The Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Festival occurs at the end of the hot summer. This two day event, in which about one million people participate, would not be possible without the existence of a team of volunteers. By giving people directions and collecting garbage, we are able to interact with many different people, spectators and dancers, so every year we are able to get a closer experience the Awaodori Festival than anyone.
Volunteers from among the local children also help with the Koenji Awaodori festival. Beginning in 2012 and continuing every year since, grade six students from Suginami Ward Elementary School Number Eight have helped remind people to pick up their garbage. Furthermore, in order to eliminate “piggyback rubbish” that is unrelated to the Awaodori festival itself, these students also distribute leaflets reminding people not to litter. Finally, junior high school students not only help pick up garbage but also act as interpreters for foreign spectators.
