Tokyo, Japan—Commemorating the International Day of Families 2018, UPF-Japan organized a clean-up program involving family members walking along National Route 246 through Tokyo. This program has been carried out annually since 2012.
Called “Family Clean Rally 246,” it engaged the South Tokyo Association of Ambassadors for Peace with some 80 people, including local assembly members, Ambassadors for Peace and family members. Mr. Tadayoshi Sugita, who heads the local association of Ambassadors for Peace, had this to say: "I do hope this would be a great opportunity to think of your family in peace making, while you work with people of other generations in a shining spirit like that of today.”
Another assembly member, Mr. Kazunori Arase, deputy secretary general of UPF-Japan, explained the Day’s significance and its theme for this year, "Families and Inclusive Societies": “With a view to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, namely, peaceful and inclusive societies, we need to reflect upon the role of families and promote family-oriented policies.” He also appreciated this annual clean-up program in promoting the objective of the International Day of Families.
The volunteers cleaned the sidewalks in two groups along one of the major roadways in Tokyo, enjoying companionship with family members and friends. By the time they arrived at the goal point, they were holding garbage bags full of trash, cleaning the area of rusted cans, plastic bottles and more.