Regarding the Implementation of the Plusland Bamboo Forest Problem Solving Event

Thespa Co., Ltd. will co-host the "Plusland Bamboo Forest Problem Solving Event," an environmental education program focusing on the bamboo forest issues occurring at "Plusland," owned by Plus Corporation (hereinafter "Plus"), on May 16th and 17th. This project will be implemented with the cooperation of the Gunma Prefectural Center for Climate Change Action Promotion.

This initiative is a two-day program designed to provide a consistent experience from "knowing" and "touching" to "utilizing" natural environmental issues, aiming to create opportunities for participants to perceive local environmental problems as their own.

Participation in both days of the event is not mandatory; participation in only one day is also possible.

Co-hosts Plus Corporation Thespa Co., Ltd.

Cooperators Gunma Prefectural Center for Climate Change Action Promotion Yamame Co., Ltd.

Background of Implementation In recent years, the "bamboo forest problem," where neglected bamboo forests expand into surrounding areas, leading to a decline in biodiversity and deterioration of forest environments, has become a nationwide issue.

Bamboo spreads through rhizomes and grows very rapidly, so if not properly managed, it can cover forests and agricultural lands within a few years, causing various impacts such as ecosystem degradation and increased risk of sediment disasters.

This project aims to provide a learning platform that combines nature experience with the perspective of resource circulation to address these regional issues.

Objectives of Implementation ・Promote understanding of bamboo forest issues and biodiversity ・Familiarize participants with forest environments and local issues ・Learn about resource circulation through the reuse of bamboo ・Foster environmental awareness, especially among children ・Communicate the stance of companies and clubs working to solve local issues

What is Plusland? An industrial complex operated by Plus Corporation. Located south of Mt. Akagi, on the outskirts of Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, it is a natural environment of approximately 460,000 square meters surrounded by forests, greenery, and water. It features the Maebashi Factory (office furniture manufacturing) as its core, along with logistics centers, offices, and training facilities, where nature and humans coexist in good balance.

Event Details 【May 16th (Sat) Day 1】Nature Observation Session (Fieldwork) Venue: Plusland (within Plus Corporation Maebashi Factory) Participants will take a walk through the forests of Plusland and engage in fieldwork to learn about bamboo forest issues and ecosystems. They will observe actual bamboo forests and experience the impact on the forest environment with all five senses. Target: Children of elementary school age and younger, and their guardians Capacity: First 15 groups (※May vary depending on the number of children) ※This program requires advance registration (please apply via the form below)

＜Main Contents＞ ・Forest walk ・Lecture on bamboo forest issues ・Observation of biodiversity ・Learning about the impact of bamboo on forests ・Hands-on experience with bamboo and forest resources

＜Schedule for the Day＞ 12:30 Reception starts 13:00 Event explanation 13:15 Nature observation session (fieldwork) 14:15 Nature observation session ends 14:20 Move indoors 14:30 Mini nature lecture 15:00 Event concludes

＜Application Form＞ Apply here

【May 17th (Sun) Day 2】Bamboo Craft Workshop Venue: GCC Thespark Participants will view the bamboo seen on Day 1 as a "resource" and participate in a bamboo craft workshop. They will experience a circular economy mindset while interacting with natural materials. ※Anyone can participate on Day 2 (no advance registration expected)

＜Main Contents (Planned)＞ ・Bamboo craft workshop ・Exhibition of works and commemorative photos

Also on the same day, the following are scheduled: ・Public viewing of Meiji Yasuda J2/J3 League Matchday 17 vs Blaublitz Akita ・Traditional games experience session

Message to Convey through This Project Through this initiative, the following messages will be conveyed: ・Forest issues are familiar problems rooted in the local community ・Bamboo can be both a "problem" and a "resource" ・"Knowing, experiencing, and acting" are important for environmental conservation