#Japan #Arakawa #ONE HEART SHOWER #TOKYO L.O.C.A.L BASE

ONE HEART SHOWER: A Beacon of Hope and Resilience in Arakawa

On November 28, the Arakawa community will come together for a charity event unlike any other, known as "ONE HEART SHOWER." This annual event, now in its 45th edition, aims to breathe new life into the local community while simultaneously extending support to disaster-hit areas. With the backing of the Arakawa Ward, the event will feature notable attendees, including the ward mayor.

The event not only aims to revitalize Arakawa but also showcases the voices of local high school students. The "Arakawa Unite Talk" will be held simultaneously, allowing young speakers from Kitatoshima Gakuen to discuss pressing topics related to community development and disaster support. Themes including "Child Education and Regional Growth," "Disaster Relief and Volunteering," and "Sports as a Means of Recovery" will be addressed.

The Essence of ONE HEART SHOWER

The origin of ONE HEART SHOWER dates back to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, with the goal of creating a sustainable support model that connects community vibrancy to disaster recovery efforts. The motto, "Fun is the Right Thing," embodies the essence of this charity event, fostering excitement and energy in the community that directly translates to support for disaster-stricken areas. Over the years, more than 5,000 individuals have participated, contributing to relief efforts across Japan—from Tohoku to Kumamoto, Ehime, Chiba, and the Noto Peninsula, and even abroad to Ukraine, nurturing a "chain of smiles".

A New Approach to Community Revival

What sets ONE HEART SHOWER apart is its unique collaboration with 27 participating stores, each playing a crucial role in local revitalization efforts that lead to disaster support. This initiative includes:

• - Distribution of event flyers and posters
• - Placement of donation boxes in partner stores
• - Provision of free design elements for social media promotion
• - Support for stores to promote the event as their own
• - Visualization reports detailing the impact of donations
• - Personalized visits from organizers to discuss and report back to each store

This collaborative framework not only revitalizes businesses but also enhances community bonds, creating a highly effective grassroots model applauded by local government.

Expanding Influence Through Grassroots Participation

The expanding network of participating stores has been driven by previous participants who recognized that joining the event energizes both their businesses and the community while aiding disaster recovery. This grassroots expansion has resulted in a notable increase in collaboration, with 27 stores now onboard. The initiative is being recognized as a self-sustaining community revitalization model by local administration, showcasing the power of grassroots efforts.

Arakawa Unite Talk: Uplifting Youth Voices

Alongside the charity event, the "Arakawa Unite Talk" will empower high school students to share their thoughts on how communities can rebuild and thrive. Many students from North Toshima Academy will participate, exploring themes like the importance of interpersonal connections in building a society and the role of volunteerism in disaster recovery. The event will run from 16:30 to 18:15, promising a fresh perspective on the shared responsibilities of youth and community recovery.

Star Power Supporting the Cause

The event has also garnered support from the entertainment industry, with renowned singer Sachiko Kobayashi lending her influence to promote the cause.

Community and Government Collaboration

With the acknowledgment and support of the Arakawa Ward, the event symbolizes a united front between the local community and government in pursuing effective disaster recovery strategies. The appearance of the ward mayor at the event serves as a testament to this collaborative spirit.

Organizer's Commitment

According to Shinjiro Maruyama from NPO TOKYO L.O.C.A.L, "If the local community thrives, its goodwill can fuel ongoing disaster recovery efforts. ONE HEART SHOWER is all about rallying 27 local businesses to elevate our community while channeling that same energy to support disaster-affected areas. We invite everyone, including high school students, to take the stage and join us in spreading smiles and hope."

Event Details

• - Event Name: ONE HEART SHOWER vol.45
• - Date: November 28, 2025, from 16:30 to 22:00
• - Venue: TOKYO L.O.C.A.L BASE, Arakawa
• - Activities: Charity event focusing on community revitalization and disaster relief, featuring the Arakawa Unite Talk with high school participation and campaigns from collaborating stores.
• - Organizer: NPO TOKYO L.O.C.A.L / ROOM810 Inc.
• - Supported by: Arakawa Ward (ward mayor expected to attend)

For inquiries, please contact NPO TOKYO L.O.C.A.L via email at [email protected] or follow us on Instagram @tokyolocal_base.