Eco-festa in Munakata took place at the Axis Genkai hall and event space on 1 August. Munakata is active in promoting the development of its citizenry and enterprises, and has incorporated an environmental theme to promote ‘new environmentally friendly practices’. GSA’s activities were among the environmental groups showcased and Mr. Otani, head of the ‘Eco-life Citizens Group’ reported a great response among visitors. Munakata is aiming to further develop as an ‘environmental town’.

A concert planned to coincide with the event was unfortunately cancelled due to a typhoon, but will go ahead on 26 September from 1pm.

The yearly Isonoura Beach Clean took place from 8-11am on 11 July. The event is sponsored by the Wakayama Surfing Association and supported by Global Sports Alliance (GSA).

The popular spot attracts over 10,000 surfers a year and over 2000 volunteers, including surfers, local municipality staff, tourist organizations and other organizations showed up to collect about 7 tons of cans, pet bottles, wood and other garbage. The weather was exceptionally hot, but the volunteers stuck it out for two and a half hours-returning the beach to its natural beauty. Thanks to all those that helped.
Participants: 2000 people

(Toshiki Umemoto, Chairman, Wakayama Surfing Association)

Global Big Ring (GBR) is a non-profit organization based in Naha, Okinawa that is trying to connect young people with their local area. As part of those activities we conduct beach clean ups on Okinawa and the surrounding islands about once or twice a month.

This time, about 12 GBR members teamed up with about 80 young people from a Naha cram schools and the ViA Shingaku Academy. Perhaps influenced by the recent typhoon, we collected an amazing 83 bags (45l) from a 400-meter stretch of beach. The variety of garbage is also catalogued and the information sent to the local municipality and manufacturers.

"ing Challenge" is the annual summer meeting for ing Corporation employees that announces their business results and maps out future plans. The event takes place at the famous Busena Terrace Resort where the Okinawa Summit of 2000 took place.
The Ecoflag was flying alongside the national flag and company President, Hironobu Takezawa explained its purpose to the gathered workforce. The Ecoflag currently flies outside ing Corporation headquarters in Saitama prefecture and at facilities throughout the country.

ing Corporation: http://www.smile.co.jp/ (Japanese only)