Marines Clean Japan Base Monthly, Build Local Bonds

When Marines and Sailors arrived at their new base in Iwakuni, Japan, they found more than a duty station. They discovered a community that values cleanliness as a form of respect and purity.

Now, on the first Tuesday of every month, service members at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni pull on gloves and search for plastic bottles hiding in grass and candy wrappers dotting the pavement. The Single Marine Program coordinates these volunteer cleanups, giving new arrivals a way to connect with both their base and their host nation.

"To give your personal time and day to volunteer to help someone other than yourself is the main part of volunteering," said Arturo Duque, the Single Marine Program Coordinator. For junior service members far from home, these events offer a cure for isolation and a path to community.

The cleanups extend beyond the base. Every few months, volunteers travel to local beaches and the historic Kintaikyo Bridge, a centuries-old landmark that draws tourists with its unique architecture. In a culture where throwing trash anywhere is deeply frowned upon, these actions speak louder than words across any language barrier.

The Ripple Effect

The gestures have transformed relationships in tangible ways. After volunteers returned to clean the same spots year after year, local residents began showing up with free bentos and water bottles. The small acts of service created something bigger: genuine friendship between two communities.

Daniel Zumido, the base's Single Marine Program specialist, sees the impact clearly. "By continuing to do these events and continuing to have these cleanups with the local community, it definitely builds a better relationship with our host nation," he said.

The program recently hosted a five-day "Days of Service" event, expanding the cleanup efforts and giving more service members the chance to contribute. From the base grounds to Iwakuni's treasured landmarks, the volunteers ensure their temporary home honors the standards Japan has maintained for generations.

What started as picking up trash has become a monthly tradition of mutual respect, where actions bridge cultures and a clean environment reflects shared values.