#Japan #Yokohama #JERA #YokohamaDeNA #CityClean

Yokohama DeNA BayStars Legends Join Hands for a Cause

On September 21, 2025, an inspiring initiative unfolded in Yokohama as the Yokohama DeNA BayStars alumni, Takeo Kawamura and Sho Aranami, teamed up with fans and JERA to participate in the 'JERA City Clean Project.' This event aimed to promote environmental consciousness and foster a cleaner community around Yokohama Stadium. A total of 89 participants, including elementary school members of the BayStars fan club and JERA employees, took part in this meaningful cleanup activity.

Event Kickoff: Enthusiastic Participation from Former Players

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony that saw the appearance of Kawamura and Aranami, who were greeted with enthusiastic applause from attendees. Kawamura stirred excitement by stating, "The amount of trash we pick up today counts as the runs scored by the BayStars!" Aranami echoed this sentiment by urging everyone to make the most of the special opportunity to clean while emphasizing the importance of welcoming opponents to a tidy Yokohama Stadium.

Adding to the cheer, the BayStars mascots, DB. Starman and DB. Kirara, joined to lift spirits and showcased a delightful camaraderie with the former players. Following the warm-up speeches, JERA's Yushi Moriyama presented the company's mission, emphasizing its commitment to combating climate change by transitioning to hydrogen and ammonia-powered energy. He highlighted the importance of community collaboration for a sustainable future.

Hands-On Cleanup: Interaction and Engagement with Young Fans

Once the ceremonial activities concluded, participants divided into groups to commence the cleanup. They meticulously collected litter, ranging from cans to plastic bottles, while engaging in conversations, making it both an educational and enjoyable experience. Kawamura brought laughter and excitement into the activity by cheerfully acknowledging the kids’ efforts. For instance, when a child found a large cup noodle container, he exclaimed, "Great find! That’s a big score worth 10 points!" This sparked friendly competition among the children, motivated by the goal to find even bigger items. Aranami reminded everyone to stay hydrated as they worked together to clean up the area, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

A heartwarming moment occurred when one young participant revealed it was his birthday. Aranami responded, saying, "Happy birthday! It’s admirable that you are picking up trash on your special day. Making the community beautiful can also make your heart feel beautiful!" This exchange highlighted the educational aspect of the event, instilling values of responsibility and care for the environment in the young attendees.

Upon completing their cleanup, the children proudly displayed the nine bags of collected trash to Kawamura and Aranami, exclaiming their achievements and noting the transformation of the park and stadium area.

Collective Efforts Yield Significant Results

The effort resulted in an impressive haul of nine bags filled with diverse trash, including unexpected items such as hangers and shoes. Participants' dedication visibly improved the cleanliness of the Yokohama Stadium vicinity, showcasing how collective efforts contribute to environmental health. Aranami later remarked, "For every person littering, there's someone willing to pick it up. It's critical to act responsibly and consider how our actions affect others. We hope all participants grow into mindful adults."

Comments from participants reflected the positive impact of the experience, with one noting, "Even small pieces of litter, like cigarette butts, contribute to environmental damage, so every effort counts!" Another noted, "This was a valuable opportunity for children to think about environmental issues."

Reflection: Building Character Through Cleanup Activities

At the closing ceremony, both former players shared their reflections on the day's activities. Kawamura emphasized the adage that good baseball arises from good life choices, encouraging all attendees to continually pick up litter whenever they see it, believing it will lead to positive outcomes. Aranami, noting the hidden trash around even seemingly clean areas, remarked, "Today made me feel cleaner inside, too. We learned vital lessons through this event that extend beyond baseball into everyday life."

Event Summary

Date and Time: September 21, 2025, from 13:45 to 15:00
Locations: Yokohama Park (〒231-0022 Yokohama City, Naka Ward) and Oodori Park (〒231-0033 Yokohama City, Choja-machi, 5-55-2)
Guests: Takeo Kawamura, Sho Aranami, DB. Starman, and DB. Kirara
Program: Opening Ceremony / Cleanup Activity / Closing Ceremony

About Guest Players:

• - Takeo Kawamura: Born in April 1972, Kawamura made a significant impact as a pitcher for the Yokohama BayStars after debuting in 1996. He contributed to the team's success, including the 1998 Central League championship and subsequent Japan Series victory.
• - Sho Aranami: Born in January 1986, Aranami, known for his three-dimensional play as an outfielder, joined the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2010. After an impressive career and multiple Golden Glove awards, he transitioned into coaching and commentary.

About JERA Inc.:
Founded in April 2015 by Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company, JERA has become Japan's largest electric power producer, supplying about 30% of the nation’s electricity. JERA actively seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions to zero by 2050.