Cherry blossom-colored lights illuminate the Meguro River
Let's make it bloom by utilizing used cooking oil! Meguro River Illumination 2024
Illumination of cherry blossoms spreading along both banks of the Meguro River The Osaki and Gotanda area continues to develop as the sub-center of Tokyo. This area is being developed not only as a new base for business, but also as a new residential area in the heart of the city. In the hope of nurturing everyone's attachment to and pride in this town, a new winter festival was born, taking advantage of the town's scenic resources. Moreover, the energy used for the lights will be locally produced for local consumption, with 100% of the lights being generated in-house. This is the "Meguro River Illumination for Everyone 2024. Trees along the Meguro River will be decorated with LED lights to create a tree-lined avenue of cherry trees that will bloom and shine in winter.
Let's realize local production for local consumption of energy and make the winter cherry blossoms(R) bloom together!
About 400,000 tons of waste cooking oil is disposed of in Japan every year. About 200,000 tons of this is taken from restaurants and food-related companies and recycled into feed, soap, paint, and other products. However, much of the remaining 200,000 tons of waste cooking oil from households is disposed of unused, and some is discharged into rivers as domestic wastewater, contributing to environmental destruction. Biodiesel fuel" is a fuel that allows this waste cooking oil to be reused as energy. It is a fuel that can run diesel vehicles as an alternative to diesel fuel and has zero sulfur oxides, which cause air pollution. The amount of black smoke, which is said to cause respiratory organ damage, is less than half that of diesel fuel. It is truly an earth-friendly clean energy for the next generation. Biodiesel fuel is a new energy source that is attracting attention around the world. Local production for local consumption of energy is realized!With growing concern about environmental issues and climate change, efforts to realize a sustainable society are expanding, and a 2023 survey reported that about 70% of local governments are promoting efforts to achieve the SDGs. As companies and local governments are actively working on the SDGs, the number of cities selected as "SDGs Future Cities" in particular is increasing nationwide, reaching 200 cities in 2024, with 24 cities, including Shinagawa Ward, newly selected. *Reference: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles
Upcycle spots for everyone】Take your used cooking oil and join us!
In the event industry, illuminations and light-up events have become an important factor in attracting winter tourism and revitalizing local communities. However, conventional illuminations consume large amounts of electricity and there are concerns about their environmental impact. In response, eco-illumination and events that utilize green energy are attracting attention. For more than 10 years, "Meguro River Illumination 2024" has brought together "people, community, companies, and local government" to realize an illumination that is 100% self-generated. This event, which brings the "Winter Cherry Blossoms(R)" to bloom along the Meguro River every year, was a great success last year, attracting approximately 900,000 visitors. Illumination sparkles with 100% in-house power generation The energy used for electricity is used cooking oil that has been used up by households and restaurants. With the cooperation of local residents, used cooking oil is collected and upcycled into biodiesel fuel. Through this event, we aim to unite the community and realize a circular economy. The power of the local community is replaced by environmentally friendly renewable energy. We will light up the Meguro River with "Illumination for Everyone 2024. Left: Used cooking oil → Right: Upcycling to biodiesel fuel Upcycling spots for everyone. Upcycling" refers to the creation of new value by adding ideas and designs to things that would normally be thrown away. The "Meguro River Illumination for Everyone Executive Committee" has realized 100% local production for local consumption by upcycling used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel! Furthermore, the "Upcycle Spot for Everyone," which was started as an experiment last year, will be set up again this year for anyone to participate. By creating a collection point where local residents can bring in their used cooking oil, we aim to strengthen ties with the local community, and by creating an opportunity for people to think of the project as "their own business," we hope to deepen understanding of this initiative. Many of last year's visitors commented that the event gave them a sense of personal participation and increased their awareness of the need to contribute to the community. Upcycle spots for everyone
Meguro River Illumination 2024" Overview
Illuminated area map
[Location] Gotanda Fureai Waterfront Plaza (2-9 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) and along the Meguro River
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Oosaki Station or Gotanda Station (to Shinagawa Ward Gotanda Fureai Waterside Plaza)
Lighting period: November 15, 2024 (Fri.) - January 13, 2025 (Mon., holiday)
Lighting hours: 17:00 - 22:00
Number of LED bulbs: approx. 350,000
Admission: Free
An opening event will be held on the first day of the event!
Overview of the Meguro River Illumination 2024 Lighting Event ■Date: Friday, November 15, 2024 ■Hours: 16:45 - 17:30 (tentative) ■Venue: Gotanda Fureai Waterfront Plaza ■Content: Meguro River Illumination 2024 Lighting Ceremony, Kitchen Car Stalls Shinagawa Shinagawa Tourism Ambassador´ apprentice´ Hatachi no Ryoma, Osaki Ichibantaro will make an appearance! *Please note that the program may be partially changed in case of rain, and the event may be cancelled in case of stormy weather or strong winds. Please note that the event may be cancelled in case of stormy weather or strong winds.
100% home-generated illumination The illumination is fueled by used cooking oil collected from local residents to realize local production for local consumption of energy. People, community, companies, and local government will unite to make the Meguro River bloom with cherry blossoms in winter.
The lighting event will be held on November 15 (Fri.). Shinagawa Ward Mayor Morisawa is scheduled to appear on stage! The event, which won a regional award last year, will be enlivened with the cooperation of the entire community.
(3) Limited to the first day of the event! In addition to the base where local residents can bring used cooking oil, there will be a "SDGs for Everyone Balance Tower" and a skeleton garbage truck with a view of the inside. In addition to the bases where local residents bring used cooking oil, there will be a "SDGs for Everyone Balance Tower" and a skeleton car that allows visitors to see the inside of a garbage truck. Meguro River Illumination 2024]
Location
2-9-11 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022, Japan
Main venue "Shinagawa Ward Gotanda Fureai Waterfront Plaza
Access
6 min. walk from JR Oosaki or Gotanda Sta.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Photo courtesy of Meguro River Minna no Illumination Executive Committee
Reference: Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2024
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