Zenbird Editorial TeamKameoka City in Kyoto Prefecture launched the Closed School Upcycle Instrument Project to transform waste materials from closed schools into musical instruments as a form of participatory circular economy through art and music.
The project upcycles physical waste left by closed schools, such as abandoned desks and chairs, turning them into percussion instruments, primarily cajons. Percussionist and painter Ryo Watanabe directs the programme, guiding citizens through the creative process. Local music rehearsal facility Studio 246 collaborates by collecting broken drumsticks, ensuring that the tools used to play the instruments also come from recycled sources.
The municipal government describes this process as a baton pass of resources, carrying the intentions of the donors to the next generation. Environmental initiatives often carry a reputation for being difficult or requiring personal sacrifice. The city wants to shift this perception by framing sustainability as an engaging and creative activity.
Reusing school furniture also preserves memories of locals. Schools historically serve as centres for community affection and shared history. Turning these familiar objects into instruments achieves social upcycling. It gathers people across generations, regenerating community connections that typically fade when a local school closes.
The project will hold a large public performance at the National Urban Greenery Fair in Kyoto Tamba on October 4. Prior to the performance, participants will attend workshops at the Circular Kameoka Lab on September 6 and 13 to paint the instruments and practice playing them together.
Kameoka City will be accepting applications for the 30 available workshop spaces until August 27. The organisers welcome all individuals, including former students of the closed schools, regardless of their musical experience.
[Reference] Kameoka City Information (Japanese)
