Risonare Yatsugatake resort in Hokuto, Yamanashi, is displaying approximately 1,500 upcycled umbrellas as part of the "Yatsugatake Furefure Sky 2026" event [1].
The installation aims to reduce waste and promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by repurposing umbrellas that guests frequently leave behind at the resort. By transforming these discarded items into colorful art, the venue seeks to encourage visitors to enjoy the rainy season rather than view it as a deterrent to travel.
The event runs from May 30 to July 5, 2026 [1, 2]. The centerpiece of the display consists of "Furefure Bozu"—decorations created from upcycled umbrella materials—which stretch across a 160-meter section of the main street [3].
Staff member Satoshi Nakagawa said that most umbrellas collected as lost property are typically thrown away. He said the resort decided to utilize these disposable items in a way that guests could enjoy through the Furefure Bozu decorations.
Weather forecaster Kana Fukuyama said that the installation has a visual impact during the event. She said that when looking up, the area is vividly colored, creating an atmosphere where visitors can celebrate the rain.
The project focuses on the concept of treating the rainy season as a blessing. By converting waste into a tourist attraction, the resort intends to create an environment where people feel motivated to go outside even on rainy days [4].
“Most umbrellas collected as lost property are typically thrown away.”
This initiative reflects a growing trend in the Japanese hospitality sector to integrate circular economy principles into guest experiences. By addressing the specific waste stream of lost umbrellas, Risonare Yatsugatake is attempting to decouple tourism from environmental degradation while simultaneously mitigating the seasonal dip in travel demand caused by the rainy season.
