SANYO Clothing Education Activities Recognize Elementary Students with Sustainability Awards

Celebrating Sustainability: The 2025 SANYO Clothing Award

In a remarkable celebration of sustainability and creativity, SANYO Shokai, in collaboration with the Eco Gallery Shinjuku, honored six elementary students during the 2025 SANYO Clothing Award ceremony. These awards are presented to young thinkers who demonstrate an understanding of the importance of upcycling and environmental consciousness through their environmental diaries.

Since its inception in 2018, the SANYO Clothing Award has encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textile waste, promoting education focused on environmental stewardship. This year, the awards received 1,005 entries from 20 elementary schools across the Shinjuku area, demonstrating a thrilling level of engagement by young students.

During the award ceremony held on December 20, 2025, at Eco Gallery Shinjuku, attendees celebrated the winners, who were also encouraged to share their creative upcycled projects. Students discussed how they repurposed unwanted clothing into new items, emphasizing the value of cherishing and prolonging the use of clothing and resources. Each awardee's efforts underscored the program’s mission to instill sustainable values in the next generation.

The SANYO Clothing Award Process

SANYO recognizes the children’s efforts through the SANYO Clothing Award, which has become an essential element of its Clothing Education Activities. This year's initiative expands on previous years, inviting students to participate in a contest aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. The entries focus on reflections about clothing's ecological impact, encouraging children to be conscious consumers.

Of the six awardees selected this year, one was given the Excellence Award, another the SANYO Clothing Meister Award, and four received Special Awards. Each winner demonstrated unique perspectives on suitable clothing choices and waste reduction strategies, showcasing their commitment to sustainable living.

Insight into the Winners

The winners, who lend their voices to the cause, expressed joy and inspiration from their participation in the project. Koi Saito, a fourth grader from Yodobashi Daini Elementary School, was awarded the Excellence Award. He shared insight into how he creatively upcycled his mother’s umbrella into a stylish lampshade and bag, revealing his initially reluctant perspective turned passionate as he began to appreciate his homework on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His story highlights the empowerment that came from engaging in eco-friendly initiatives, prompting a ripple effect where his family also sought sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, Maido Ueda, a fifth-grade student from Tokiwai Elementary School, won the SANYO Clothing Meister Award for his thorough engagement in upcycling. Ueda's creations included a collection of items crafted from old fabrics, illustrating the joy and practicality of remaking beloved items.

A Community Working Towards Sustainability

SANYO Shokai's commitment to fostering a sustainable future is amplified through its activities with local schools and eco-programs, including the Green Way Environmental Diary Contest sponsored by the Eco Gallery Shinjuku. This unique competition encourages an understanding of the eco-friendly practices surrounding clothing, with SANYO providing students with approximately 7,000 environmental diaries for their efforts. Over five weeks, students created a deeper awareness of sustainable practices while cultivating their creativity through writing and crafting.

The recent awards ceremony concluded with a panel discussion, where winners, parents, and school representatives exchanged opinions and experiences regarding their projects. Parents and students discussed not only their creations but also the importance of extending the lifecycle of clothing and material resources, embracing the core belief that sustainability can be both fun and rewarding.

Voices of the Future

Feedback from the students reveals tremendous pride and motivation. Each award recipient shared their journey, demonstrating how participation has encouraged deeper engagement with sustainability. The ongoing collaboration between SANYO Shokai, local schools, and environmental organizations aims to create future generations who are not only aware of environmental issues but are also actively working towards solutions.

In conclusion, through initiatives like the SANYO Clothing Award, SANYO Shokai is paving the way for an eco-conscious future and continuing its role as a steward of social responsibility. The collective efforts of students and community organizations show that nurturing creativity and sustainability in the present will craft a brighter, more sustainable future for all.