#Japan #Tokyo #SDGs #Comfort Hotels #Banana Paper

Introduction to the Event

On January 17, 2026, Comfort Hotels will host the exciting event "SDGs x Banana Paper: Create Earth-Friendly Art!" aimed at elementary school students. Developed in collaboration with One Planet Café Zambia and the Sustainability Laboratory at Musashino University, this event allows children to engage in creating art using banana paper, derived from the fibers of banana stems.

The initiative aligns with the company's philosophy of revitalizing local communities through travel, bringing a fun and educational approach to sustainability education. Only 20 children, who are members of the Choice Guest Club™ program, will be invited to attend this immersive experience.

Learning Through Creativity

The event promotes an interactive learning environment where children can discover the importance of sustainability, fair trade, and environmental issues. By crafting their own art using banana paper, the children will gain hands-on experience and a better understanding of these critical topics.

In 2020, this event was first launched to great success, and the positive feedback from participants reinforced the value of engagement in education through creativity. This year, the program has been expanded to include deeper insights into banana paper, its production process, and its socio-economic impact on the Zambian community.

Collaboration with Experts

The collaboration has brought together experts in sustainable practices. One Planet Café Zambia produces eco-friendly banana paper and provides local employment, blending traditional Japanese craft techniques with modern sustainability efforts. The students will learn not just how to make paper but also the storytelling behind banana paper’s journey from Zambia to Japan, thereby experiencing the nuances of global interconnectedness.

The event will be held at TKP Akihabara Conference Center in Tokyo, running from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. The 20 participating students will have their travel fees covered, encouraging broader accessibility for families interested in sustainability education.

Membership and Registration Process

To participate, children must be members of the Choice Guest Club™, which consists of over 1.14 million members committed to sustainability and community revitalization efforts. The membership provides various discounts and benefits while contributing to social causes. This program allows guests to feel connected to their contributions, as 0.5% of their hotel stay fees are donated to organizations tackling various social issues.

To apply, families need to enroll by November 24, 2025, setting their newsletter preferences to receive an invitation by email to participate.

What Happens at the Event?

During the event, students will engage in several activities:

• - Banana Paper Making: Mixing banana stem fibers with organic pulp and water to create paper through a hands-on process.
• - Coloring the Paper: Once the paper is made, participants will dry and color their creations, allowing for artistic expression and personal touch.
• - Creating Original Goods: Using their colored paper, students will craft original goods and art pieces that highlight their learning and creativity.

A Closer Look at Choice Guest Club™

The Choice Guest Club™ represents a broader initiative where each hotel stay contributes to making the world a better place. As guests accumulate points (referred to as "choices"), they contribute directly to funding initiatives in areas like education, employment, and environmental protection. Since 2016, Comfort Hotels has donated to three selected organizations each year to address pressing issues in their communities.

Conclusion

Through events like "SDGs x Banana Paper: Create Earth-Friendly Art!", Comfort Hotels aims not only to educate the younger generation about sustainability but also to create a sense of community and responsibility towards the environment. By using art as a medium, children can explore complex issues in a way that is engaging and immediately gratifying. The excitement about this collaborative effort promises a day of creativity, learning, and inspiration for the children involved.

For further details and updates, visit the Comfort Hotels official website.