86-Year-Old Parkman Shares Life at Aoyama Park

At 86 years old, a dedicated Parkman at Aoyama Park reflects on his life and work in the community during a recent interview. Sitting in the park for three hours daily, he actively participates in maintaining the cleanliness and order of Aoyama Park, overseeing various responsibilities involving picking up litter and ensuring the park remains a safe haven for visitors. His remarkable tenure spans 88 years, marked by a lifetime commitment to the park and its local community. Despite the challenges inherent to his role, he treasures the peaceful environment and minimal disturbances, avoiding interactions with potential troublemakers. The Parkman's job is akin to that of a police officer but focuses on maintaining discipline rather than law enforcement. Each morning, he rises early, embarking on his cleaning duties that extend to the neighboring streets, followed by his return home for a simple lunch of a prepped meal received from kind-hearted locals. The Parkman also opens up about his modest income, mainly distributed through administrative institutions, and how he's managed to thrive without government welfare, relying instead on community generosity and his steadfastness to return and contribute continuously to the area he knows and loves. In a poignant reflection on his life, he likens his identity closely with that of being a Parkman, showcasing the deep-rooted bond he has with the park he has served for nearly nine decades.