Nestled in southern Japan, Kagoshima Prefecture is home to some truly breath-taking places. From its breezy, blue-skied coasts by the seashore, gardens filled with vibrant & pink cosmos flowers that are aplenty, to giant, grey beetles by a road toll. But what if I told you all these peculiar sights I’ve mentioned can be found in just one small seaside town? Yet, this town is more famous for something else than its nature: it is an exemplar in recycling & sustainability goals to not just Japan, but to the entire world. This, is Osaki town.
Discover Osaki Town
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Just a heads up, there are many places called “Osaki” (大崎) in Japan—and they all have the same exact kanji! For clarity’s sake, I am not talking about the shopping district “Osaki New City” in Shinagawa; nor “Osaki City” in Miyagi Prefecture, and definitely not even the fox yokai: Osaki! (At least this one has a different kanji). What I am talking about is ”Osaki town,” a humble seaside municipal located southeast of Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu island.
With a population of around 12,000, Osaki town is a place full of compassionate and proud people. The townsfolk take pride in two things: the first being their town’s scenic nature, and the second being their impressive recycle rate—which stems from their resolve to protect the town’s beautiful nature.
The Picturesque Natural Beauty of Osaki Town
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There are so many picture-worthy spots found in Osaki town! The outer parts of their land are blanketed by a vast pine forest, serving as a natural windbreak that borders the Masumaru shore—a serene, white-sandy beach with blue waters and skies alike. Most of the time, this is a place that remains in peace from crowds. On rare occasions, the townspeople gather during the holidays, bringing their families and children to bask in the warm air and run around to catch crabs and starfish.
Closer to Osaki town are paddy fields and farmlands stretching throughout the landscape, with rolling hills and forests to the north. The town hosts expansive fields of vibrant cosmos flowers which are the town’s local specialty. There is also the famous giant beetle statue by a roadside station, serving as the town’s mascot!
Small Town as a Powerhouse in Tackling SDGs
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Beyond its natural beauty and unique landmarks, Osaki town is a major contributor to Japan’s eco-friendly industries. For one, it is a major producer of canola oil—but what makes Osaki’s canola oil special, is how it is integrated as part of the town’s sustainable cycle. In fact, the canola oil here is produced using compost that came from food waste, which originally came from the meals that the townsfolk cooked with their own canola oil! This cycle of making and using canola oil continues on and on, becoming a flawless, working, real-life example of what is called a “circular economy”.
Canola oil is just one example of Osaki town’s efforts for recycling. Garbage such as plastic waste, metal cans, and bottles are processed and compressed into blocks. These compressed blocks are then sent by trucks and sold to recycling plants all over Japan. The income from selling these recycled materials is then used to fund the “Recycled Future Creation Scholarship,” which is given to students from Osaki town to study in universities all over Japan.
A Push for Recycling
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It is apparent that recycling is highly incentivized in Osaki town, and has seemingly become the people’s way of life. No wonder their recycling rate exceeds 80%, far surpassing the national average of 20%; and they’ve held this top spot for 14 times!
This is all possible due to the cooperation between the municipal government, businesses, and the townspeople. Since 1998, the town has communicated extensively with stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of recycling. This initiative began when the town’s only landfill was becoming full, and forced Osaki to make a choice to either: dig a new landfill, which inevitably will fill-up and repeat the problem again, or try to purchase an incinerator that is out of reach due to the price tag.
Instead, they opted for the best solution: a zero-waste solution, where waste is a “resource”, not disposed of but “shipped.” Following the town’s slogan: “Waste if mixed, resources if separated,” (混ぜればごみ、分ければ資源). The townspeople separate their garbage into 27 categories, and it is processed in an incinerator-less waste system, dubbed as the “Osaki Recycling System.”
National & International Collaboration with Osaki Town
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In 2019, the UN recognized Osaki Town as a pioneer city in tackling the SDGs. In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Osaki shared its recycling system with cities in Indonesia, such as Depok and Bali. Additionally, the town partnered with Keio University to promote the Osaki system further.
Image credit: Kuwa (Photo AC)
Osaki town may be small, but its impact on sustainability is anything but. With an unwavering resolve for the protection of its nature, they have realized the circular economy and set a great example to the whole world. This town is a testament that your love for your fellow people and nature is a great driver for great change.
Related articles:
- Moenai Gomi or Moeru Gomi? 3 Easy Steps to Follow in Sorting & Throwing Out Your Trash
- Travel to Ishigaki Island for Pristine Beaches and Starry Skies
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Can Japan Reach Them?
- Exploring Japan’s Eco-Town in Minamata, Kumamoto
Featured image credit: 鹿児島大崎町
