Earth Day Tokyo goes online to celebrate its 20th anniversary

Earth Day Tokyo is trying something new as it marks its 20th birthday this year. This time, all the contents of the festival – which is set for April 18 and 19 (today and tomorrow!) – will happen online.

The change is a response to the spread of the Covid-19 virus and the social distancing measures it has spurred, but organizers anticipate that going digital will allow more people than ever to take part. Over 100,000 people participate in the Tokyo festival each year.

Happy Earthday to you

This year’s concept is ‘Happy Earthday – while the light of the future still shines.’

Contents such as music performances, video messages and discussion will be released online, helping people at home to use the weekend to think about the Earth and its future.

Remembering C.W. Nicol, chairman of the organizing committee of Earth Day

One of the main projects this year is a memorial to the author, environmentalist and chairman of the organizing committee of Earth Day Tokyo 2020, C.W. Nicol, who passed away on April 3. Acquaintances of Nicol will discuss his life and achievements, and footage of a final message from him will be shown.

A project called ‘Everyone’s Earth Day’ shares one-minute video messages from performers, professional athletes, TV personalities and environmental activists on the theme of ‘A message to the Earth of the future.’

Virtually a real-life festival

The online contents retain some of the feel of a real-life festival by offering music performances on two channels – the main stage and the Hello Earth Stage. And a broad range of social issues are explored throughout the two-day schedule in a format that feels similar to walking among actual festival booths.

You can find content details and the program schedule in Japanese here.

The overall Earth Day began 50 years ago in the U.S. and is also going digital this year. You can see details in English here.

Finding a way forward even in difficult times

As people throughout the world suffer due to the spread of the new coronavirus, now is exactly the time to consider what is happening to our Earth. This global turning point has given us a precious opportunity to reassess and act to create a better way forward. Sharing ideas via Earth Day is exactly what we need to be doing right now.