Will Social Contribution Become a “Lifestyle”? RockCorps@Fukushima Volunteer Experience Report [Part 1]

“Social contribution”—what image does this phrase evoke for you?
Something unfamiliar, boring, only for highly conscious people…

Honestly, the images I just mentioned were ones I used to hold myself.
However, through “a certain activity” over the past few years, that image has gradually changed.

The name of that activity is “RockCorps.”
Under the motto “Give, Get Given,” it was first held in the United States in 2005 and has since been held in 10 countries worldwide, with over 180,000 participants creating more than 700,000 hours of volunteer work—a massive social contribution movement.
https://rockcorps.yahoo.co.jp/2018/
The concept is very simple: complete 4 hours of volunteer work and receive a ticket to a 4-hour music live event called the “Celebration.” At international events, world-renowned artists such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Maroon 5 have performed, expanding the event’s scale as a popular attraction for young people. RockCorps launched in Japan in 2014, with notable artists including NE-YO and Carly Rae Jepsen participating.

※SUNNY SIDE UP serves as the main organizer of the “RockCorps supported by JT” executive committee, responsible for corporate sponsor sales, relations with partner organizations, volunteer program management, concert planning and production, and PR/promotional activities—overseeing the entire project.

In its fifth year in Japan, this year’s artist lineup is spectacular. The “Celebration” to be held at Makuhari Messe on Saturday, September 1st will feature ELLIE GOULDING, the electro-pop sensation who captivated the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.
As for domestic artists, BLUE ENCOUNT, a four-member rock band that sold out Budokan tickets on the first day just two years after their major debut, has been confirmed to perform. (The remaining two domestic artists will be announced sequentially!)

©RockCorps supported by JT

This time, I participated in a volunteer activity held in Fukushima Prefecture. Public Relations Group member O will bring you the report.

■Arrival in Fukushima Prefecture. The Reason Behind Planting 9,500 Cherry Trees
After about 3 hours by train and bus from Tokyo, we arrived in Hirono Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture.
Hirono Town suffered tsunami damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. This volunteer activity was related to the “Fukushima Hamakaidō Sakura Project” being promoted by NPO Happy Road Net.

Before the volunteer work began, Ms. Yumiko Nishimoto, representative of Happy Road Net, explained the project to us. The origin of this cherry blossom project actually dates back to before the earthquake.

Local high school students proposed planting cherry trees to attract companies to Hirono Town and help with job hunting. There were suggestions to plant trees other than cherry blossoms, but one male high school student strongly insisted, “I want to focus only on cherry trees,” and as a result, it was decided to plant only cherry trees.
However, just as they were about to plant the trees, the earthquake struck and the high school students were forced to evacuate. Even so, the students continued planting cherry trees without giving up.
The cherry trees are now considered a symbol of recovery. The goal is to plant 20,000 cherry trees along the road over 10 years. Currently, the number has reached approximately 9,500.

The cherry tree is in the center of the photo.

However, there is one unfortunate thing. The male high school student who strongly advocated for planting only cherry trees was lost to the tsunami.

We will spend approximately 4 hours cleaning around the cherry trees that hold the students’ heartfelt wishes. That report will be delivered in Part 2.