Japanese national cleans Baguio streets out of own initiative
A Japanese national recently went viral on social media due to his initiative of cleaning the streets of Baguio City. How timely, as many have expressed their desire for a clean and green Baguio, envious of what has been done in Boracay.
The photo of Masakazu Nose made the rounds on social media, and has earned the praise of netizens. In it, Nose was seen voluntarily painting the rails of an overpass in the City of Pines.
Born in Tokushima, Japan, Nose used to run a small takoyaki store in the city. Most people would describe him as a silent, gentle man in his 40s.
Nose came to the Philippines to study English in April of 2014. A month after arriving, he started cleaning the overpasses along Magsaysay Avenue, Abanao Street, and Lower Session Road.
Cleaning the streets of Baguio City
The Japanese national would go around the streets of Baguio with a pair of tongs and a garbage bag, collecting trash like candy wrappers and plastic cups that littered the streets. He’s also been seen repainting walls with paints bought at his own expense.
Reportedly, the only explanation he gave for this is that he “has time to spare.”
Nose earned the admiration of the locals because of his initiative of cleaning up the city. His story was quickly picked up by the media, and netizens have continued to share their admiration for him ever since his efforts went viral.
Inviting netizens to join his clean up drive
After staying in the country for a few years, Nose returned to Japan to manage a soba store near the Okubo Station in Tokyo. However, he has never forgotten about his life in the Philippines, which he now calls his second home.
On a post on his Facebook page, Nose announced that he will be coming back to Baguio City on August 1 to 3 to continue his clean up. This time, he is inviting everyone to join him.
“I’m planning [to] clean up the city on August 2 at 9am from beside Baguio center mall overpass so if you can join me please prepare garbage bag and tong. Thank you,” read Nose’s Facebook post.
“Let’s clean up the city together!”
