The Blue Commune

The prevalence of Blue Communes in Tokyo's city parks has always been evident to me. But during my momijigari-crazed wanderings, with the autumn leaves enlivening the ground and tree canopies, the reality of these communities in places like Yoyogi and Ueno Parks, became far more poignant, and ironic, than I ever imagined.

Its difficult to analyse the homelessness issue without sounding like a contrite, arrogant wanker (quite apart from the fact that I usually sound like a contrite, arrogant wanker). I know I've spewed forth my own chunks of verbal diarrhea about the homeless situation before, but the truth is I know less than fuck-all about what life is really like outside my cosy little middle-class cocoon because I've never experienced genuine hardship.

I have considered spending a night in the freezing cold in one of the homeless enclaves to get a taste of what its like but there's one motherfucking huge problem. Cowardice. I appreciate the roof over my head and the food on my table far too much to sacrifice it.

There is no way I can make up for the guilt I constantly feel about this inequity. No way. But I desperately want to help. Circumstances have bastardised these folk and forced them into blue tarps and the truth is it could happen to anyone at anytime.

Thankfully, volunteerism in Japan is gaining exponential force. Matt and I are joining Food Bank Japan on Emperor's Birthday (23rd December) to help make special deliveries to the 1500+ folk living in Ueno Park and along the Sumida River. Anyone in Tokyo who is interested in doing the same can contact Jason at volunteer@foodbankjapan.org. If you can't make it on Emperor's Birthday, they also do regular Saturday deliveries and are in sore need of drivers, translators and fund raisers. And of course, they accept donations.

It only takes up 3 and a half hours of your time (from about 1.30-5pm) - a shit less longer than having to sleep outside for a night.