Anyone who has been to Japan knows how hard it is to find even a piece of litter on the streets, but the residents of Kamikatsu, a small town in Tokushima Prefecture, have taken environmental protection to the next level by practicing a “zero-waste” lifestyle. Everyone adheres to a strict resource recycling program. One of the newest examples of this approach is the transformation of waste into a microbrewery, allowing the town’s 1,500 residents to share in this eco-friendly achievement.
Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the unique exterior makes this microbrewery especially eye-catching. This 8-meter-high bar space embodies the “zero-waste” spirit from the inside out. The exterior walls are entirely made from windows salvaged from abandoned houses. Meanwhile, the double-layered structure ensures stability and proper ventilation. The flooring is also made from reclaimed materials, the chandeliers are fashioned from discarded bottles, and even the wallpaper is designed using old newspapers. Every piece of second-hand furniture has been carefully restored.
The interior of the bar offers an open and airy feel. It not only sells brewed beer but also functions as a storage and brewing facility. The cozy environment allows locals to enjoy the fruits of years of zero-waste efforts in the most relaxed state of mind.
Image source: koji fujii / nacasa & partners inc.