Part 1［］

Part 2［］

※River water may contain bacteria and harmful chemicals. Please do not attempt to imitate this.

One day in August. After a three-year hiatus, Hamarepo is making a comeback. “We could do regular updates, but is there a special feature you’d like to do first?”

“I love Hamarepo articles, so I want to do this as a special feature,” said a true Yokohama native.

The idea was approved, and it was decided to proceed with the river water tasting as Part 3, though the leader from Chiba Prefecture still didn’t know.

“Just how chaotic are Yokohama’s rivers…?”

And the person who suggested “Let’s drink river water” despite knowing about Yokohama’s rivers is even more chaotic than the rivers themselves.

After looking at Yokohama’s river water on Google Maps and freaking out, the leader was dragged out with “We have to do this! We’re doing it!” to collect water samples.

As before, water was collected from four rivers.

“Sakagawa River”, “Ooka River”, “Katabira River”, “Tsurumi River”

Sakagawa River. So clean in appearance and smell that a smile naturally appears

The leader is smiling too

At first glance, they look like they’re just playing in the river, but people passing by would never imagine they’re “drinking river water.”

They’re also sorry to the taxi driver who took them to Sakagawa River for having incomprehensible conversations like “We have to do the river!” and “It should be tasty since it’s upstream?” in the back.

They might have scared the driver into thinking “I picked up some strange people.”

They continued collecting water from other rivers at this pace.

Ooka River. Large fish swim, and ducks and garbage float elegantly

No smell… maybe?

Katabira River. Behind them is the bridge where the previous editorial team collected river water.

Also odorless.

They feel pressured to leave some comment because despite its appearance, there’s no smell.

Tsurumi River. Overwhelmingly dirty, greenish-brown water

Stinky! Its unique powerful presence remains intact

Thank you Tsurumi River, you saved us from the anxiety of the odorless streak!

The collected rivers lined up. Only Tsurumi River is murky

Though it was September, it was still a summer day.

They finished safely

Sakagawa River

The Sakagawa River is a short, fast-flowing river in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, historically known as one of the country’s three most rapid rivers. It was a vital transportation route during the Edo period (1603-1868), used for shipping goods like rice and sake to the capital. Today, it is a popular scenic spot, especially for its beautiful cherry blossoms along its banks in the spring.

Ooka River

The Ooka River is a short but historically significant river flowing through Yokohama, Japan. It was once a vital transport route during the Edo period and is famously depicted in many ukiyo-e woodblock prints by artists like Hiroshige. Today, it is primarily known for its modern, concrete-lined channels that run through the urban landscape.

Katabira River

The Katabira River is a small, historically significant waterway in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, which served as a natural moat for Gifu Castle. It is most famous for its association with the Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, who used the river’s strategic location in his campaigns to unify the country. Today, it is a scenic spot flowing through Gifu Park, known for its picturesque bridges and seasonal beauty.

Tsurumi River

The Tsurumi River is a 42.5 km river flowing through Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo, historically vital for agriculture and transportation in the region. It became heavily polluted during Japan’s rapid 20th-century industrialization but has since undergone significant environmental restoration efforts. Today, it is known for its revitalized riverbanks with parks and recreational areas, symbolizing successful urban waterway recovery.