Lafaek News–On March 7th, more than 150 volunteers gathered around Namba Station and Dotonbori —a renowned entertainment district in Osaka, Japan— for the “100th Environmental Cleanup Volunteer Activity,” organized by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the Kobe Branch of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). Since its inception in July 2022, the group has operated twice a month, reaching the milestone of 100 sessions in less than four years.

HWPL, an international peace NGO with Special Consultative Status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), carries out various global peace projects including peace education, interfaith dialogue, and youth network development. As an affiliated organization, IPYG serves as a global network where youth unite to advocate for the cessation of war and the promotion of a culture of peace. Beyond environmental maintenance, the initiative also addresses long-standing systemic issues within the local community. Following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack, Japan significantly reduced the number of public trash cans as an anti-terrorism measure. Over time, the reduced number of bins has contributed to issues such as illegal dumping and urban safety concerns. Recognizing this social context, IPYG members launched their service to demonstrate the value of coexistence through environmental action.

The activity has also become a platform for local residents and young people to interact, fostering communication and a sense of community. What began as a small-scale initiative has gradually grown, now attracting more than 100 voluntary youth participants on a regular basis. This four-year commitment has become a focal point, uniting fragmented urban youth under a shared value. One participant, Ms. Nohara, reflected on the 100-session journey: “In the early days, low participation made covering such a vast area physically overwhelming,” she recalled. “However, by enduring those challenges together, we now have 100 dependable colleagues who embolden one another. Notably, friends who cannot attend in person share photos of themselves collecting trash in their own neighborhoods. Although physically distant, I feel a profound sense of unity, knowing we are connected by a shared mission to brighten the world.” She added that seeing the streets cleaned provides a sense of pride and a feeling of being a contributing member of society.

The consistent efforts of these young volunteers have garnered positive feedback from local residents. One citizen expressed their support, stating, “Watching young people dedicate their time over several years to shoulder the concerns of our community gives me a glimpse of new hope for Osaka.” Building on the momentum of this 100th milestone, the HWPL Kobe Branch plans to secure broader public support and expand the scope of public-citizen collaboration. Based on their proven track record of consistency, the organization intends to strengthen organic cooperation with local governments, including Osaka City. The goal is to establish youth-led volunteerism as an official model for civic action within the regional community.