Japan to host SpoGOMI environmental sports events in 2026

Various regional environmental events utilizing the “SpoGOMI” concept—a Japanese sport that turns litter collection into a competitive game—are scheduled for October 2026 in Japan.

In Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, the “SpoGOMI Tournament in Minakami 2026” will take place on October 18. Held in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the event aims to foster environmental awareness through gamified experiences. Teams of three to five members will compete to collect litter, with points awarded based on the quantity and type of waste found.

In Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, the “e-SpoGOMI in Iine! Matsudo” event is set for October 17. This hybrid event combines traditional litter collection with e-sports. Participants compete in a game tournament during halftime, where victories can provide strategic advantages, such as extra tools, for the second half of the litter collection competition.