Nakako’s Family, Japan (FVP story 2021.15)
Nakako and her children are learning to love their hometown by picking up trash at the neighborhood park. Nakako has lived in Korea for 22. Her husband is Korean. This year she returned to her hometown in Aichiken with her three children. “I wanted my children to inherit the language and culture of both their father's country (Korea) and their mother's country (Japan),” explains Nakako.
Recently Nakako and her children have started picking up trash at the park where they always play. This simple volunteer action has helped Nakako and her children feel closer to their hometown. Even the way they see the park has changed. "I noticed that parks in Japan are usually such beautiful parks wherever I go. I'm sure someone is trying to make their children and neighbors feel good,” reflected one of her children
"I was happy that the park I always played in was beautiful. I wanted to play in the park again. Now I am careful not to throw away trash or break the playset when I play in the park,” said another one of her children.
“It's been a short time, but it's been a really meaningful stay in Japan, as I was able to build a loving relationship with my parents and relatives. " Nakako hopes to clean other parks in her hometown with her children.
This simple Family Volunteer Project has helped Nakako’s children cultivate service-mindedness and connect with the hearts of other families who use the parks. What a wonderful way for Nakako's family to love their hometown.