The The Museum of Package Culture, operated by Toyo Seikan Group (address: 1F, Osaki Forest Building, 2-18-1 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo), will hold a special exhibition titled "A Round-the-Turn Journey of Paper Cups" from Monday, April 20, 2026 to Friday, June 19, 2026.
This exhibition aims to raise awareness and understanding of paper cup recycling in time for "Paper Cup Day" on May 2nd. The process of paper cups, from manufacturing and use to washing, collection, recycling, and transformation into new products, is presented as a "journey of a paper cup," and is explained in an easy-to-understand way through panel displays, videos, a stamp rally, and more. This exhibition is designed to be enjoyable and educational for people of all ages, from children to adults.
Approximately 14 billion paper cups are consumed annually in Japan. However, because leftover drinks and stains make recycling difficult after collection, many are incinerated as combustible waste. In response to these challenges, our consolidated subsidiary, Tokan Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hironobu Tanabe; hereinafter "Tokan Kogyo"), a leading manufacturer of paper cups, has long been working to increase understanding and interest in the recycling of paper cups.
Paper cups can be transformed from "waste" into "resources" through the simple action of "washing" them by the consumer. This exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for people to learn about paper cup recycling in a fun way through various exhibits and content, and to realize the importance of everyday practices such as sorting and washing. Collection boxes will be set up at the venue to collect paper cups and cups that have been washed and brought in. The collected containers will go through the recycling process and be distributed to the market as new products. Please bring them along.
Incidentally, May 2nd, during the exhibition period, is "Paper Cup Day." Tokan Kogyo applied to the Japan Anniversary Association for this designation, and it was officially recognized as a commemorative day in 2019. The date is a play on words, "co (5) cup (2)," and it coincides with Golden Week, a period when paper cups are frequently used. It also embodies the wish to encourage hydration and help people enjoy a healthy summer.
*According to Tokan Kogyo Ltd.
■Main contents of this exhibition
Panel display on the characteristics and recycling of paper cups
Stamp rally that can be enjoyed by parents and children
- A section showcasing examples of initiatives by Tokan Kogyo Kogyo.
- Collection of paper cups and paper cups in collection boxes
- Introduction and hands-on experience of the paper cup washing machine "Re CUP WASHER" (※This experience is available to those who have made a reservation to visit The Museum of Package Culture
For more details, please see the exhibition flyer.
https://www.tskg-hd.com/news/news_file/file/20260413_newsrelease.pdf
About The Museum of Package Culture
The Museum of Package Culture is a facility that "unlocks" the various secrets hidden within containers and packaging. Its aim is to disseminate cultural information generated by containers and packaging, fostering understanding and familiarity with containers among the general public, including local residents. The museum exhibits the history, technology, and ingenuity of containers, from their relationship to the birth of civilization to the latest in packaging.
Address: 1st Floor, Osaki Forest Building, 2-18-1 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Since its founding in 1943, Tokan Kogyo has brought a wide range of packaging containers made from paper and plastic to the world. As a leading Japanese company, particularly in the field of paper cups, the company responds to a wide range of customer needs, providing environmentally friendly products that suit diverse lifestyles. To achieve this, the company's management philosophy is to "create products and systems that are in harmony with social needs and the natural environment, and contribute to the improvement of lifestyles and culture." To this end, the company will utilize the individuality and diversity of its employees, take on the challenge of "innovating" and "creating" packaging containers, and promote efforts to realize a sustainable society.