Key Facts
• The 53rd annual Nihonbashi Bridge Cleaning took place on July 27, 2025.
• Organized by the Nihonbashi Preservation Society in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
• Approximately 1,800 participants, including residents and employees from 100+ local companies.
• Event began at 9 a.m., temporarily closing the north and south ends of the bridge.
• Participants used deck brushes and filtered rainwater for cleaning.
• Firefighters sprayed water, and participants cleaned from both ends of the bridge.
• Synthetic detergents were replaced with additive-free soap since 2005 for environmental care.
• The event has been held annually since 1968, becoming a summer tradition.
• Concerns raised about future heat management after expressway removal by 2040.
Summary
The 53rd Nihonbashi Bridge Cleaning event was held on July 27, 2025, continuing a tradition that began in 1968. Organized by the Nihonbashi Preservation Society, the event saw around 1,800 participants, including local residents and employees from over 100 nearby companies. Participants used deck brushes and filtered rainwater to clean the historic bridge, a designated Important Cultural Property. Firefighters assisted with water spraying, and the event emphasized environmental care by using additive-free soap. The temporary closure of the bridge allowed for a safe and efficient cleaning process. Despite the summer heat, the shade provided by the overhead expressway offered some relief. However, concerns were raised about future heat management as the expressway is set to be relocated underground by 2035, with full removal by 2040. The event remains a cherished summer tradition in Tokyo.
