HENNGE has recently announced its participation in the '2030 Zero-Disposable Umbrella Project for Shibuya City', a collaboration with Tokyu Land Corporation and iKasa, which aims to eliminate disposable umbrellas in the Shibuya area by 2030. Given that Japan sees an annual consumption of about 80 million disposable umbrellas, this initiative aspires not only to achieve 'zero waste' through umbrella sharing but also to enhance the area's asset value.
The project will see the installation of 300 iKasa spots, surpassing the number of convenience stores in the area, with a commitment to establish 100 new spots within the first year. Additionally, HENNGE is creating its own brand of umbrellas, which will be made available from April 24, 2025, focusing on sustainable practices and reducing waste in Shibuya.
The journey towards this ambitious goal began with the launch of the '2030 Zero-Disposable Umbrella Project' in the fiscal year 2022, which brings together several large corporations aiming to curb the disposal of millions of umbrellas. Currently, 13 companies are participating, all focused on original umbrella designs and providing free iKasa usage for their employees. This coalition also extends to other city initiatives that focus on reducing waste.
On June 19, 2024, the project kicked off its first phase, receiving support from the Shibuya Tourism Association and targeting the establishment of iKasa spots within 600 meters around Shibuya Station. The overarching goal is to not only eliminate disposable umbrellas in the city but also to activate the rainy-day economy, thereby increasing the value of the Shibuya district.
The project has successfully established 100 iKasa spots within the Shibuya area, exceeding the initial target of covering the vicinity around Shibuya Station. With a view to expanding beyond this radius, HENNGE has committed to enhancing customer convenience and providing an engaging value proposition, with further spots planned especially in areas like Harajuku, Yoyogi, and Daikanyama.
The original umbrellas produced by HENNGE will prominently feature their logo, designed in black and gray with a user-friendly aesthetic. Notably, the underside of the umbrella displays the reversed spelling of 'HENNGE', improving its visual appeal during selfies and encouraging users to share their experiences online.
HENNGE’s Vice President, Haruo Amano, expressed excitement about contributing to the project's initiatives. He encourages everyone visiting Shibuya to try out the original umbrellas, designed specifically to bring joy while considering the planet's well-being. Amano emphasizes the firm’s commitment to sustainability, coining the term 'SUSTAINABLE HENNGE' to illustrate their dual focus on impactful business practices and societal solutions.
Moreover, members from Tokyu Land Holdings view this agreement as a promising opportunity to increase the visibility of iKasa’s service throughout Shibuya while inviting more partners to join in the effort to promote environmental conservation initiatives.
Through the '2030 Zero-Disposable Umbrella Project', HENNGE aims to lead a change that not only mitigates waste but also sets a model for urban transformation and sustainability in Japan. Other municipalities interested in joining this unique endeavor are encouraged to reach out and contribute to this ecological mission.
Founded in November 1996, HENNGE aims to bridge the gap between technology and reality, and offers innovative SaaS services like HENNGE One, a cloud security solution, and Customers Mail Cloud. Emerging on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in October 2019, the company epitomizes the ability to challenge norms and effect change through tech innovation.
As the umbrella-sharing service iKasa continues to expand, with over 50,000 registered users and more than 1,600 spots established nationwide, the partnership with HENNGE strives to make rainy days less inconvenient and more sustainable for all, paving the way towards a greener future for urban residents.