Furoshiki SDGs LIFE 2026" After-Report
We are pleased to present the report on the 5th annual "Furoshiki SDGs LIFE 2026" event, held at the Annex of the Museum of Kyoto.
Theme for 2026: "Waste and Circulation"
Title: "Knot Not" (Knot Furoshiki Not Waste – Tie a Furoshiki, Reduce Waste to Zero)
Building on what we learned and the connections made through our participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, we held an event where visitors could experience furoshiki as a sustainable lifestyle tool.
Venue highlights >>
1341 Visitors in 3 Days!
"Wrapping Experience" Reached a Record High
Over 600 people participated in the "Free Wrapping Experience Corner" — the highest number ever. Visitors also showed great interest in the "Circulation and Furoshiki in Daily Life" exhibition, reflecting a strong awareness of environmental issues. Through immersive experiences such as FPCO's "Factory Tour VR" and the "Waste Sorting Game" by Energy Saving Promotion Network Kyoto, many participants commented, "I've changed the way I think about waste."
Talk Events: Learning About Waste While Connecting with Others
The events were attended not only by individuals but also by corporate representatives, government officials, and media professionals — all with a strong interest in waste and circular systems.
Friday, April 10 – "Building Circular Systems: Between Myself and Society"
Speaker: Tomiya Yanagi, Sasutena Kyoto
The session began with a memorable quiz: "Is the 'Tako-Ika' (octopus-squid) actually an octopus or a squid?"
While answering questions from our developer Kawamura from a manufacturer's perspective, Mr. Yanagi provided an engaging and humorous explanation of the circular economy in easy-to-understand terms.
Sunday, April 12 – "Not Waste, Yes Circular!"
Speaker: Misuzu Asari, Vice Director, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature
In a lively conversation with event chairperson Yamada, Ms. Asari shared insights on the latest waste issues based on a survey collected that day.
We were also fortunate to hear from a participant from Kamikatsu Town in Tokushima Prefecture, known as Japan's "Zero Waste Town," which offered a valuable learning opportunity.
She closed with a powerful message: "I encourage you to start by talking about waste in your own home or community."
Visitor Feedback
Participants shared many inspiring comments, including:
"I want to use this knowledge to help solve waste problems at my workplace."
"It was a great chance to compare our company's initiatives with what I learned here."
"I realized that changes in consumer behavior can actually transform the market."
"Above all, I want to live a life that doesn't create waste."
These responses showed that many were ready to take action starting the very next day.
Furoshiki Workshops: Fully Booked
The ever-popular "How to Use Furoshiki" workshop — which fills up quickly every year — offered participants the chance to try:
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10 different eco-bag styles made from a single furoshiki
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8 types of eco-friendly wrapping techniques
We received many heartwarming comments, such as:
"I've always wanted to try flower wrapping, and I'm so glad I finally did!"
"I had no idea furoshiki could be used in so many ways."
"Using my hands and brain made me feel so alive!"
"My child asked to come, so we joined."
"The stamp rally wrapping experience was so fun that I decided to take the workshop too."
"Hitome Hitome" Embroidery Brooches Also a Big Hit
Workshops by "Hitome Hitome" (brand of sashiko embroidery created by people in their 70s–90s) were also very well received.
Participants were carefully guided by event organizer Mizuno-san and the "grandmother instructors."
Participants commented, "Even choosing the fabric scraps was fun!" while the instructors added, "Speaking with younger generations gives us so much energy!" — making the workshops a warm, intergenerational space of exchange.
Thank You to All Who Attended
We had visitors who came specifically for the event, saying things like:
"My son loves furoshiki — we come every year!"
"I came to complete the stamp rally."
"I saw the event on Instagram and decided to join."
And we also welcomed many who happened to stop by. We hope all of them enjoyed the experience.
Through running this event, our entire team gained new knowledge and insights about the waste issues we face in our daily lives.
Together with all who attended, we hope this event will serve as a small but meaningful step toward changing our mindset and actions — leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.