Green IslandEnvironmental art at Starbucks Naha Kyohara in Japan: coastal and wetland litter becomes community sculptures
Residents and partners collect materials together
Launched in May 2025, the project brings together the Naha Kyohara store, the Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center and 株式会社オーエスディー. Residents, children, store partners and local university students helped collect, wash and dry litter from beaches and Manko for artist Yodogawa Technique (淀川テクニック) to use in his work.
Two community sculptures made from litter
Residents voted for the paper kite butterfly and the black-faced spoonbill as the motifs. The sculptures were named “うるくぬオオゴミダラ” and “とよみぬクロチリヘラサギ,” respectively. Unveiled on May 30, 2026, they are installed in the park containing the Naha Kyohara store and at the wetland center, about a five-minute walk away. The works invite visitors to look closely and learn about local nature and litter problems.
From cleanups to preventing litter
The artist also led children in creative workshops called “ゴミジナル工作®︎.” After the sculptures were completed, the initiative was renamed “つなご・みらいプロジェクト.” It aims to prevent waste and achieve zero litter in Manko and the surrounding area by May 30, 2036. Tasting parties and other activities also introduce local nature, litter issues and the artworks, encouraging customers to visit the wetland center.
