Transforming Waste into Treasures: A Unique SDGs Workshop at Higashiyama Zoo

In a vibrant effort to educate and inspire the next generation about sustainability, Open House Group's Nagoya branch hosted an engaging workshop at the 76th Higashiyama Zoo Spring Festival on April 25th and 26th, 2026. This year’s theme revolved around the imaginative concept of upcycling construction waste into beautiful and functional art pieces.

Higashiyama Zoo, known for its extensive collection of endangered species and its role in educating the public about the value of life, served as the perfect venue for this unique initiative. Open House Group, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, aimed to instill the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the young minds of children through hands-on experience.

The workshop centered around creating colorful key holders designed after the giraffe, which is a prominent feature in the festival's visual. Children were invited to hammer colorful nails into specially prepared pieces of wood, replicating the intricate patterns of a giraffe's fur. This activity not only allowed them to express their creativity but also educated them on the importance of recycling materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

To ensure safety and smooth operation, a nail-driving guide was provided, allowing even the youngest participants to engage in the process. Witnessing children, focused and earnest, wielding hammers was a heartwarming sight. The workshop generated numerous delightful reactions, such as, “I can’t believe this scrap wood can become something so cute!” This reflects how parents and children were not just crafting but also discussing environmental conservation and sustainable resource usage together.

The Open House Group is committed to maintaining such community-oriented activities, leveraging their expertise in construction to create enriching experiences that foster a delightful energy in the local area while contributing to the development of a sustainable society.

Event Highlights

- Dates: April 25 & 26, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Zoo closes at 4:50 PM)
- Location: Old Cherry Garden Square, Higashiyama Zoo, 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
- Participation: First 300 visitors only, focusing on crafting key holders using waste materials.

For more information on the Higashiyama Zoo Spring Festival, visit their official website: Higashiyama Zoo

About Higashiyama Zoo

Established in 1937, Higashiyama Zoo, located in the picturesque Higashiyama Park in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, sprawls over 60 hectares and is one of Japan's largest facilities of its kind. The zoo boasts an incredible variety of animals and plants, paired with seasonal attractions, making it a beloved destination for families and tourists alike.

Discover more about Higashiyama Zoo by visiting their official website: Higashiyama Zoo

Company Overview

- Name: Open House Group Co., Ltd.
- Headquarters: JP Tower, 20th/21st Floor, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-7020
- Founded: September 1997
- CEO: Ryosuke Fukuoka
- Capital: 20.23549 billion yen
- Employees: 6,620 (as of September 2025)