#Japan #APLA #Banana no Ranto Gon #pokopoko Banana Project #Nagoya,Wakayama

Community Events Celebrating 'Banana no Ranto Gon'

Date: October 18, 19, 21, 2023
Locations: Nagoya and Wakayama, Japan

The nonprofit organization APLA, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in collaboration with the local publishing label Rakudasha, is organizing a series of events to celebrate the release of the children's book Banana no Ranto Gon (Banana's Journey). This book, a product of the Pokopoko Banana Project, aims to educate readers about the journey of foreign bananas, specifically the Varangon banana, its role in community trade, and issues surrounding food waste.

The book is set to be released in December 2024 and sheds light on how these bananas are imported into Japan, the lives of the local farmers who cultivate them, and the unfortunate fact that many bananas become food waste. To raise awareness of these topics and promote the use of imperfect bananas, APLA and Rakudasha will host events in both Nagoya and Wakayama next month.

Event Schedule

• - October 18 (Sat)

Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Location: Machi to Coffee, Nagoya
Outline: A reading of Banana no Ranto Gon, discussions on community trade and the lives of banana farmers, along with a children's workshop centered on observing and drawing imperfect bananas.
Admission: ¥1,000 (includes a baked banana treat and an imperfect banana), children free.

• - October 18 (Sat)

Time: 19:00 - 20:30
Location: TOUTEN BOOKSTORE, Nagoya
Outline: A talk titled “From Exploitation to Solidarity: A Food-Centric World” focusing on the social issues surrounding bananas and our community trading initiatives.
Admission: ¥1,000 (includes an imperfect banana), children free.

Additionally, from September 29 to October 18, TOUTEN BOOKSTORE will display original illustrations from Banana no Ranto Gon and sell banana bread made from Varangon bananas.

• - October 19 (Sun)

Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Rakudasha, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama
Outline: A special dinner experience where guests will enjoy regional dishes and discuss the implications of community trade with local farmer representative, Yoshimi Fukushima from APLA.
Admission: Free, with a drink order from adults.

• - October 21 (Tue)

Time: 15:15 - 16:00
Location: Utsuho no Mori Gakuen, Wakayama
Outline: An after-school program themed around Banana no Ranto Gon, discussing the banana's growth process, sustainable farming, and the concept of community trading.

About APLA

APLA (Alternative People's Linkage in Asia) is a nonprofit established in 2008 that focuses on supporting communities in Negros, Philippines. With over 20 years of experience, APLA collaborates with local farmers to promote fair and sustainable community trade, contributing to the Pokopoko Banana Project. For more information, visit APLA's website.

About Rakudasha

Rakudasha is a publishing team based in Wakayama, dedicating itself to creating and editing books that stimulate thought and creativity. They focus on the unique aspects of rural life and the broader implications of community and environmental sustainability. For more details, visit Rakudasha's website.

For inquiries regarding the events, please contact APLA's representative, Yoshimi Fukushima at [email protected]. The team looks forward to the participation and support of individuals eager to learn about the journey of bananas and the broader world of sustainable trade.