#Japan #Tokyo #Garbage Festival #Takizawa Club #Eco Activities

The Opening Event of Garbage Festival 2025

On May 3rd, designated as Garbage Day in Japan, Toyo Seikan Group launched the Garbage Festival 2025 with an engaging opening event at Oshiage Forest Building. This yearly celebration, now in its third year, aims to promote awareness around lesser-known eco initiatives, dubbed "Hidden Eco". Collaborating with the Takizawa Garbage Club led by comedian and garbage collector Hidekazu Takizawa, the event attracted a diverse audience keen on environmental issues, bringing together families, community members, and environmental enthusiasts alike.

Theme of the Festival: Hidden Eco

The tagline for this year’s festival, "Hidden Eco," emphasizes discovering eco-friendly projects that often go unnoticed. The festival featured interactive events aimed at children and families, including a keyword search event in collaboration with the beloved children’s book, "Hidden Cat." Attendees could participate in exciting activities such as hands-on experiences with a transparent garbage collection vehicle known as the Skeleton Packer, offering a unique glimpse into the work of waste collectors.

Engaging Discussions and Community Involvement

One of the highlights of the event was a talk featuring Hidekazu Takizawa alongside guest speaker Naoto Tsuno, CEO of RunTre, a company based in Osaka. They engaged in meaningful discussions on pressing topics, including how to motivate the younger generation to participate in litter picking, trends of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ethics among Generation Z, and predictions for these movements over the next five years. The audience responded with enthusiasm, sharing surprising insights and resonating with their perspectives on ethical practices.

Tackling Food Waste with Food Drive

In addition to environmental discussion and activities, the festival also hosted a initiative called FOOD DRIVE aimed at combating food waste. Participants, including Takizawa and fellow club members, collected excess food to support those in need, reinforcing the festival’s community spirit.

Producers Reflections

Takizawa expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the event attracted not only eco-conscious individuals but also those unfamiliar with eco-friendly practices. He reflected on the significance of bringing together diverse groups under the theme of "Hidden Eco," fostering new connections and insights into environmental activism. This feedback prompted him to consider innovative approaches to reach younger audiences moving forward.

Miki Ippei from Toyo Seikan Group’s Innovation Promotion Department echoed Takizawa’s sentiments, highlighting that the Skeleton Packer's presence allowed individuals to appreciate the hard work of waste collectors while learning about the importance of cleanliness. The enthusiastic presentations from high school and university students impressed many, showcasing a bright future for environmental advocacy.

About Toyo Seikan Group

Founded in 1917, Toyo Seikan Group is a global manufacturer of various packaging solutions utilizing metal, plastic, paper, and glass. With a vision centered around sustainability and community engagement, the group strives to create a safe and prosperous living platform worldwide. They also aim for a future where diversity is embraced, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling lives and fostering a sustainable environment for generations to come. Currently, the group operates with over 49 subsidiary companies worldwide, employing approximately 20,000 individuals, with a projected consolidated revenue of 950.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending in March 2024.

As the festival progresses, the Toyo Seikan Group and the Takizawa Garbage Club continue to encourage greater participation. They hope more individuals will join the movement to reduce waste and promote sustainability, making the world a better place for everyone.