 U.S. soldiers and members of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force partnered for a community cleanup project in Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan. During bilateral training exercise Yamasakura, members from both armies took time to help clean up at a local park. Any military person can come to a Japanese post and say, I've been to Japan, but not anyone can come to an actual post and say yes, I've actually helped the civilians by cleaning up. The all-volunteer project attracted nearly 200 Japanese and American service members eager to participate. And what I got out of it was a lot of fellowship, a lot of friendship and the opportunity to get out and experience the Japanese culture. Along the banks of the Chitose River, everyone pitched in to leave their portion of the park a little better than they found it. From Hokkaido, Japan, I'm Army Sergeant Nate Boat.