Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Dubai Japanese Association, through its football club, Dubai Blue, organized a beach cleaning event on Saturday at Jumeirah Beach in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality.

Consul General of Japan in Dubai IMANISHI Jun and the municipality’s Section Manager of Public Beach and Waterways Control Hamad Shaker were also present.

This community-driven initiative marks a new chapter in the club’s efforts to give back to the community that has welcomed the Japanese community with open arms in Dubai, the organizers said.

The event was not only an opportunity to contribute to the cleanliness of Dubai’s public spaces but also served as an educational platform for all participants, especially children.

According to the organizers, the aim was to instill a sense of responsibility towards keeping the environment clean and to educate the next generation on the importance of preserving nature.

Children learned firsthand how trash can pollute the sea, the types of waste found on the beach and the significant impact this has on marine life.

This initiative aligns with the idea that by understanding the broader environmental implications, individuals can develop a deeper connection to public spaces and the importance of maintaining them.

This beach cleaning activity also emphasizes the Japanese philosophy of volunteerism when it comes to public spaces. In Japan, it is a common practice for communities to come together and clean their local areas as a sign of respect and responsibility for their shared environment.

The event coincides with the UAE government’s declaration of this year as the “Year of Community.”

“We must take care of public spaces because they represent a shared responsibility, rooted in the idea of the social contract, where we respect each other’s rights and well-being. Philosophically, it’s about fairness, justice, and the common good ensuring that everyone has access to safe, welcoming environments,” Koichi Yokoyama, a representative from Dubai Blue Football Club, said.

“Caring for public spaces also reflects our moral duty toward future generations, as we steward resources for their benefit. We are also proud to be a part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ and to contribute to the betterment of the environment here in Dubai,” he added.

Yokoyama, who has been living in Dubai for 19 years, explained that the initiative is particularly aimed at younger people.

“Through this initiative, we hope to instill a sense of environmental stewardship, particularly among the younger generation, and emphasize the importance of taking care of our shared spaces. I’m thankful for especially Mr. Hamad Shaker and Mr. Ahmed Elsandoby from Dubai Municipality who arranged such wonderful collaboration and taking care of public spaces for the people’s wellbeing,” he said.

The Dubai Japanese Association, through this initiative, aims to further strengthen the bond between the Japanese community and the UAE.