Who would have thought that picking up trash could be a competitive sport? It’s existed within Japan for years as a way of encouraging sustainability practices, and now it’s getting its “world-first” anime.
The Manga/Anime/Game Education Creation Organization held its first screening for the “Spo-Gomi (Sport Trash): World Cup Exhibition Match” promotional anime on Monday. The event was part of Nippon Foundation’s “Sea and Japan Project: Change For the Blue” initiative, which aims to reduce marine waste.
The organization hopes to spread awareness about marine waste to young people; according to Nippon Foundation managing director Mitsuyuki Umino, over 90% of Japanese people over 60 are aware of marine waste compared to only 60% of teens.
In the anime’s story, the sport of picking up trash, known as “Spo-Gomi,” is a popular sport comparable to soccer. Akari, the…
