After a night of Halloween celebrations, the streets of Tokyo were left littered with remnants of the festivities. However, the Gomihiroi Samurai, or trash-picking samurai, took to the streets in their unique, theatrical way to address the trash problem. Dressed in boldly patterned black-and-white tunics and hats, the group wielded garbage tongs to flick litter into wicker baskets on their backs.
Since its formation in 2006, the Gomihiroi Samurai has amassed nearly 800,000 followers on the video-sharing platform TikTok. The group’s popularity is a testament to the unique approach they take to address the trash problem in Tokyo. “If people are paying attention to our performance because they think it’s fun, they might as well start paying attention to the trash problem itself,” said Keisuke Naka, a group member who has been a trash-picking samurai for seven years. Naka emphasizes the importance of addressing the trash problem, especially after occasions such as Halloween that leave the streets filled with litter.
The impact of the Gomihiroi Samurai is evident in the testimonials of residents. College student Naruhito Miyasaka, who grew up in the area, recalls a time when the trash problem was so severe that rats could be seen scampering amid the garbage at night. Now, thanks to the efforts of the trash-picking samurai, the streets are cleaner, and the rat problem has been mitigated. Similarly, restaurant owner Junya Kakihara notes that the performances have made him more aware of the trash problem and prompted him to take action by telling people not to litter.
The Gomihiroi Samurai has found a unique and entertaining way to address the trash problem in Tokyo. Through their theatrical performances, they have not only cleaned the streets but also raised awareness about the importance of proper trash disposal. Their efforts have made a tangible difference in the community and inspired others to take action. The Gomihiroi Samurai proves that sometimes, a creative approach can be the most effective way to tackle a problem.
