Former Hanshin Tigers Stars Clean Up Amagasaki Parks in JERA Challenge Event

An Inspiring Day of Cleanup with Hanshin Tigers Legends

On April 19, 2025, the city of Amagasaki was buzzing with excitement as local heroes Yasuo Itoi and Minoru Iwata, both former players of the Hanshin Tigers, led a community cleanup event branded as the "JERA Central League Challenge City Clean Project." This initiative is part of JERA's commitment to social contribution through sports, taking place in parks such as Oomono Park and Inagawa Park in Hyogo Prefecture. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 60 elementary school students and their guardians, alongside 22 local citizens, making up a total of 82 participants united for a cleaner, greener environment.

A Warm Welcome from Tigers' Alumni

As the opening ceremony commenced, Itoi and Iwata made a vibrant entrance, greeted by thunderous applause from the eager participants. Itoi motivated the crowd, stating, "Let’s make ourselves and the park clean and bright!" Meanwhile, Iwata encouraged everyone to be vigilant in spotting even the tiniest pieces of trash. The presence of other Tigers alumni, including coaches Naomasa Higashide and Taiga Egoshi, amplified the infectious energy of the event.

Team Spirit in Action

After a detailed introduction from JERA's Usami, participants snapped a group photo before kicking off the cleanup effort. Attendees broke into groups, diligently collecting litter from the parks, sidewalks, and nearby tunnels. Participants separated items like cans and plastic bottles while leaning on each other for motivation.

The engagement between the former players and the kids was heartwarming, as they all buoyantly joined in to collect trash. Every time a little one discovered a bottle, Itoi was there to cheer them on: "That’s the way! Let’s keep going!" The sense of camaraderie grew stronger as Iwata encouraged, "There’s more trash over there! Let’s pick it up!" He smiled broadly when a child discovered litter in a hard-to-reach area, commending him, "Great find! What a play!"

Amazing Results: 83 kg of Trash Collected

Thanks to the diligent efforts of the participants, a remarkable total of 83 kg of rubbish was collected. This astounding figure showcased not only the volume of litter present but also the participants' hard work. After the cleanup, Egoshi expressed his gratitude, saying, "The kids did a tremendous job leading the way! Thank you all!" Many participants commented on how fulfilling it was to engage in community service with the beloved Tigers alumni. They reflected on the joy of making the environment cleaner while developing a greater awareness of ecological issues.

Reflecting on Success

As the day concluded with a closing ceremony, Itoi praised everyone’s contribution, stating, "Thanks to everyone, the parks look magnificent! I hope we can organize similar efforts around Koshien Stadium one day!" Iwata shared his thoughts, expressing some disappointment over the amount of cigarette butts found but added, "I hope everyone carries this experience forward, taking responsibility for cleaner surroundings in everyday life." The event ended joyously, with the participants receiving signed memorabilia and tickets to a future game, creating lasting memories of this impactful day.

Event Summary

- Date: April 19, 2025 (Saturday), 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Venue: Oomono Park, Inagawa Park, Amagasaki City, Hyogo-ken
- Guests: Yasuo Itoi, Minoru Iwata
- Activities: Opening ceremony, cleanup, closing ceremony

About the Guests

Yasuo Itoi (Born July 31, 1981): An ex-professional baseball player from Kyoto, currently a YouTuber and baseball commentator. He has served as the Special Ambassador for the Hanshin Tigers since 2023.

Minoru Iwata (Born October 31, 1983): Another former pro baseball player from Osaka, serving as a baseball commentator and the Community Ambassador for the Tigers since 2022.