Tree · Kamikatsu, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan
Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center WHY
A mountain town's hub for sorting, reuse and learning, built on Japan's first zero-waste declaration
Since 2020Works locallyShikoku mountains
- zero waste
- circular economy
- reuse
- rural revitalisation
Kamikatsu in Tokushima declared a zero-waste goal in 2003, and since 2020 the WHY centre has been the town's only waste station, where residents sort into 44 subcategories. It also houses the free KURU KURU reuse shop, a learning centre and hall, a lab for circular-economy groups and HOTEL WHY, where guests sort their own waste.
Town-owned building designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP. The town reports recycling over 80% of its waste. In October 2026 it was taking bookings for a monthly 24-hour Kamikatz Circular Tour.
What they need
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- Staff and live-in workers
What they offer
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- Study tours
- Zero-waste hotel stays
- Lab space