#Japan #Tokyo #Like Corporation #Nijiiro Nursery #Japan Yamamura Glass

Learning by Doing: Nijiiro Nursery's Recycling Initiative

At Nijiiro Nursery in Kameido, Tokyo, children recently participated in an engaging environmental learning program centered on recycling. This initiative was supported by Like Corporation, a company specializing in childcare, human resources, and nursing care, alongside their subsidiary, Like Kids Co., Ltd. The event was executed in collaboration with Japan Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd., a notable player in the recycling industry.

In this second environmental educational event, the children learned about the importance of recycling through the collection of plastic bottle caps. Japan Yamamura Glass generously provided repurposed planters as gifts to the children, emphasizing the impact of their efforts. The learning experience was designed to help children understand how these caps are collected, sorted, and transformed into new products.

During the session, children were shown a slideshow detailing the recycling process. They enthusiastically responded to questions such as, "Who made this planter?" Initially, they shouted, "The factory!" However, when they learned that the entire community plays a role in recycling, it sparked surprise and curiosity among them. The realization that they contributed to the creation of valuable items from their collected caps was a significant moment.

The practical element of this program allowed children to witness the fruits of their labor firsthand. Upon receiving the completed planters, they could touch and interact with objects they helped create, deepening their appreciation for environmental stewardship.

This initiative transcended typical recycling activities. It offered a firsthand opportunity for children to experience the connections between sorting, collecting, and their effects on society and the environment. Like Kids is committed to nurturing children's interests and concerns regarding sustainable living and aims to continue fostering these opportunities.

The partnership between Like Kids and Japan Yamamura Glass was initiated in August 2025, with regular recycling activities occurring in various care and nursery facilities operated by the Like Group. By the end of December 2025, they successfully collected a total of 64,634 bottle caps, which were upcycled into practical planters.

The upcycled planters were not only gifted to the nursery but also to nursing care facilities managed by Like Group. Through these programs, the company continues to contribute to the circular economy by collecting bottle caps from its headquarters and select care and education facilities and sending them to Japan Yamamura Glass for processing.

About Like Group

The Like Group, led by CEO Yoshihiko Okamoto, focuses on the three core areas of childcare, human resources, and nursing care, striving to become an indispensable part of society. With a network of 417 licensed nurseries and after-school clubs, they play a vital role in bolstering the workforce across multiple sectors including logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Working closely with medical professionals, they provide comprehensive services, including nursing care in 26 facilities. Like Group is committed to the principle of "...planning the Future – Supporting people and creating the future," seeking to expand its business while fostering a sustainable society.