Carnival Shonan is a citizen-driven event that began with the concept "The community is the star." Rather than only thinking hard about the environment, it aims to be a place where enjoying Shonan's sea and nature, music, food, fashion, sports and the people who live there becomes, in itself, an opportunity to think about the future.
Since its first edition, the event has championed the theme of "zero waste." As a rule, no trash bins are placed at the venue, and visitors are asked to bring their own tableware. The event conveys that large amounts of trash at events are "not a given," and with the goal of "zero waste at events across Japan by 2030," it hopes to spread small actions that began in Shonan throughout the country.
This year, three people who are also everyday surfers facing the sea — a sociologist, an actor, and the head of the organizing Surfrider Foundation Japan — will hold a talk session. They will discuss the changes in the ocean and nature they feel through surfing and the distance between daily life and nature, followed by a DJ set facing the sea. The venue will also bring together a wide range of vendors, including local shops centered on Shonan, food, surf culture, art and wellness.
Key points
- No trash bins on site — visitors and organizers create an event that produces no waste together
- Sending out the goal of "zero waste at events across Japan by 2030" from Shonan
- A talk session with the ocean as a common language, plus music, food, art and more, for thinking about the environment while having fun
Why We Recommend This Event
A key feature of this event is its approach of naturally linking environmental issues with fun, rather than treating them only as "something to endure" or "something difficult." It is a place where a small action, like bringing your own tableware, lets you feel what you yourself can do.
It carries on the spirit of the "Kamakura Carnival," which ran for about 30 years from before to after World War II, and continues as a civic activity in which companies, government and citizens think together about the community's future. This, too, offers a useful reference for community building elsewhere.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What first caught my eye was that, as a rule, there are no trash bins at the venue. The goal of zero waste at events across Japan by 2030 also seems meaningful as a challenge that starts in Shonan.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“Like Aoba, I was struck by the idea of not placing trash bins. I love the attitude of thinking about the environment while having fun rather than by enduring. Heading out with your own cup could itself become a small pleasure.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“From what you both said, I felt the power of small actions coming together. It's lovely to enjoy music and food facing the sea while thinking about our distance from nature. A day created by the whole community may change what we take for granted in the future.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“An event without trash bins may sound surprising at first, but it sends the positive message that if we all pay attention, things can change.
Culture Day is known as a day that tends to be sunny. Why not head to the Shonan seaside with your own cup and reusable bag?”