Tokyo, Japan—UPF-Japan commemorated the International Day of Families 2016 by organizing a clean-up project called “Family Clean Rally 246” with the South Tokyo Assembly of Ambassadors for Peace on April 29. Some 100 people, including a ward assembly member, business executives and NGO leaders participated in the project, which has been held annually since 2012 in observance of the International Day of Families.
In opening the day’s activity in a Tokyo park, the ward assembly member said, “I have always taken part in this project, sharing [the] joy of service with local families. This also helps increase awareness of beautifying the environment, in our neighborhood. Let’s create a project that can take root in our community!”
Representing UPF-Japan, Mr. Kazunori Arase, its director of publications, explained the theme of this year’s Day, “Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future.” He said the “UN General Assembly passed a resolution on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) following the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) last year. [The SDGs] call for the well-being of families” and quality education for all. He said this project was consistent with the UN by promoting exchanges between families.
The volunteers cleaned the sidewalks along Route 246, a major roadway in Tokyo, in two groups. While the weather was unstable and strong gusts of wind blew once in a while, everyone enjoyed the clean-up. “I did not realize there was so much garbage on the streets I walk on every day!” said one participant. “My [entire] family decided to participate in this project, which took place on the first day of the Golden Week, a week-long holiday period in Japan. We were happy to [volunteer],” said another participant.