The Nippon Foundation and Ministry of the Environment Launch 'Spring Ocean Waste Zero Week 2026'! Kick-off Event 'Cosplay de Ocean Waste Zero Operation 2026' Held in Ikebukuro

The World Cosplay Culture Promotion Association (Chairperson: Chizuko Amano) held the 'Cosplay de Ocean Waste Zero Operation 2026' on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, as the kick-off event for the 'Spring Ocean Waste Zero Week 2026,' a nationwide cleanup campaign aimed at addressing marine debris, organized by The Nippon Foundation (Chairman: Yohei Sasakawa) and the Ministry of the Environment (Minister: Hirotaka Ishihara). The event, aimed at spreading awareness about marine debris issues through cosplayers with high social media influence, saw approximately 300 participants, including cosplayers and cooperating companies/organizations. Together, they cleaned the Ikebukuro area and collected 42 bags of 45L trash. At the opening ceremony, participating organizations and companies made the 'UMIGOMI-ZERO Declaration.' Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagi highlighted the synergy between Ikebukuro's cosplay culture and environmental cleanup activities, emphasizing the importance of thinking about marine debris from urban areas. Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, pointed out that over 80% of marine debris originates from land and expressed high hopes for the social media influence of cosplayers. Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara spoke about the importance of plastic resource circulation and the necessity of international cooperation. The latter part of the event featured runway performances and photo sessions by cosplayers, making it a day to promote environmental action while having fun.