Smart Trash Cans 'SmaGO' Installed at 'Kiyomizu-michi' in Kyoto, Realized Through Donations by Kiyomizu-dera and Rokuharamitsu-ji

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Force Tech Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yohei Takemura; hereafter 'Force Tech') announced the installation and operation of two eco-friendly IoT smart trash cans, 'SmaGO,' near the southbound bus stop on Kiyomizu-michi, Higashioji-dori, in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.

This initiative was realized through the donation of the SmaGO units to Kyoto City by Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Location: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto; Chief Abbot: Seihan Mori) and Fudarakusan Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple (Location: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto; Abbot: Junsei Kawasaki), with the installation site provided by The Bank of Kyoto, Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Mikiya Yasui).

The newly installed SmaGO units are powered by solar energy, capable of automatically compressing waste to approximately one-fifth of its volume, and equipped with communication functions that visualize waste accumulation levels. By preventing overflowing waste and streamlining collection operations, this initiative contributes to addressing waste issues associated with overtourism in Kyoto.

A public unveiling and commendation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 27, at the Higashiyama Ward Office.

Background of SmaGO Installation near Kiyomizu-michi In Kyoto, a world-class tourist city, SmaGO units are being installed at major tourist sites to address waste problems caused by overtourism, with proven effectiveness in preventing overflow, reducing littering, and cutting down the frequency of waste collection. With this latest installation, there are now a total of 34 SmaGO units across 17 locations in Kyoto City.

The southbound bus stop near Kiyomizu-michi, where the new SmaGO units were installed, is located on a key tourist route leading to temples and tourist spots in the Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera and Rokuharamitsu-ji, and is frequented by many tourists daily. While street-level trash containers were already present, the collaboration with The Bank of Kyoto allowed for a replacement with SmaGO units that ensure sufficient sidewalk width while accommodating larger volumes of waste and providing visibility of accumulation levels.

Through this installation, we aim to prevent waste overflow and optimize collection, contributing to the creation of a comfortable and beautiful city for both residents and visitors.

Commendation Ceremony At the unveiling ceremony, after the unveiling of the donated SmaGO units, Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui presented letters of appreciation to Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera and Fudarakusan Rokuharamitsu-ji. A letter of appreciation was also presented to The Bank of Kyoto for providing the installation site.

Comments from Stakeholders Otowasan Kiyomizu-dera, Chief Administrator, Akihisa Onishi: 'The beauty of Kyoto is protected by the cooperation of local residents and everyone involved. We view this initiative as a starting point to continue working together for a better region, a better city, and a better Kyoto, while gathering wisdom from everyone in the community.'

Force Tech Inc., President, Yohei Takemura: 'In tourist areas like Kyoto, where many people visit, we believe that the installation of trash cans itself is a crucial part of the hospitality environment. Together with the local community, including Kiyomizu-dera, Rokuharamitsu-ji, and The Bank of Kyoto, we will protect Kyoto's beautiful scenery and contribute to creating a sustainable tourism environment.'

Future Outlook Starting with this installation at Kiyomizu-michi, Force Tech is committed to solving regional issues through the development of waste collection environments in tourist spots and city streets. We will continue to aim for installing 'the necessary number of smart trash cans in the necessary locations,' working in cooperation with local governments, community groups, businesses, and facility operators to prevent waste overflow, streamline collection, preserve scenery, and promote sustainable tourism environments.

About SmaGO SmaGO is an IoT smart trash can developed by Force Tech with consideration for the global environment. Powered by sunlight, it automatically compresses waste to about 1/5th of its size and notifies authorities of the accumulation level, enabling significant efficiency in collection work while preventing overflow. The exterior wraps can be freely designed to raise awareness about waste separation, and operational costs can be reduced by gathering sponsorships. SmaGO's installation supports 6 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).