June 7th, 2008
Nippon Kan has held an annual spring volunteer project for the last 17 consecutive years. The origin of this project you might assume was altruistic in nature. In actuality, Homma Kancho initiated this project for personal reasons.
Previously, Homma Kancho’s birthday in May was always celebrated with a large party. There were a few memorable parties that were held at a local restaurant that began at 11:00 am and did not end until the restaurant closed at 2:00 am. the following day!
The, 17 years ago, Homma Kancho announced to all of his students and friends, “NO PARTY this year! Birthdays only come once a year, and to spend a birthday just partying the day away is a waste of time, energy and money; there is no lasting value to this kind of celebration. This year I want to celebrate my birthday doing something more productive; something that will benefit the community.” Ever since that day, Nippon Kan has spent one day every spring planting trees, cleaning up trails, and painting graffiti with projects in conjunction with the Denver Parks and Recreation Department of Denver. Nippon Kan actually does two projects a year with the Denver Parks Department; one in the spring and one in the fall. The fall project, which began with Nippon Kan, has become a city-wide project turning the flower beds for winter in the Denver City Parks. This project is now run by the Denver Parks Department Hands on Denver Volunteer Department and has been named “Put the Beds to Bed in Denver.”
The Denver Parks Department affectionately calls Nippon Kan volunteers the Nippon Kan “ARMY.” and always saves the largest and hardest projects for our very hard working students, family members and friends.
A tradition; first Nippon Kan style exercizes!
The painting crew.
Collecting trash and clearing underbrush.
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- The youngest ones learning early from their parents.
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- Morning weapon practice.
Thank you to all Nippon Kan Volunteers for a JOB WELL DONE!
Written by
Nippon Kan Senior Vice President
Emily Busch