The tree planting activity by the Rakuten Eagles, which was held on November 3rd, was an event organized by the same baseball team. The Rakuten Group, who advocates for "A Greener Future", sympathized with its significance and agreed to be a partner, leading to the event's realization.Among the numerous applications, about 60 people were selected by lottery, including fans, to participate. It was a time filled with smiles for everyone from children to adults.In addition to tree planting experiences, workshops and beach clean-up activities were also carried out.Such small steps may lead to something that could change the future of the Earth.

The “Rakuten Eagles Tree Planting Activity” was held at Omotehama Park, located along the coast of Shichigahama,Miyagi. This second time, in response to the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, we planted trees such as oak, ginkgo, and Elaeagnus umbellata  on the affected land, with the cooperation of the Miyagi Prefecture Forest Instructor Association, in an attempt to create a new forest.

Tree planting starts with turning over the soil and thoroughly mixing the topsoil with the deeper soil.By tilling the soil in this way, an environment is created that allows trees to grow larger.The children, forgetting even to put on their gloves, were happily playing with the dirt.After planting, secure the tree firmly and tie it to a bamboo stake to prevent it from losing to the wind.This was a measure to prevent being knocked down by the strong beach wind, and the expression of those who were seriously listening to the stories of the people teaching them was impressive.

Little children may not yet understand its importance, but it is certain that the activities of this day will enrich the nature of the future.Many participants might have felt like they were taking a significant step towards the future.

The family who also participated last year said, “I felt their growth as the children have grown up and are participating more actively than last time.” and they happily shared this with us.Seeing the trees that were planted last year grow bigger, they smiled and said, “I want to participate again.”The joy of having fun with the children was conveyed.

After the tree planting experience, a workshop was conducted.Outdated designs and defective products, such as uniforms that can no longer be sold, are cut into small pieces and woven to be reborn as bracelets.By creating with your own hands, you can foster a sense of attachment and originality that is unique in this world, turning it into something cherished and kept close for a long time.

Mr. Sahoda of “Kataguruma”, who cooperated in this activity and is working on social issues with the two wheels of sports and upcycling, said that he established a partnership company from the desire to change the option of “throw away = discard” to “make use of = revival”.Having been involved with sports since childhood, they wanted to give something back, and came up with the idea of doing something through upcycling.This time, instead of discarding the no longer needed uniforms, by turning them into bracelets, they are transformed into mementos symbolizing revival.It would be great if you could remember the activities of this day along with the bracelet.

However, regarding the production, Mr. Kajiwara, the craftsman who taught me the technique, speaks like this.”The entrance is ‘fun’, but the point is to let them experience the ‘difficulty’, such as the pain in their fingers when making it (laughs). In a world where the value of things has diminished, it has become difficult to convey the feelings of the creator. I want people to imagine the person behind the product, and I believe that because it’s something made with great effort, it will be treasured.”

While the process of bracelet making is something that children can also enjoy due to its accessibility, tasks such as weaving and attaching metal fittings can be challenging, even for adults.Such difficulty might indeed be the essence of manufacturing.

The workshop was a great success, given that it allows memories to be preserved in a tangible form.Upon learning that they were using their favorite player’s uniform, the children put in a lot of effort.The memorable part was when they happily wore the finished product on their arm, despite having to get help for the parts they couldn’t do.

Furthermore, the couple who found it difficult to braid on their own made a bracelet together.It felt as if new added value is born precisely because it is not just fun.Not only for the wrist but also popular for attaching to bags, it’s sure to be a long-term favorite for adults as well.I wonder if we were able to learn about upcycling while having fun.

As Mr. Sahoda of “Kataguruma” said, “Environmental issues may sound difficult, but if they can be considered through enjoyable activities, that would be great”, the workshop likely served as an opportunity to think about a “better future”.

On this day, the participants unanimously expressed, “I had an experience I don’t normally have” reflecting on it with a satisfied expression and said, “I want to participate again”. Environmental issues cannot be resolved with just one action, but by accumulating efforts, we should be able to make a difference.The trees we all planted, and the bracelets we made, will surely lead to a “better future”.

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
PHOTO: Hayato Kubota
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe, Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)