#Japan #Tokyo #Child Education #Paper Recycling #Eco Club

Rescuing Household Paper Resources

In a pioneering initiative, the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Paper Recycling Promotion Center, located in Chuo, Tokyo, has teamed up with the Japan Environmental Association’s “Children’s Eco Club” to launch an engaging environmental education program titled “Let’s Find Mr. Zatugami!” This hands-on learning experience focuses on promoting the separation and recycling of mixed paper waste generated at home.

A Closer Look at Mixed Paper Waste

One of the program’s key focuses is “mixed paper waste,” which includes paper packages from snacks and food, prints, note papers, and toilet paper rolls. These items, often discarded as burnable waste, are valuable recyclable resources that are not being properly utilized. The program has creatively turned this challenge into an opportunity for learning by establishing Mr. Zatugami, the deity of mixed paper, as the protagonist. Through a game-like experience, children are encouraged to search their homes for these recyclable items, making the learning process enjoyable and interactive.

Successful Pilot Program in Saga Prefecture

In 2025, the program was rolled out as a pilot in Saga Prefecture, where four Children's Eco Clubs participated, engaging a total of 952 members and 299 supporters in activities aimed at resource recovery. Reports from the Children’s Eco Club highlighted enthusiastic participation from children of various ages, from preschool to elementary school, who gathered mixed paper at home and learned about recycling. This initiative was confirmed to enhance awareness of waste separation within families.

Expansion of the Initiative in 2026

Building on its success, the program will expand in 2026 to reach even more children. The targeted regions now include Sapporo, Sendai, Chiba, Tokyo’s 23 wards, Nagoya, and Saga Prefecture. These regions were chosen based on their strong connections to the Paper Recycling Promotion Center and are intended to ensure a reliable operational framework while verifying the program's effectiveness. Future expansions will be considered based on the program’s outcomes.

Program Overview

• - Program Name: Let’s Find Mr. Zatugami!
• - Target Regions: Sapporo, Sendai, Chiba, Tokyo’s 23 wards, Nagoya, Saga
• - Application Period: May 11, 2026 – January 31, 2027
• - Activity Report Deadline: February 15, 2027
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Provided Materials: Awareness bags for mixed paper collection and informational flyers about Mr. Zatugami
• - Special Recognition: Clubs that submit activity reports will receive a special notebook
• - More Info: Eco Club Website

Comment from Masatomi Kawakami, Executive Director of the Paper Recycling Promotion Center

Paper is a vital resource that can be recycled multiple times. Unfortunately, a significant amount of mixed paper waste generated in households is not collected as a resource but is instead treated as burnable waste.

This program aims to empower children to take the initiative by searching for mixed paper within their homes while learning about resource circulation. We are committed to contributing to the formation of a circular society through children's environmental education and the promotion of paper recycling in the future.

Contact Information

• - Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Paper Recycling Promotion Center
• - Contact Person: Gyomu Section (Hamano)
• - Phone: 03-3537-6822
• - Email: [email protected]