Event Report: 'Stick with Eco Paper! Art Calendar Making' Workshop for Elementary Students
Kousoku Offset's 'KAMIKEN' project hosted a calendar-making workshop using sustainable paper at the 'ATC ECO EXPO'. The event conveyed the appeal of eco-friendly paper made from waste materials to children.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 20:10
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Kousoku Offset Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Osaka, CEO: Satoshi Shimada, hereinafter referred to as Kousoku Offset) held a workshop titled "Stick with Eco Paper! Art Calendar Making" using sustainable paper at the "ATC ECO EXPO" held at the "Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza (ATC Building ITM Tower 11F)" on Sunday, April 12.
The "KAMIKEN" project by Kousoku Offset, operating under the concept of "creating a sustainable world with exciting paper products," participated in the workshop of this event.
Targeting children aged 5 and above, this workshop allowed participants to enjoy creating calendars that utilized their individual sensibilities by freely choosing sustainable paper blended with discarded materials and combining craft parts.
Workshop contents of "Stick with Eco Paper! Art Calendar Making" and participants' reactions
First, participants choose one backing board for the calendar.
There are 6 types of paper: banana paper, craft beer paper, okiagami, kome-kami, Tohoku cotton CoC, and flower paper. All of these are unique papers blended with materials that were supposed to be discarded, reflecting stem patterns or the original colors of the waste.
They deliberated and chose their own piece by touching, smelling, comparing colors, and selecting by name.
Reasons for choosing the paper varied, such as:
- "I chose 'kome-kami' because I like rice."
- "I chose 'flower paper' because the flower stems are cute."
- "I like the color gray, so 'okiagami' is good."
- "My dad likes beer, so 'craft beer paper'."
Some participants were very particular, changing their minds even after choosing once.
After choosing the backing board, they select the board for the illustration part of the calendar.
For the May calendar making, "Koinobori (Children's Day)" and "Flower Bouquet (Mother's Day)" were prepared.
Finally, they received the calendar part and craft parts, challenging themselves to make their own art calendars.
(Participants finalizing their design concepts while looking at samples) (Refreshing design ideas with flowers and koinobori)
The method of art was completely free.
Participants were seen coloring with their favorite blue pens, arranging the koinobori part into goldfish, or collecting and pasting only parts of their favorite colors and patterns.
Artworks full of individuality gathered.
(Participants designing with blue craft parts) (Ideas for creating original patterns by layering tracing paper and flower paper)
The back of the calendar serves as an "evaluation record sheet for today."
They can fill in the name of the paper they chose, its texture, and the reason for their choice, leaving a record of their feelings when they touched sustainable paper for the first time.
Artworks by the participants
Wonderful, one-of-a-kind calendars were completed. No two designs were the same, resulting in works where individuality shined.
The "KAMIKEN" project, which creates opportunities to interact with sustainable paper, will continue to expand spaces that connect the social issues surrounding waste materials with consumers through experiential initiatives.
Event Overview
ATC ECO EXPO: Lots of Excitement! Workshops
Date and time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Organizer/Venue: Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza
An event gathering over 10 workshops and projects themed around ecology. In the workshops, participants learn about ecology and the environment while enjoying experiences and crafts.
https://www.ecoplaza.gr.jp/atc_eco_expo2026/
What is KAMIKEN?
It is Kousoku Offset's project team working to popularize sustainable paper, aiming to "create a sustainable world with exciting paper products." Acting as a bridge connecting companies' sustainable activities with consumers' daily lives, they manufacture paper products and conduct educational activities themed around sustainable paper.
■ KAMIKEN Activities
- 1986: Establishment of Kousoku Offset Co., Ltd. funded by The Mainichi Newspapers and its affiliates.
- 2008: Acquired FSC®-COC certification (FSC-C020167).
- 2023: Joined the One Planet Paper® (Banana Paper) Council. Exhibited the Paper Laboratory for the first time at "EcoPro 2023". Fully launched the KAMIKEN project.
- 2024: Exhibited for the first time at the One Planet Paper® Fes held for the first time in Osaka. Participated in the "Eco-Chil" official partner program 2024, an environmental education information paper for children. Exhibited at "EcoPro 2024".
- 2025: Participated in "Eco-Chil SDGs Expedition! Junior SDGs Camp for Parents and Children". Conducted a workshop at the "Suita Cross Expo". Co-created activities with "Ruijuku Plus", a cram school operated by Rui Sekkeishitsu Co., Ltd.
The "KAMIKEN" project by Kousoku Offset, operating under the concept of "creating a sustainable world with exciting paper products," participated in the workshop of this event.
Targeting children aged 5 and above, this workshop allowed participants to enjoy creating calendars that utilized their individual sensibilities by freely choosing sustainable paper blended with discarded materials and combining craft parts.
Workshop contents of "Stick with Eco Paper! Art Calendar Making" and participants' reactions
First, participants choose one backing board for the calendar.
There are 6 types of paper: banana paper, craft beer paper, okiagami, kome-kami, Tohoku cotton CoC, and flower paper. All of these are unique papers blended with materials that were supposed to be discarded, reflecting stem patterns or the original colors of the waste.
They deliberated and chose their own piece by touching, smelling, comparing colors, and selecting by name.
Reasons for choosing the paper varied, such as:
- "I chose 'kome-kami' because I like rice."
- "I chose 'flower paper' because the flower stems are cute."
- "I like the color gray, so 'okiagami' is good."
- "My dad likes beer, so 'craft beer paper'."
Some participants were very particular, changing their minds even after choosing once.
After choosing the backing board, they select the board for the illustration part of the calendar.
For the May calendar making, "Koinobori (Children's Day)" and "Flower Bouquet (Mother's Day)" were prepared.
Finally, they received the calendar part and craft parts, challenging themselves to make their own art calendars.
(Participants finalizing their design concepts while looking at samples) (Refreshing design ideas with flowers and koinobori)
The method of art was completely free.
Participants were seen coloring with their favorite blue pens, arranging the koinobori part into goldfish, or collecting and pasting only parts of their favorite colors and patterns.
Artworks full of individuality gathered.
(Participants designing with blue craft parts) (Ideas for creating original patterns by layering tracing paper and flower paper)
The back of the calendar serves as an "evaluation record sheet for today."
They can fill in the name of the paper they chose, its texture, and the reason for their choice, leaving a record of their feelings when they touched sustainable paper for the first time.
Artworks by the participants
Wonderful, one-of-a-kind calendars were completed. No two designs were the same, resulting in works where individuality shined.
The "KAMIKEN" project, which creates opportunities to interact with sustainable paper, will continue to expand spaces that connect the social issues surrounding waste materials with consumers through experiential initiatives.
Event Overview
ATC ECO EXPO: Lots of Excitement! Workshops
Date and time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Organizer/Venue: Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza
An event gathering over 10 workshops and projects themed around ecology. In the workshops, participants learn about ecology and the environment while enjoying experiences and crafts.
https://www.ecoplaza.gr.jp/atc_eco_expo2026/
What is KAMIKEN?
It is Kousoku Offset's project team working to popularize sustainable paper, aiming to "create a sustainable world with exciting paper products." Acting as a bridge connecting companies' sustainable activities with consumers' daily lives, they manufacture paper products and conduct educational activities themed around sustainable paper.
■ KAMIKEN Activities
- 1986: Establishment of Kousoku Offset Co., Ltd. funded by The Mainichi Newspapers and its affiliates.
- 2008: Acquired FSC®-COC certification (FSC-C020167).
- 2023: Joined the One Planet Paper® (Banana Paper) Council. Exhibited the Paper Laboratory for the first time at "EcoPro 2023". Fully launched the KAMIKEN project.
- 2024: Exhibited for the first time at the One Planet Paper® Fes held for the first time in Osaka. Participated in the "Eco-Chil" official partner program 2024, an environmental education information paper for children. Exhibited at "EcoPro 2024".
- 2025: Participated in "Eco-Chil SDGs Expedition! Junior SDGs Camp for Parents and Children". Conducted a workshop at the "Suita Cross Expo". Co-created activities with "Ruijuku Plus", a cram school operated by Rui Sekkeishitsu Co., Ltd.