The Volunteers Keeping the Imperial Palace Beautiful

Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by lush greenery. This natural beauty is partly maintained by volunteer work groups who gather to remove weeds, clear fallen leaves, and more. 

Originally begun as a postwar cleanup effort, this goodwill activity has since evolved into a meaningful way for the public to connect with the Imperial Family.

'An Invaluable Opportunity'

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace is the venue for public appearances on New Year's Day and the Emperor's Birthday. They are generally closed to the public except for guided tours. 

However, in late September, around 30 volunteers gathered to clean up fallen leaves and branches. Equipped with brooms and rakes and dressed in work gloves and sneakers, they efficiently tidied the grounds.

I joined a volunteer session with two groups from Saitama and Chiba Prefectures, who cleared a large amount of leaves in just 15 minutes.

Mitsumasa Sakamoto, the 70-year-old leader of the Compassionate Hearts Association from Saitama, explained that the group has been volunteering many times before. "It's an invaluable opportunity we wouldn't normally have," he said. "Our group values the traditions, history, and culture of the Imperial Family. I hope our volunteer work helps foster a sense of closeness to them."

Clearing the Ruins

The tradition of volunteering at the Imperial Palace dates back to the aftermath of World War II. Most of the palace was destroyed during the May 1945 air raids. 

In December of that year, 63 members of the Mikuni Volunteer Group from Miyagi Prefecture offered to help clear the ruins. Emperor Hirohito personally visited the site, observing their efforts and expressing his gratitude.

He even commemorated the volunteers in a poem: "Even after defeat in war, people still gather here to pull weeds."

This gesture inspired a wave of similar offers, and the Imperial Household Agency gradually established a formal system for accepting volunteers. This initiative is said to have laid the foundation for the ongoing volunteer activities at the palace today.

Currently, volunteers are selected by group, such as regional or workplace affiliations. Volunteers participate over a three-day period, from Tuesday to Thursday. 

In addition to the East Gardens, volunteers also work around Nijubashi Bridge and Inui Street. The workload varies by season and participant numbers. 

According to the Imperial Household Agency's website, volunteers walk up to five kilometers a day, requiring not only a spirit of service but also some level of physical endurance.

Meeting the Emperor in Person

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 400 volunteers were accepted each week, but the activities were temporarily suspended. Even after resuming, strict infection control measures remain in place, with current participation limited to 80 people. Applications often exceed available slots, and volunteers are sometimes selected by lottery.

Volunteers may also have a chance to meet the Emperor in person. In 2023, the Emperor expressed his gratitude to more than 1,000 volunteers from 56 groups. This volunteer work serves as a valuable link between the Imperial Family and the people.

A representative of the Imperial Household Agency expressed their appreciation for the continuation of these goodwill activities, noting that they are carefully considering expanding volunteer participation. 

"Since many elderly individuals take part, we remain vigilant about infection control measures for COVID-19 and influenza. It's important that everyone leaves here in good health," they emphasized, underscoring the priority of safety.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun