Gotsu City, HOYA Corporation Eye Care Company, and The Nippon Foundation 'Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane' Sign Tripartite Agreement to Launch Disposable Contact Lens Case Recycling Initiative

As part of its efforts to achieve "zero marine litter," the Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane has signed a tripartite agreement with Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture, and HOYA Corporation Eye Care Company (headquartered in Tokyo), which operates the contact lens specialty store "eyecity," regarding the collection of empty disposable contact lens cases. A signing ceremony was held at Gotsu City Hall on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marking the start of a collaborative effort to collect these empty cases. The Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane is part of The Nippon Foundation's "Umi to Nippon Project," which connects people through the ocean to pass on a rich and beautiful sea to the next generation.

Event Overview ・Tripartite agreement signing ceremony for the collection of empty disposable contact lens cases between Gotsu City, HOYA Corporation Eye Care Company, and Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane ・Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 ・Venue: Gotsu City Hall (Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture) ・Collection Point: Gotsu City Hall, 1F, Citizen Life Division ・Roles: Gotsu City (Publicity and collection/transport of cases); HOYA Corporation Eye Care Company (Management of collected resources and provision of collection boxes); Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane (Publicity) Promoting Activities Through a Three-Way Partnership The signing ceremony was attended by Gotsu Mayor Ataru Nakamura, HOYA Eye Care Company President Akira Takenaka, and Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane Board Member Hideki Yamazaki. The Umi to Nippon Project in Shimane promotes local cleanup activities and organizes unique events to achieve "zero marine litter." Approximately 80% of marine debris originates from cities and rivers, with the majority being plastic. As part of its environmental conservation efforts, the project is collaborating on this collection initiative in Gotsu City. The "eyecity eco project," which began in 2016, uses dedicated collection boxes to gather empty cases, which are then recycled into materials for home appliances, automotive parts, and ballpoint pens. HOYA Eye Care Company President Akira Takenaka expressed his hopes for the project's expansion, stating, "Through this agreement, we hope to raise awareness among many people and accelerate our activities." Collection boxes have been placed at the Citizen Life Division on the first floor of Gotsu City Hall to encourage participation from citizens and city staff. Mayor Nakamura noted, "Gotsu City aims to be a 'Zero Carbon City' where industry and nature harmonize, and this activity contributes to waste reduction and climate change countermeasures." This is the second such tripartite agreement in Shimane Prefecture, following a similar initiative in Matsue City in 2022.