The traditional, reusable cloth that can be converted into a bag is part of a new campaign designed to “Keep Tokyo Clean.”
As we’ve covered before, public trash cans are a fairly rare sight throughout Japan. They were largely removed from public spaces following the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack as an added security precaution since they would be an easy place to conceal explosives. Instead, Japanese people are taught to bring their trash home with them, a system that works well up till a certain point. Given the sharp rise in international tourists over the past few years, many of whom don’t know the system well or how to sort their trash appropriately, officials have noticed an uptick in the amount of littering happening, and consequently, some areas of Tokyo have implemented strict anti-littering fines this year.
As a further step to promote cleanliness, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is in the process of rolling out a new Tokyo Clean-Up Action campaign with the catchphrase “Keep Tokyo Clean,” which is designed to spread awareness about the importance of not littering. Part of this campaign is the distribution of a furoshiki–Japan’s original eco-friendly piece of cloth–that can be easily converted into a bag used to carry your trash home with you while on the go.
▼ Furoshiki are a reusable piece of fabric, usually square in shape, that can be adapted for a variety of uses, including as wrapping cloths, bags, or decorations. They often feature traditional or fun patterns, such as these cat-themed ones found at Tokyo’s Nippori Station.
The Keep Tokyo Clean furoshiki are made from recycled polyester and feature images of Tokyo’s three AI-powered PR avatars the Tokyonauts, designed by artist Atsuko Nishida of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle Pokémon design fame. Simply fold the furoshiki using the provided instructions to create a fun and handy bag in the face of your avatar of choice. The resulting bag’s size is big enough to fit a standard plastic drink bottle inside.
▼ The green owl-like character is Fukuhou, the red turtle-like character is Kikukame, and the yellow cat-like character is Tsutaneko.
If you want to get your hands on this practical and cute keepsake during your Japan trip, the Keep Tokyo Clean furoshiki will be available at various accommodations, lodgings, tourist information centers, and public events throughout Tokyo Prefecture for the next several months. It will similarly be up for grabs at a special kick-off event for the campaign on August 22 from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Omotesando Hills shopping complex in basement level 3’s Space O, where Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike will give a speech on the importance of maintaining a clean capital city.
For another method of keeping your space clean that leans on traditional craft, check out this old-school way of making trash containers from old papers.
Related: Keep Tokyo Clean official website
Source: Keep Tokyo Clean, Tokyo Bureau of the Environment, Nikkei via Hachima Kiko
Top image: Keep Tokyo Clean
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