'Thrilling! Garbage Picking 2026' in Shinjuku & Online: Connecting People and Earth on May 31

The NPO Ishintai UNESCO Club (Chairperson: Toshihiro Hamamatsu) and 'earth clinic,' a co-creation platform operated by THE J.V. Corporation (CEO: Takuya Koiso), will host 'Thrilling! Garbage Picking 2026 in Shinjuku & Online' on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This event offers a hands-on experience of 'Planetary Health,' re-examining the connection between people and the environment through cleaning activities.

This initiative is a social action series launched last year, rooted in the idea that 'the health of the Earth' and 'our health' are interconnected. Following previous successes around days like 'Zero Waste Day' and 'International Peace Day,' this event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both on-site participation in Shinjuku and online participation from anywhere in the country.

Background and Objectives While interest in environmental issues is rising, many face hurdles in taking the first step. 'Thrilling! Garbage Picking' aims to lower these barriers through the simple act of picking up trash. By observing what types of waste accumulate and where, participants gain insights into human behavior and lifestyle habits, fostering a realization of how environmental health impacts personal well-being.

Event Concept 1. Action: Solidifying environmental awareness into concrete action by cleaning local areas. 2. Learning: Deepening understanding of daily life and social structures through the types of waste collected. 3. Sharing: Spreading individual actions to society via online reporting and SNS to inspire others.

Event Details Date & Time: Sunday, May 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Reception starts at 9:30 AM) Location: Hakoneyama area of Toyama Park (Shinjuku, Tokyo) and online nationwide Fee: Free What to bring: Work gloves, plastic bags, drinks, and tongs (optional) Hosts: Ishintai UNESCO Club (Organizer), earth clinic (Co-host)

Volunteer Certificate Issuance Upon completing the activity and submitting a survey, participants will receive a Volunteer Certificate (PDF) via automated email. This can be used for student volunteer records, corporate CSR logs, or personal social contribution tracking.