[Sayama City, Saitama] Protecting the Hometown River Through Unity of Citizens and Administration: "Furo River Cleanup Operation" Organized by "Sayama City Furo River Beautification Association" Held on May 30, 2026

The citizen group "Sayama City Furo River Beautification Association" took the lead, with cooperation from residents' associations of the Iriso and Horikae areas along the Furo River in the city, as well as Sayama City, to carry out the "Furo River Cleanup Operation" on Saturday, May 30, 2026. This activity aims to pass on the rich nature and water environment of the Furo River to the next generation through the collaboration of citizens and the administration.

Significance of the Activities by the "Furo River Beautification Association"

This cleanup operation brought together 314 people, centered around the "Furo River Beautification Association" and including residents' associations from the Iriso and Horikae areas. River purification is not just about picking up trash; it also serves as an important community activity that fosters interaction among local residents and deepens their attachment to the area. The association's activities have now reached 40 years. Starting when the river was called the dirtiest in Japan, the group has continued its efforts, and now the water quality has improved, with fish and waterfowl returning.

Report on the Day's Activities

On the day, under the early summer sun, the "Furo River Beautification Association" led the way, dividing the Furo River area into five sections and conducting cleanup of the riverbed.

Organizer: "Sayama City Furo River Beautification Association"

Cooperation: Sayama City (Environment Section)

Number of Participants: 314

Main Activities: Picking up trash on the riverbed, collecting floating debris in the river, etc.

Collection Results: Combustible waste: 1,160 kg, Non-combustible waste: 80 kg

Comment from Representative: Midori Fukushima, Chairperson of the "Sayama City Furo River Beautification Association"

"It has been 40 years since we started the Furo River cleanup activities. The Furo River, once called the dirtiest in Japan, is now a clean river. Seeing so many people participate again this year and watching the Furo River become cleaner is my greatest joy. We will continue our enjoyable and sustainable activities with the spirit of 'protecting our river ourselves.'"

Saitama Prefecture Regional Cleanup Easy Registration (Sayama City)

https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0507/seiso/sayama.html

Related Information

Sayama City Environment Section

https://www.city.sayama.saitama.jp/shisei/shinososhiki/kakuka/kankyo/kankyou.html

NPO Sayama Environmental Citizens Network

https://www.sayama-kankyo.org/

Source

Sayama City Hall https://www.city.sayama.saitama.jp/