Japan hosts competitive waste collection and eSports environmental events

Various environmental conservation events utilizing the ‘SpoGOMI’ format—a competitive waste collection sport—are being held across Japan to raise awareness about marine debris and the SDGs.

In Aomori, the SpoGOMI Koshien 2026 Aomori Prefecture Tournament took place on September 19 near the Aomori TV headquarters. Seventeen high school teams participated, collecting a total of 36.35kg of waste. The team ‘Waga Nori Toban’ from Goshogawara Norin High School secured first place, collecting 11.375kg of trash.

In Ishikawa, the ‘Nippon Foundation eSpoGOMI in Ishikawa’ is scheduled for October 24 at the I-O DATA Second Building in Kanazawa. This event combines eSports with waste collection. Participants compete in trash collection rounds, with a gaming tournament held during halftime; winning the game provides advantages, such as additional tools, for the subsequent cleaning round.