#Japan #Tokyo #HAPPO-EN #Nagai City #SDGs Festival

Nagai City's Participation in the Local Revitalization SDGs Festival

From September 25 to 27, 2026, Nagai City will make its debut at the Local Revitalization SDGs Festival held at Tokyo Big Sight. This significant event, hosted by the Cabinet Office's Local Revitalization Promotion Office, aims to showcase sustainable practices from various municipalities across Japan.

A Collaborative Effort

Nagai City partners with Happo-en, a company recognized for producing vibrant community engagement activities centered around food. Since establishing a partnership agreement in July 2022, both entities have worked tirelessly to enhance the image and promotion of Nagai City. Their latest joint venture, the Nagai City booth at the upcoming festival, will focus on the theme of “Learning about Food Culture and SDGs through Tasting.” Here, visitors can engage in experiential activities that highlight sustainable urban development practices employing local gastronomic ingredients.

A highlight of the booth will be the pound cake crafted by Happo-en’s pastry chefs, utilizing locally sourced ingredients. This initiative not only showcases Nagai's culinary heritage but also illustrates the city's commitment to sustainability through the integration of the local economy and food culture.

Sustainable Urban Development: The New Rainbow Plan

Nagai City has long been championing sustainable urban development initiatives starting from the Rainbow Plan enacted in 1997. This program aimed to connect kitchen waste recycling with local agriculture, turning food scraps into compost to produce fresh vegetables. As challenges arose, including a declining population and shifts in food consumption patterns, Nagai City adapted by introducing a biogas power generation facility, leading to the updated “New Rainbow Plan.” This modern initiative promotes the cyclical flow of materials, people, and economy in a sustainable manner.

At the festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn about these transformative efforts through panels, interactive games, and tasting sessions. The booth will present educational displays explaining biogas power generation and its role in community sustainability.

Interactive Experiences at the Booth

1. Panel Exhibits - Visitors can discover the workings of the biogas power generation system through informative displays and videos, learning how this sustainable energy source contributes to local agriculture and environmental conservation.

2. Sorting Game - An engaging game that teaches proper waste separation, where participants can sort various food items into the correct bins. With fun incentives like sound effects for correct answers, this activity promotes environmental responsibility in a playful manner. A photo spot featuring the city's beloved rabbit mascot, Mochii, will further enhance the experience.

3. Tasting Sessions - Attendees will also have the chance to sample freshly steamed “Rainbow Plan Rice,” produced directly from the initiatives of the New Rainbow Plan, allowing them to taste the fruits of sustainable agriculture.

4. Giveaways - Delicious pound cakes made from local rice flour and a unique soybean variety from Nagai City will be available as souvenirs. Attendees can take home not just a delightful treat but also a connection to Nagai's culinary pride.

Background of the Festival

The Local Revitalization SDGs Festival is part of the GOOD LIFE Fair 2026, one of Japan's largest sustainable lifestyle exhibitions, organized by Asahi Shimbun. The fair is designed to provide a platform for local governments to display their SDGs initiatives and share sustainable ideas with the public. The event this year is particularly important as it marks its first occurrence in Tokyo, following its successful launch during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Local Revitalization SDGs Festival in GOOD LIFE Fair 2026
• - Date: September 25-27, 2026
• - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, West Hall 3
• - Access: 7 minutes walk from Kokusai-tenjijo Station (Rinkai Line), 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome)
• - Admission: Free with prior registration at the GOOD LIFE Fair 2026 website

Conclusion

Nagai City’s participation in the Local Revitalization SDGs Festival offers a remarkable opportunity for the community to showcase its commitment to sustainability through food. This event promises to be both informative and entertaining, providing valuable insights into how urban development can contribute to sustainable practices in Japan. Join us in celebrating the efforts towards a greener future, where collaboration and innovation bring about a transformation in local culture and economy.