On Saturday, July 22, 2023, about 50 volunteers from the Higo Bank worked to clear the undergrowth in the “Aso Taikan-no Mori” forest. This was the first time in three years that the undergrowth clearing had been conducted on this scale since the previous clearing activities were carried out solely by Foundation staff members in avoidance to gather in large group of people to prevent the spread of corona virus infection.

The age of the participants was significantly younger due to the blank period, and many of them were new to the clearing undergrowth practice in the forest.  They listened attentively to Mr. Nakahara, General Manager of Aso Business Division, as he explained the procedures and precautions of using brush cutters.

Mr. Ohno, Executive Director of the Foundation mentioned the significance of undergrowth clearing management for groundwater recharge in the Kumamoto area, and stated that our priority today is to finish without any accident or injury due to many accidents were reported at events resumed after the Covid-19 restriction was lifted.

Divided into five groups, each group was led by a group leader and worked in the intense heat for two hours from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., taking breaks to rehydrate and rest to prevent heat stroke.

For the first time in three years, we enjoyed the curry and rice made by the local women’s association.

After the work was finished, we had great time while having lunch.

We will continue to work gradually returning to the normal operation, to the way it was before the Covid-19 pandemic.