The trash you collect on land—if left behind—can be carried by rain and wind to the sea,
where it becomes marine debris.
Learn more about the global issue of ocean waste.
- 日本語
- English
Over the course of a year,
we unknowingly consume the equivalent
of one lunchbox worth of plastic waste.
The waste problem is no longer just an environmental issue—
it’s a threat to our health as well.
Launched last year
with the hope of taking a first step
toward solving an ongoing challenge,
the Trash Bento Contest welcomed
incredible entries from across Japan.
The contest drew attention
at the EcoPro exhibition and sparked action
in local communities—raising awareness about waste issues nationwide.
And now, it's back again for 2025!
Pick up litter,
let your creativity run free,
and turn what you find into
a one-of-a-kind creation.
Maybe you care about the environment.
Maybe you love making things.
Maybe you're looking for
the perfect summer research project.
Whatever your reason,
you're welcome here.
Your entry might inspire someone.
It might make someone smile.
It might be the first step toward real change.
Let’s create a cycle of happiness—
starting with us.
We are pleased to announce that the following two individuals will serve as special judges for the contest.
Ms. Misa Enomoto will judge the entries from the perspective of a culinary professional, in light of the contest’s goal to raise awareness about “preventing trash from entering our mouths.”
Mr. Shuichi Takizawa will evaluate the Trash Bento entries using his extensive knowledge and perspectives on waste, gained through his work as a sanitation worker.
Misa Enomoto(Chef / Fermentation Meister)
Ms. Enomoto is known for her simple recipes using fermented foods and seasonal vegetables, and is active on TV, magazines, and other media.
She runs the online cooking school “Misa Enomoto’s Cooking Class.”
Her YouTube channel “Seasonal Cooking by Misa Enomoto” has over 340,000 subscribers, and her Instagram (@misa_enomoto) is also widely followed.
Her latest book, “Everyday Fermented Ingredient Recipe Notebook” (GAKKEN), is now on sale, along with many other publications.
Shuichi Takizawa(Comedian / Waste Collection Worker)
While performing as a member of the comedy duo “The Machine Guns,” Mr. Takizawa also works as a sanitation worker at a waste collection company.
Based on his experiences during waste collection, he actively shares insights on social trends, food loss issues, and environmental problems through social media, writing, and lectures.
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Pick up trash in your neighborhood
Head outside and start picking up trash. Let your imagination run—what kind of bento could you create with what you find? You might even gain new insights into your community’s unique characteristics or local issues.
-
Create your Trash Bento
Once you've collected your materials, it's time to get crafting.
Wash any reusable items and use your creativity to build your one-of-a-kind bento box. Have fun and make it your own! -
Submit your entry
Take a photo of your finished piece and submit it through the official entry form.
Be sure to include your thoughts on the cleanup experience and what it was like to make your Trash Bento.
& Terms of Participation
Never tried crafting before? Don’t worry.
We’ve created easy-to-follow instructions on how to make your own Gomi-Trash Bento.
Choose from a video or a downloadable PDF—whichever works for you.
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:
- Visual appeal as an artistic work
- Creativity and originality
- Unique and thoughtful approach to the theme
- The message or intention behind the piece
Judging will be conducted by the organizing committee and two special guest judges.
Misa Enomoto(Chef /
Fermentation Meister)
Shuichi Takizawa(Comedian /
Waste Collection Worker)
Outstanding works will be selected from a variety of perspectives, with prizes tailored to each category.
Winners will be announced on this website and on Publicis Japan’s official Instagram account
(Scheduled for late September to mid-October).
Notifications will be sent to winners via their registered email address.
Prizes will be shipped within one month of the announcement, though timelines may vary slightly depending on circumstances.
Stay at the
“Zero Waste Action Hotel”
in Kamikatsu, Tokushima
(3 people)
Located in Japan’s first town to declare a Zero Waste policy, HOTEL WHY offers an eco-conscious travel experience. This prize includes a one-night stay for a family of three.
(Judge: Misa Enomoto)
BENTO box
COFFEE
A Lunchbox
Reborn from Coffee
An award given to the most mouthwatering creation—so realistic, it looks good enough to eat. This eco-friendly bento box is made from coffee grounds and bamboo powder—plant-based materials that naturally return to the earth. When buried in soil, it begins to decompose in about six months through the power of nature.
(Judge: Shuichi Takizawa)
"Forest My Bottle
Yakusugi"
Made from
Unutilized Yakusugi Cedar
An award given to works that demonstrate excellence in the ingenious reuse of waste materials. This my bottle was created by utilizing fallen trees, buried wood, and old stumps left behind from past logging that had been lying dormant in warehouses on Yakushima Island.
PADI Cap (Shark)
PADI Original Goods
Awarded to works made using trash collected from rivers or the sea—bento boxes so charming they might even make the fish smile. The PADI Cap, made from the equivalent of eight recycled plastic bottles, is simple, comfortable, and versatile.
Rocketbook
A Sustainable
Smart Notebook
Awarded to promising creations that hint at a future bento artist in the making. This innovative notebook can be digitized via app and reused over 1,000 times—offering a sustainable way to create without using paper. *Selected from participants aged 10 and under.
Organic
Gyokuro Green Tea
Awarded to works that reflect the first inspiring steps toward tackling the waste problem. This gyokuro green tea is grown with extra care—free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. A luxurious cup that fills your mouth with rich, umami flavor. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence.
