#Japan #Tokyo #SDGs #BananaPaper #ChoiceHotels

Event Report: Creating Sustainable Art with Banana Fiber Paper

On January 17th, 2026, at the TKP Akihabara Conference Center, the event "SDGs x Banana Paper: Let's Make Earth-Friendly Art" was held successfully. This event, organized by Choice Hotels Japan, welcomed 12 elementary school children who were eager to learn and create.

During the event, participants engaged in crafting banana paper, a sustainable material made from the fibers of banana stalks that would otherwise be discarded. The fun and educational atmosphere allowed children to explore the principles of sustainability, fair trade, and environmental issues while creating unique and personal art pieces.

Choice Guest Club Experience

The children invited to this event were members of the Choice Guest Club, the official loyalty program for Comfort Hotels operated by Choice Hotels Japan. The club, established with the motto "Revitalizing the world and communities through travel," boasts a member base of about 1.18 million people as of January 2026. The program not only offers discounts on stays and long-term stays but also introduces initiatives that connect members to social issues and environmental challenges.

One of the highlights of the program is its donation initiative, which aims to engage customers in supporting organizations tackling social issues. The hands-on experience of making banana paper and understanding its significance was a part of this mission.

This initiative has also led to partnerships with organizations like One Planet Café Zambia, which produces banana paper from organic banana stalks in Zambia, creating new jobs within the community. The process combines the technique of traditional Japanese craft, Echizen Washi, with local resources, promoting sustainable manufacturing.

Hands-on Experience of Banana Paper Making

The event featured various activities, starting with the banana paper-making experience. Children were shown how to create the paper by submerging a frame into a pulp solution made from banana fibers. They marveled as the fibers transformed into sheets of paper during the drying process. Under the guidance of students from the Department of Sustainability at Musashino University, the children participated enthusiastically, relishing each step of crafting.

Next, the kids had the chance to add color to their newly created paper using a variety of paints. The joy displayed as they mixed colors and designed patterns was palpable. As they engaged in this creative process, they not only enjoyed making art but hinted at the connection between their creations and the importance of sustainability.

Crafting Unique Accessories

After coloring, the children went on to create unique keychains and badges from the colored banana paper. Focused and delighted, they cut their colorful papers into shapes, sharing ideas and adjusting their designs with each other. The excitement grew as the final touches were added, culminating in smiles and laughter when they held their completed creations.

Learning from Experts

As part of the day's activities, Sato Ekuberi, representing One Planet Café Zambia, delivered a presentation about the situation in Zambia and the social value of banana paper production. The children listened attentively, captivated by discussions on wildlife and the impact of their creations on global issues such as SDGs, fair trade, and environmental protection.

Participant Feedback

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. One child commented, "I learned that banana paper is eco-friendly and enjoyed making my own paper!" A parent added, "It was meaningful for both kids and adults, learning about banana paper and hotel initiatives."

Event Summary

• - Event Name: SDGs x Banana Paper: Let's Make Earth-Friendly Art!
• - Date: January 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• - Location: TKP Akihabara Conference Center, Tokyo
• - Participants: 12 children from the Choice Guest Club
• - Cost: Free
• - Collaborating Organizations: One Planet Café Zambia, Musashino University Department of Sustainability

About Choice Guest Club

The Choice Guest Club, with over 1.18 million members, provides benefits beyond discounts, including educational opportunities related to SDGs. Members contribute to social improvements with every stay, making travel a means of participating in positive change.

About Choice Hotels Japan

Based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Choice Hotels Japan manages various hotel brands in Japan and operates as the master partner for Choice Hotels International, which runs over 7,500 hotels in over 46 countries worldwide. More about the brand can be found on their official website: Choice Hotels Japan.