#Japan #Tokyo #Earth-kun #LINE Sticker

Tokyo's Earth-kun Character Gets a Fresh Look

Tokyo’s official sewer character, Earth-kun, will celebrate his 25th anniversary on September 10, 2023, coinciding with Sewer Day. In honor of this milestone, Earth-kun has undergone a design refresh that retains the charm of his original look while showcasing a more contemporary style that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Earth-kun was created to educate people about the importance of sewers, and with his new design, he embodies a friendlier expression and brighter colors, making him relatable and endearing. Here’s a brief introduction to Earth-kun:

• - Birthday: September 10 (Sewer Day)
• - Personality: Cheerful, friendly, and kind
• - Occupation: Communicating sewer-related knowledge in a fun way
• - Hobbies: Taking walks by clean rivers
• - Charm Point: A round body shaped like the Earth and a manhole hat

Introducing LINE Stickers

As part of the celebration, the Tokyo Sewage Bureau will release a set of eight LINE stickers featuring the reimagined Earth-kun. One of these stickers will be selected by children visiting the Rainbow Sewer Museum through a voting process held from September 11 to September 21, 2023. The design with the highest votes will be turned into a sticker, contributing to Earth-kun’s digital presence.

The stickers, including the voted design, will be distributed during the “Learn with Earth-kun! Living and Earth Learning Festival” held at the Rainbow Sewer Museum on October 18 and 19, 2023.

Voting Details

• - Voting Period: September 11 (Thu) to September 21 (Sun)
• - Location/Method: At the Rainbow Sewer Museum reception via voting slip
• - Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4 PM)
• - Results Announced: The selected Earth-kun sticker will be available from October 18.

Celebration Event Overview

The highlight of the anniversary is a special two-day event scheduled for October 18-19, 2023, at the Rainbow Sewer Museum. The event runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and includes various engaging activities:

• - Event Name: Celebrate Earth-kun’s Design Renewal!
• - Activities:

- Science live shows
- Job experience experiences
- Craft workshops
- Stamp rallies
- Guided tours of the facility
- Photo spots with the new Earth-kun (participants posting on social media can receive a limited-edition novelty item)

A highlight will be a science live event hosted by popular educator Dr. Genki Ichioka from the YouTube channel “GENKI LABO,” known for its over a million subscribers. On the 19th, children participating in the stamp rally will receive stickers, while those taking photos at the dedicated spots could win tote bags to showcase their support!

Registration Process

For those wishing to join, reservations for the engaging activities start from October 4:
1. Science Live with Dr. Ichioka:
- Sessions at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (40 minutes each)
- Reservations open on October 4 at midnight (Oct 3 night).
- Capacity: 75 for 1 PM, 80 for 3 PM (first-come-first-served).
2. Guided Tours of the Ariake Water Reclamation Center:
- Sessions at 11 AM and 2 PM (about 60 minutes)
- Reservations for the 11 AM tour open October 4, and for the 2 PM tour on October 5.
- Capacity: 20 for each tour.
3. Interactive Workshops:
- Available on the day, starting from 9:30 AM at the information counter.

For detailed information about the event and to make reservations, please check the official website of the Rainbow Sewer Museum: Rainbow Sewer Museum Official Site.

Visitor Information

• - Name: Tokyo Rainbow Sewer Museum
• - Address: 2-3-5 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063, Ariake Water Reclamation Center 5th Floor
• - Phone Number: 03-5564-2458
• - Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry 4 PM)
• - Closed: Mondays, year-end/new year (If a holiday falls on a Monday, the following day will be closed)
• - Admission Fee: Free

Join us in celebrating Earth-kun’s rejuvenated look and his mission to spread awareness about sewers!

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