Toshima Ward Partners with Two Suitcase Reuse Businesses to Launch Unique Local Measures!

On Wednesday, July 1, Toshima Ward signed an agreement with Cultures Japan Inc. (Head Office: Taito-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kazunori Harada) and Nihon Kaban Zai Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture; President & CEO: Shinya Yajima) for "Cooperation and Collaboration Regarding the Prevention of Illegal Dumping of Suitcases," initiating unique measures for the ward.

Background of the Agreement

Last fiscal year, approximately 290 suitcases were abandoned at garbage collection points, on streets, and in parks within the ward. A significant number of illegal dumping incidents were confirmed, particularly in the area around Ikebukuro Station, which has a high concentration of accommodation facilities such as hotels and minpaku (private lodging).

It is believed that travelers, including foreigners, are discarding unwanted suitcases at garbage collection points and on streets. Abandoned items whose contents cannot be identified further encourage illegal dumping, increasing anxiety among residents and posing a major challenge to the community. Effective measures are urgently needed to protect the safety and security of residents' living environment.

This agreement establishes the necessary matters for promoting the reuse of unwanted suitcases and raising awareness among travelers, through mutual cooperation between the ward and two private businesses, with the aim of preventing illegal dumping of suitcases within the ward and promoting the beautification of the local environment.

Currently, large screens at Ikebukuro PARCO Vision and Ikebukuro West Exit Park Global Ring are broadcasting appeals to travelers not to illegally dump suitcases. In the future, multilingual flyers will be distributed at tourist facilities, accommodation facilities, and suitcase retailers to promote suitcase reuse activities. Furthermore, by publicly soliciting cooperating businesses and building a stronger public-private partnership, the ward will work to promote suitcase reuse and prevent illegal dumping.

Comment from Miyuki Takasawa, Mayor of Toshima Ward

Miyuki Takasawa, Mayor of Toshima Ward, stated, "By borrowing the power of the private sector and strengthening measures against the frequent illegal dumping of suitcases in the ward, we aim to improve the convenience for visitors to Toshima Ward while protecting the living environment of our residents, thereby enhancing the appeal of our town where everyone can live safely and securely."

Overview of the "Agreement for Cooperation and Collaboration Regarding the Prevention of Illegal Dumping of Suitcases"

Date of Agreement

July 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

Contracting Businesses

Cultures Japan Inc. (Service Name: MY SUITCASE)

Nihon Kaban Zai Co., Ltd. (Service Name: ReCase)

Content

Public relations and awareness activities to promote suitcase reuse activities.

Other matters related to the promotion of suitcase reuse activities.

*For details on each service, please refer to the flyers.

Enhanced Awareness for Travelers in Multiple Languages

Awareness for foreign travelers etc. through flyers created by the ward (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean).

*Accommodation facilities, tourist facilities, suitcase retailers, local bulletin boards, etc.

Awareness through large screens in the Ikebukuro Station area.

[July 1 - July 31] Ikebukuro PARCO Vision, Ikebukuro-TS Vision

[June 30 - September 30] Toshima Civic Center, Ikebukuro West Exit Park Global Ring

Front of Flyer Back of Flyer Image of Ikebukuro PARCO Vision Broadcast

*This press release can be downloaded here↓

d165139-71-2ec362d6d18fd40d9f0166ae58d3bcc9.pdf