Summary
To coincide with November’s “Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Prevention Month,” the Ministry of the Environment will hold the “Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Prevention Symposium 2026.”
- Date and time: Monday, November 2, 2026, 13:00–15:00
- Venue: Tokyo Women’s Plaza Hall (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo); online participation is also available
- Organizer: Ministry of the Environment
- Application deadline for general participants: Monday, October 26, by 17:00
Background
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and products that use them occur frequently at waste treatment facilities, collection vehicles, and elsewhere. According to the Ministry of the Environment, municipalities across Japan recorded 9,456 fires and similar incidents during waste processing in fiscal year Reiwa 7 (FY2025), making this a serious issue.
Key Points from the Official Notice
The first-part talk session will feature Shuichi Takizawa of the comedy duo Machine Guns, known as the “garbage-collector comedian,” the entertainer Yuchami, and staff from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency’s National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Participants will learn about the current state of fires, the challenges involved, and the battery “Three Cs.”
- Choose wisely (Cool choice)
- Use carefully (Careful use)
- Dispose of properly (Correct disposal)
What Users Should Check
How to dispose of products that use lithium-ion batteries differs by municipality. Please follow the rules of the municipality where you live. For details such as how to participate, please check the official website.
For the most current and accurate information, always check the official page.