eSPOGOMI

eSPOGOMI is a social activity in which people enjoy achieving SDGs. It is a combination of eSports and “SPO GOMI,” a social activity that adds the essence of sport to community cleanup. The initiative Yokohama OneMM began the movement of eSPOGOMI in Yokohama in April 2021.

eSPOGOMI is a team competition for trash pickup divided into two halves. During the halftime, PC games in which multiple people can participate are held. Depending on the game results, participants can win items to help their second half of the trash pickup. The staff members entertain the game with amusing gameplay so that people who are not unfamiliar with the game can enjoy the whole event. The amount and kind of trash determine the final result.

People are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious about reducing waste and recycling resources to realize a decarbonized society and sustain the earth. On the other hand, eSports is also attracting a remarkable increase in the public interest, as the domestic market size is expected to reach 9.1 billion yen by 2022, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan (2020). eSPOGOMI creates opportunities to enjoy cleaning up a community as well as enjoying playing games with friends and neighbors. This is one of the good ways to connect hobbies and pastimes to social contribution and realize sustainable city development and partnerships.

1. Achieving the SDGs through playing PC games

eSPOGOMI aims to raise the people’s environmental awareness while cleaning up the city. They mainly e on the following four of the 17 SDGs;

• 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• 14: Life below water
• 15: Life on land
• 17: Partnerships for the goals

In addition, the combination of trash pickup and games can function as a part of environmental education not only for children but also for adults. eSPOGOMI shares opportunities to consider the future of the environment with citizens.

2. For Town. For People. Citizens Bring Different Values

The more social games become popular, the fewer connections between the real and online world. eSPOGOMI combines trash pickup and PC games so that people can physically unite and find links in the local community. Furthermore, it could be an innovation hub where people bring various values, motivations, and backgrounds together.

3. Maintaining and Improving Health to Resolving the lack of exercise

During the pandemic, the lack of physical exercise can be a dilemma. eSPOGOMI is one of the practical activities from the perspective of health promotion.