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JERA and Chunichi Dragons Collaborate for a Cleaner Community

On May 24, 2025, JERA, alongside the Chunichi Dragons, held the "JERA Central League Challenge City Clean Project" at Nagoya Stadium. This initiative marked a vital step towards combining sports with community contribution, demonstrating the power of collaboration through the love of baseball.

A total of 111 participants, including young members of the Chunichi Dragons fan club, their parents, local residents, and JERA employees took part in the cleaning activities that aimed to spruce up the area around Nagoya Stadium. Notable appearances were made by former Chunichi Dragons players Yonetoshi Kawamata, Hidenori Abe, and Masahiro Araki, who actively engaged in the activities, encouraging participants with their enthusiasm.

Kickoff Ceremony Inspires Community Spirit

The event commenced with a kickoff ceremony led by Yuichi Shimada from JERA's public relations department, who outlined the project’s background and JERA's vision for social contributions through sports. After a group photo, the teams dispersed to different locations, including Hachiman Park and Robohashi Park, to collect litter and rubbish, making the environment significantly cleaner.

Kawamata, along with Abe and Araki, introduced an energetic start to the cleaning activities. With big smiles and eager voices, they called for collective efforts: "Let's work together to keep the area around the stadium clean!" Their warmth radiated through the gathering, highlighting the essence of community involvement in maintaining a clean environment.

The event mascot, Doala, joined in the festivities, bringing joy and laughter, interacting with both players and participants in a fun and friendly manner. Shimada stressed JERA’s commitment by stating, "As Japan's largest power generation company, JERA collaborates with the Central League to distribute energy across the nation while working together with local communities to keep our cities clean."

Cleaning in Teams with Legendary Players

As the cleanup began, participants broke into groups to gather trash scattered around the stadium and parks. They diligently sorted collected items, such as cans, plastic bottles, and cigarette butts. Kawamata, Abe, and Araki embraced this chance to bond with the younger attendees, encouraging them as they picked up litter. In a moment of camaraderie, Kawamata remarked, "With everyone’s efforts today, I hope the Dragons win their game!" Young participants responded with gleeful assurances of their unwavering support for the team.

During the activity, a child proudly displayed a pine cone, and Araki, with a touch of humor, declared, "That’s not rubbish!" This delightful interaction emphasized the fun spirit of the endeavor while reinforcing the educational aspect of litter collection. Abe further ignited excitement by pointing out unusual trash, rallying the children to gather ice cream sticks that had been carelessly discarded.

Transformation of Stadium Surroundings Through Joint Efforts

The collective effort transformed the area significantly, with participants expressing gratitude for the unique opportunity of cleaning alongside their sporting idols. Feedback included heartfelt reflections, with one participant stating, "Having the chance to work with former players was a dream come true," while others echoed desires for future community service engagements focused on environmental preservation.

The project not only encouraged teamwork but also fostered a deeper awareness of environmental responsibility among the participants. Many pledged to continue keeping their surroundings clean, echoing Araki’s encouragement to make litter collection a part of their everyday habits.

Reflection and Impact After the Cleanup

Following the cleanup, a closing ceremony was held where Kawamata expressed immense appreciation, thanking participants for their diligent efforts. He encouraged the young people to maintain their heightened awareness of waste separation as they grow. Abe noted how cleaning the area made everyone feel rejuvenated, while Araki highlighted the importance of nurturing habits that keep communities clean.

As an exciting finale, attendees were gifted tickets for an upcoming Hanshin game at Vantelin Dome Nagoya, eliciting smiles and cheers. This joint initiative between JERA and the Chunichi Dragons was not only a community beautification effort but a heartfelt embodiment of togetherness.

Event Overview

• - Date: May 24, 2025, 9:30-10:50
• - Location: Nagoya Stadium, 2-12-1 Robohashi, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
• - Guests: Yonetoshi Kawamata, Hidenori Abe, Masahiro Araki, and Doala
• - Activities: Opening ceremony, cleaning session, closing ceremony

Through this initiative, JERA reinforces its commitment to social engagement, seamlessly blending the world of sports with environmental stewardship. As the community joins hands, the spirit of baseball transcends beyond the game, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and responsibility.