Exploring Microplastics: An Educational Workshop for Kids at Obirin University

On June 28, 2026, Obirin University in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will host a unique event titled "Shinjuku Mirai-zu EXPO 2026", organized in collaboration with the Pal System Union. This interactive expo aims to engage local children in a workshop focused on microplastics, encouraging them to ponder environmental issues.

What to Expect at the Workshop

At the Pal System booth, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the journey of discarded plastic leading into our oceans. They will present both video content and actual sand collected from coastal areas, demonstrating the impact of littering on marine environments. Each participant will also receive a bar of soap as a token of appreciation, highlighting Pal System's initiative for environmental consciousness.

The Pal System booth is located in Room J207 on the second floor, with workshops designed to last approximately 40 minutes at a rate of once per hour. This interactive approach is not only informative but aims to leave a lasting impression on the children's minds about the importance of protecting our environment.

Creating Lasting Memories for Future Generations

The "Shinjuku Mirai-zu EXPO" is a hands-on event that encourages children from the Shinjuku region to visualize their futures while collaborating with local universities, businesses, and organizations. This is the inaugural event organized by ‘unite’, a community volunteer organization from Obirin University, in partnership with Waseda University’s “Atom Currency Executive Committee”.

With the theme “Creating Experiences to Remember for 10 Years”, the expo will host around 20 participating groups from universities, companies, and NGOs. Activities include workshops like paper airplane making organized by an airline company and makeup experiences led by a cosmetics manufacturer. Additionally, the event will feature various hands-on experiences, demonstration booths, and food trucks, making it a delightful occasion for families.

Contribution of Pal System

Founded in Tokyo's Shinjuku area, the Pal System Cooperative Union, managed by Chairman Atsuyuki Shibusawa, is dedicated to promoting sustainable living amongst its members, which number over 1.76 million. The organization’s total business share reached ¥260.42 billion (as of March 2025). It includes numerous member cooperatives across Kanto, such as Pal System Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, and more. Through initiatives like this workshop, Pal System emphasizes the importance of community-based environmental education.

For more information on Pal System and their initiatives, please visit Pal System Website. Join us in making a difference and shaping the future for the next generation to ensure they grasp the weight of environmental responsibility in a practical and engaging way!