The city of Chichibu, Saitama, the setting of Anohana, held a clean-up event on Saturday around Chichibu Bridge and Kyūchichibu Bridge. Chichibu Bridge is an important setting area in the anime, and fans came to show their support for the clean-up effort.

The city took applications on Twitter about a week ago, and about 30 anime fans from inside and outside the prefecture attended the event. The participants painted over graffiti on Chichibu Bridge, weeded flower beds, and swept and cleaned the surrounding areas.

Temperatures were reportedly high on Saturday, but the participants persisted in their work. Some local high school students who participated said they were happy to take part in an unusual experience and glad to support the city as a place anime fans can visit.

Due to Anohana's popularity, Chichibu has become a major anime pilgrimage destination. Chichibu Railway debuted special hiking courses for the anime in 2013. One pair of fans who visited the area as an anime pilgrimage married after reuniting.

Aniplex of America began streaming an English dub trailer for its English-dubbed version of anohana earlier this month. The dub premiered at Anime Expo in July.

The 2011 television anime follows several childhood friends who try to reconnect in high school, after drifting apart due to tragedy five years earlier. The series inspired a manga, a 2013 film sequel, and a 2015 live-action special.

Source: The Saitama Shimbun via Otakomu