first chance to work at an off-post volunteer event in Japan, and he was happy he spent part of his weekend participating.

"I wanted to help the community and help pick up some trash," he said.

He said it was a pleasure to work with the Japanese volunteers to jointly beautify the area.

Camille Terruso, Cub Master of Pack 34, brought a group of Scouts and volunteers to the event.

"We wanted to come out as an opportunity for the Scouts to give back to the community," she said.

Terruso said the pack leaders also used the day as a chance to teach the Scouts more about their "Outdoor Code," putting an emphasis on the importance of natural resources, conservationism, and even river safety.

Lauren Bachman attended the event with her son, Brantley, one of the Scouts.

"We believe that keeping the area clean is important," she said.

Col. Marcus Hunter, USAG Japan commander, and Col. Hisanori Hashiguchi, 4th Engineer Group and JGSDF Camp Zama commander, helped close the event with remarks.

"Thanks to everyone's cooperation, the riverbank is much cleaner than before," Hashiguchi said. "I'm very grateful that we could conduct this joint cleanup today, and I'm sure this activity is very meaningful to all of us."

Hunter said that while there are many ways to contribute to the betterment of one's community, one of the most valuable is donating time.

"At a local level it is very powerful, and you can see all of the good things that have happened because of your hard work," Hunter said. "And it's the same when we think of our two nations at a national level - so thank you for your service and your contribution to our community and our great alliance."

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