[April Dream] From Yokohama to the World! Spreading a Regional Resource Circulation Model! PHI Inc. Seeks Partners for "Mebukururu" Co-creation Project Towards GREEN×EXPO 2027, Following MEBUKU Grand Prize Win

We are pleased to participate in April Dream, an initiative to share dreams on April 1st. This press release represents the dream of PHI Inc.

PHI Inc. (CEO: Tomonobu Shigetada), which fosters individuals for a sustainable society through "Environmental Education" x "Regional Resource Circulation", has received the "Grand Prize" in the second term of the co-creation program "MEBUKU by Vlag yokohama", organized by the co-creation facility "Vlag yokohama", operated by S.U. Urban Creates Inc. and Tokyu Corporation, aiming to create future lifestyles from Yokohama.

Building on this award, we will officially launch our new project, "Mebukururu", on April 1, 2026, in preparation for the International Horticultural Exhibition (GREEN×EXPO 2027) to be held in Yokohama in 2027.

To this end, we are actively seeking partners (educational institutions, private companies, volunteers, supporters, etc.) who resonate with our dream and are willing to work with us on "Fostering Stewards for a Sustainable Society."

■ Our Dream

From Yokohama's "Regional Resource Circulation Model" to the World via GREEN×EXPO 2027

Our dream is to establish a "co-creation environmental education" system as a nationwide and global standard, where children collect used school supplies (such as plastic morning glory pots) and upcycle them into lifelong, valuable items like traditional crafts, which are then returned to the children.

Leveraging the "Grand Prize" from "MEBUKU by Vlag yokohama", we will promote our unique initiative "Mebukururu", which combines "Environmental Education" x "Resource Circulation" x "Yokohama's Unique Characteristics." Our goal is to showcase this Yokohama-born circulation model to the world on the international stage of "GREEN×EXPO 2027."

■ Seeking "Mebukururu" Co-creation Partners to Realize Our Dream

We aim to energize Yokohama and GREEN EXPO like a game of "double dutch jump rope."

Why "double dutch"?

When playing double dutch, people of diverse ages, nationalities, and genders cooperate towards a common goal.

This state of cooperation is akin to "co-creation," where we build together.

The project "Mebukururu," which integrates "Environmental Education" x "Resource Circulation" x "Yokohama's Unique Characteristics,"

cannot be realized by our efforts alone.
Therefore, we sincerely invite the participation of the following individuals and organizations:

・Educational Institutions: Schools and facilities that can jointly promote the program as a venue for practical environmental education.
・Private Companies: Companies that can co-create through the provision of waste materials, technological collaboration, or sponsorship.
・Volunteers and Supporters: Individuals who can help energize workshop operations.


As the first initiative of "Mebukururu," we are currently developing the "Yokohama Upcycled Charm."

■ New Strengths to Turn Dreams into Concrete "Goals"

To ensure our dream doesn't remain a mere vision and to take concrete steps with our partners, we have established new systems and received the following recognitions:

Appointed as an "Environmental Counselor (Business Sector)" registered with the Ministry of the Environment

Our CEO, Tomonobu Shigetada, has been registered as an "Environmental Counselor (Business Sector)" certified by the Ministry of the Environment. This enables us to provide appropriate advice and support for companies and businesses seeking solutions to challenges related to environmental conservation activities and resource circulation businesses.

Received Silver Award in the "Creation" Category at the Ministry of the Environment's "Plasuma Award 2026"

PHI Inc.'s initiative, "JAPAN BLUE Kumano Fude 'KACHIIRO'", which regenerates used plastic morning glory pots into the traditional Hiroshima craft "Kumano Fude" (Kumano brushes), received the Silver Award in the "Creation" category at the "Plasuma Award 2026", hosted by the Ministry of the Environment to promote the smart use of plastics.

Received the Special Award at the "HIT Award 2025" for recognizing Hiroshima Tourism Ambassadors

The "JAPAN BLUE Kumano Fude 'KACHIIRO'" initiative also received a Special Award from the Hiroshima Prefecture Tourism Federation (HIT). This recognition from the Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau demonstrates that environmental education is directly linked not only to regional resource circulation but also to the inheritance and development of tourism and traditional culture.

Registered as a Regional ESD Activity Hub

PHI Inc. has been registered as a "Regional ESD Activity Hub" by the ESD Activity Support Center, operated by the Japan Council for ESD.
*ESD stands for Education for Sustainable Development, which is interpreted as "Education to foster creators of a sustainable society." This aligns with PHI Inc.'s vision.

■ In Conclusion

Embracing the April Dream motto, "A single press release can spark collaborations, lead to product launches, and connect to solving regional challenges," we declare our grand dream today.

May the small seed of "Mebukururu," which has sprouted in Yokohama, grow into a vast forest through co-creation with all of you, leading to a future filled with lush green circulation worldwide. Won't you join us in painting the continuation of this dream?

"April Dream" is a project by PR TIMES where companies announce their future aspirations on April 1st. We are committed to making this dream a reality, not just a dream.

【Contact】

PHI Inc. Contact: CEO Tomonobu Shigetada
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