The French ambassador presents used mobile phones donated by Paris citizens to the governor

On Thursday, February 7, Governor Koike met with French Ambassador to Japan Laurent Pic at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and was presented a box of circuit boards removed from old cellular phones collected in Paris in support of the “Tokyo 2020 Medal Project: Towards an Innovative Future for All.”

These circuit boards, which contain gold, silver, and bronze that will be turned into medals for the Tokyo 2020 Games, come from 311 no-longer-used mobile phones donated between October 31 and November 7, 2018 in a project launched by the city of Paris.

In presenting the circuit boards to the governor, Ambassador Pic stated: “This will give many people a renewed understanding on the importance of a circular economy,” “The important point of a circular economy is to avoid wasteful use of resources and reduce waste generation. A program that allows ordinary citizens to participate in protecting the environment is very meaningful. I am very pleased to deliver the contributions of Paris citizens.”

Govenor Koike expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for bringing to us the passion of the people of Paris and France for the environment, as well as their enthusiasm for the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games.” The governor also said that, “It is very encouraging that the Embassy of France in Japan joined our ‘team MOTTAINAI.’ It would be good if Japan and France could lead and promote environmental campaigns in Asia and Europe, respectively, together with their citizens.”