#Japan #Tokyo #circular economy #Cherry Blossom #Nakameguro

Tackling Waste at Nakameguro's Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival

Every year, Nakameguro attracts around 3 million visitors during the cherry blossom season, particularly along the iconic Meguro River. While this area is renowned for its picturesque sakura and vibrant street food scene, it faces a significant challenge: managing and reducing the vast amount of disposable waste generated during this short but popular time.

In response to this growing issue, the Nakame Area Management Association, led by Executive Director Eiichi Kashiwai, has launched the "Nakame Circular Challenge 2026." This initiative began in 2022, aiming to eliminate the excessive disposable waste typically discarded during sakura season. Since 2025, the event has been branded the Nakame Circular Challenge, focusing on two key themes: "No Waste (Reuse & Reduce)" and "Transforming Waste into Resources (Recycle & Upcycle)." The collaboration between local businesses, organizations, and visitors forms the essence of a sustainable cherry blossom viewing experience.

Event Overview for Nakame Circular Challenge 2026

Name: Nakame Circular Challenge
Duration: March 27, 2026 (Friday) to April 5, 2026 (Sunday)
Location: Nakame Ohami Park (Funai River, 1-11-18 Nakameguro, Meguro Ward)
Organizer: Nakame Area Management Association

Crowdfunding Initiative

The 2026 event will strengthen efforts to achieve zero waste at the main venue, Funai River, by focusing on impact measurement and visualization, as well as expanding collaboration with local enterprises and organizations. To bring this vision to life, crowdfunding will be initiated for the first time this year, inviting individuals and companies to participate actively.

Crowdfunding Details:
Project Name: "Spectacular Cherry Blossom Viewing Seats & Exclusive Sakura Items: A Challenge to Create a Sustainable Viewing Experience at Nakameguro"
Campaign Duration: February 27, 2026 (Friday) to April 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
URL: Crowdfunding Link

NAC Conference & Launch Party

In pursuit of solutions to the waste disposal problems during the renowned Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, various companies committed to promoting the circular economy will gather. The goal is to showcase a model case of "zero waste cherry blossom viewing" to the world. A networking party will follow the conference.
Event Overview:
NCC Conference & Launch Party
Date: March 27, 2026 (Friday) from 15:00 to 18:00, Networking from 18:00
Venue: Funai River Building (1-11-18 Nakameguro, Meguro Ward)

Partner Organizations

Several organizations are collaborating on this initiative:

• - Environmental Education Promotion Forum: Organizing an environmental experience event using waste to create monuments with children.
• - Shimokita Gardening Club: Promoting green spaces and composting activities in the community.
• - NPO Compost Tokyo: Providing solutions for urban waste to resource recycling and offering mini-lectures on composting techniques.
• - ONIBUS Inc.: A specialty coffee shop aiming to enrich community life through sustainable practices.
• - Kaiser Kitchen Co., Ltd.: A restaurant chain committed to enriching the local culture and environment.
• - Wead Inc.: Focusing on transforming waste into resources using innovative decomposition techniques.
• - EcoGraphic Co., Ltd.: Slowly reducing single-use plastics by promoting alternatives.
• - KAMAN Co., Ltd.: Provides a sharing service for reusable containers to minimize disposables.
• - Makuake: A crowdfunding service encouraging innovative projects like this one.
• - Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.: Showcases biodegradable materials for composting initiatives.
• - Do it Theater Inc.: Organizing events and experiences focused on waste management.
• - Nakame Village Beautification Committee: Managing eco-stations to prevent waste dispersion during the festival.
• - Nakame Sustainability Team: Running systems to promote environmental awareness and recycles.
• - NIWATORI COFFEE: Utilizing coffee grounds to grow food, directly connecting sustainability with customer experience.
• - Fabric Co., Ltd.: Creating spaces for collaboration centered around circular living solutions.

The companies and organizations involved will continue to be added and updated leading up to the 2026 event.

Project Management

Organizer: Nakame Area Management Association
Location: 5F, 1-23-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Representative: Executive Director Eiichi Kashiwai
Website: Nakame Area Management
The Nakame Area Management Association was established to facilitate its development, working in conjunction with local government while supporting various urban planning activities.