Kawasaki City Hall to Host Environmental Learning Workshop Featuring 600 Pinwheels Made by Local Elementary School Students

SKLO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Rinppei Saito; hereinafter "SKLO") will participate in the municipal anniversary event "Kawasaki 102-sai," to be held on July 1, 2026 (Wed) at Kawasaki City Hall, presenting workshops and creating a special exhibition space.

Prior to the event, decorations made from pinwheels crafted by local elementary school students using upcycled used banners will be on display not only on the event day but also at the same venue until July 8 (Wed).

[About the Project]

This initiative was designed to share and co-create with as many citizens as possible the moment when discarded materials regain value through human creativity. SKLO has long been engaged in "upcycling"—a form of craftsmanship that gives new value to unused materials such as leather, sports equipment, and banners.

This event goes beyond physical products, aiming to propose an accessible and enjoyable form of upcycling for everyone from toddlers to adults, through "workshops and experiences" and "exhibition and space design."

[Three Key Features of the Project]

1. Workshop: Create Pinwheels by Upcycling Used Banners

A free, first-come-first-served workshop where participants will create spinning pinwheels using banners originally used for Kawasaki City's 100th anniversary celebrations. After drawing pictures or patterns and making simple cuts (younger children should work with a guardian), participants will assemble their own pinwheels. This hands-on activity allows participants to experience the transformation of discarded materials into new creations.

Participants can take their handmade pinwheels home. We encourage you to carry them around as you explore the various exhibits and activities inside City Hall.

2. A Spacious, Open-Atrium Area Surrounded by Hundreds of Pinwheels & Photo Spot

The entrance atrium of City Hall, with its impressive height and openness, serves as a public space welcoming citizens and the community.

Leveraging this unique architectural feature, pinwheels will be installed across the 2nd and 3rd-floor walkways and designated photo spots, encouraging visitors to walk around City Hall and discover various exhibits. The goal is to transform the entire building into an engaging and enjoyable experience.

In celebration of the 102nd anniversary of the city's founding, a special "photo spot decorated with 102 pinwheels" will be set up for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Each pinwheel is a small creation made by a child, but together, their collective presence conveys the importance of community and environmental sustainability to a wider audience.

3. Pinwheels Made by Local Elementary School Students in Class

Most of the pinwheels used in the exhibition were created by students at Kawasaki Municipal Takatsu Elementary School during class activities.

The large number of pinwheels required for this display could not have been achieved by SKLO alone—this project became possible thanks to the cooperation of many individuals.

During their lessons, students first learned how discarded banners (made of tarpaulin material) have been reused and transformed in the past. Then, they cut square pieces of tarpaulin with scissors to form pinwheel blades, drew original designs or patterns while imagining how they would look when spinning, and wrote Kawasaki City's brand messages or logos to personalize their creations. Finally, they attached metal fasteners to complete their pinwheels.

Through this hands-on experience—going beyond classroom learning to physically interact with materials, think creatively, and make things—students not only learned "what upcycling is," but also deepened their understanding of "why upcycling matters."

Each pinwheel carries the unique thoughts and creativity of its young maker. We invite you to visit the venue and enjoy walking among these joyful creations.

[About SKLO Co., Ltd.]

SKLO operates "PRODUCT BASE SKLO" in Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, planning, manufacturing, and selling leather goods. The company actively conducts community outreach, such as hands-on crafting experiences using leather offcuts, to promote the joy of making things and the importance of environmental initiatives.

SKLO aims to expand the concept of product creation that includes not only the "experience" of people working with discarded materials but also the resulting "space" and renewed value.

"Kawasaki 102-sai" is the first project where we fully realize this vision. By hosting it in Kawasaki City Hall—a space open to all citizens—we hope to reach more people and deepen awareness of the importance of community and the environment.

▶PRODUCT BASE SKLO website: https://www.pb-sklo.com/

[Event Details]

Event Name: Municipal Anniversary Event "Kawasaki 102-sai" (Daytime Session) Date and Time: July 1, 2026 (Wed), 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Venue: 1st-floor Atrium and 2nd-floor Hall of Kawasaki City Hall Main Building Pinwheel Workshop Fee: Free

*The pinwheel exhibition will be gradually set up and opened to the public. Final dismantling is scheduled for July 8 (Wed).

Please note that the exhibition period and content may change due to weather or other circumstances. The display may also be temporarily removed. Thank you for your understanding.

*Additional activities for children will also be available.

For full event details, visit:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000346.000124454.html