#Japan #Hakone #SmaGO #Forcetec

Innovative Smart Trash Can 'SmaGO' Begins Operation in Hakone

On March 24, 2026, the environmentally-friendly IoT smart trash can known as 'SmaGO' was officially installed and put into operation in Ashinoko Park, a prominent tourist destination in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The initiative came as a collaborative effort between Odakyu Hakone, led by President Hidetaka Mizukami, and Forcetec, represented by President Yohei Takemura. The installation of five SmaGO units marks a significant step towards improving waste management in this area, which attracts around 20 million visitors annually.

Background of SmaGO Installation

Ashinoko Park, located near Lake Ashi, serves as a vital hub for tourists in Hakone, known for its unique pirate ship and sightseeing boats as well as being a finish point for the famous Hakone Ekiden relay marathon. Despite its attractiveness, the park has faced challenges, especially during peak seasons such as summer, where the existing trash cans often overflow, adversely affecting the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and putting added pressure on waste collection services. Recognizing this issue, Odakyu Hakone decided to donate SmaGO units to the park as part of its commitment to community contribution and environmental improvement.

Odakyu Hakone has a long-standing relationship with the local community, operating attractions such as the Hakone Tozan Railway and the Hakone Ropeway. This initiative contributes directly to maintaining the environmental integrity of the areas they operate in, reinforcing their dedication to sustainability.

Ceremony Celebrating the Launch

To celebrate this milestone, a ceremony took place at Ashinoko Park on the launch day, attended by officials from Hakone Town, Odakyu Hakone, and Forcetec. The event featured the unveiling of the SmaGO units along with the presentation of letters of appreciation for the contributors.

What is SmaGO?

SmaGO is a state-of-the-art smart trash can developed by Forcetec, designed with a focus on environmental sustainability. Equipped with solar power, SmaGO automatically compresses waste to one-fifth of its original volume. This remarkable feature not only reduces the frequency of waste picking but also sends notifications about collected waste volume through its communication capabilities. This not only helps in preventing overflow but significantly enhances the efficiency of waste collection operations.

Moreover, the trash cans can be customized with various designs, allowing for public awareness campaigns about waste separation and fostering sponsorship opportunities to help diminish operational costs. SmaGO installations align with six of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices.

Benefits and Case Studies

In prior implementations of SmaGO, significant benefits have been observed:

• - Omotesando & Harajuku, Tokyo: The area experienced a reduction of approximately 70% in collection frequency.
• - Dotonbori, Osaka: The initiative led to about a 90% decrease in litter (excluding cigarette butts) in the surrounding area.

Future Plans

Forcetec is committed to continuing its efforts by collaborating with local governments, transportation providers, and community businesses to address waste management challenges in urban and tourist-heavy areas. The experiences gained in Hakone will help shape future deployments in other regions, promoting sustainable environmental management in tourist destinations across Japan.

About Forcetec

• - Company Name: Forcetec Co., Ltd.
• - Established: April 15, 2019
• - Location: Otemachi One Tower 6F, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004
• - CEO: Yohei Takemura
• - Business Focus: Proposing integrated environmental initiatives through the installation of smart trash cans 'SmaGO' across Japan.
• - Official Website: Forcetec

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to Forcetec’s public relations team:

• - Phone: 03-3453-7140
• - Contact Form: Contact Us