#Japan #Osaka #JR West #O Ltd #re:bon

Reviving Lost Umbrellas Through Art: The Re:bon Project

In an innovative collaboration, JR West Japan and O Ltd., a company specializing in social good, are launching the 're:bon' project aimed at upcycling lost umbrellas using art. This project tackles the growing issue of discarded umbrellas in Japan, where nearly 80 million are thrown away each year, with more than 100,000 lost umbrellas unclaimed in the Kansai region alone.

The re:bon initiative marks a first for Japan, as it utilizes an original self-service umbrella booth system installed in various community service locations like post offices and banks. The aim is to repurpose lost umbrellas that would otherwise be discarded, redefining their value and creating a circular economy around a common problem.

To kick off this project, O Ltd. is hosting a design competition centered around the theme of 'trains and railways,' inviting young creators to craft unique designs that can be applied to the recycled umbrellas. The winning designs will be featured on original art umbrellas entitled 'TetsuKasa,' with plans for these to be sold publicly. This effort not only revives lost umbrellas but also provides emerging artists with valuable opportunities to showcase their work.

Competition Overview

• - Application Details: The full application guidelines are available at O Ltd.
• - Submission Deadline: August 20 (Monday) at 23:59
• - Results Announcement: Expected around September 1 (Tuesday)
• - Sales Period: Mid-September to Mid-November (tentative)

Participants can find more information about the competition and submission processes on the linked website. By integrating creativity with sustainability, the re:bon project aims to spark a conversation about waste management and the potential of upcycling lost items into functional art pieces.

About O Ltd.

O Ltd. is a brain and social implementation firm focused on social good, capitalizing on the concept of BLOOMPACT which signifies flowering social impact through business, science, and creative collaboration. O Ltd. combines strategic insight with hands-on approaches to bring social impact to life and support initiatives that respect both business outcomes and social value.

The firm is committed to transforming challenges into actionable solutions. Their 'Brain-to-Society Implementation Model' supports executive teams by developing strategies that drive organizational change, societal integration, and project collaboration.

In addition to their operational focus, O Ltd. also engages in educational initiatives, lectures at Waseda University's MBA program on Social Innovation, and has conducted numerous social projects that intertwine social impact with business acumen and a robust network in the realm of social good. This unique approach solidifies O Ltd.’s position as a leader in implementing impactful social initiatives.

For inquiries, please contact O Ltd. at [email protected].