Japanese manicurist tackles plastic pollution with one nail at a time
As global leaders prepare to address plastic pollution at an upcoming summit, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is tackling the issue on a personal level by incorporating plastic waste into her nail designs. Living near a beach south of Tokyo, Arimoto collects tiny plastic fragments from the sand, which she transforms into decorative tips for the false nails she offers at her salon. Her commitment to this eco-friendly initiative began after participating in local beach cleanups, where she was shocked by the volume of plastic debris in the ocean.
“I became aware of environmental issues the moment I saw with my own eyes just how much plastic waste was in the ocean,” stated Arimoto, who is 42 years old. According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, approximately 20 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the environment annually. The upcoming United Nations summit in Busan, South Korea, starting on November 25, aims to create a significant treaty that establishes global limits on plastic production.
Notably, the United States, a leading plastic producer, indicated its support for a global treaty in August, which environmental advocacy group Greenpeace described as a pivotal shift in the battle against plastic pollution. Arimoto opened her own nail salon in 2018 after a spinal condition forced her to retire from her job as a social worker, and since 2021, she has been crafting nail art from what she calls Umigomi, or “sea trash.” Each month, she uses a specially designed wheelchair to comb the beach, collecting microplastics that might otherwise be overlooked during cleanups.
To transform this “sea trash” into beautiful nail accessories, Arimoto begins by washing the collected plastic pieces in fresh water, sorting them by color once dry. She then cuts the plastic into smaller segments and melts them in a metal ring, creating colorful discs that can be affixed to artificial nails. The price for a set of her unique nails starts at 12,760 yen (approximately $82.52).
Salon customer Kyoko Kurokawa, 57, expressed surprise at the creativity involved, stating, “I know there are other things made of recycled materials, like toilet paper and other daily necessities, but I had no idea you could have nails too.” While Arimoto recognizes that her efforts are just a small component of the broader plastic pollution issue, she is optimistic that her work can help raise awareness about the problem.
“I hope that by putting these at the forefront of people’s eyes, on their fingertips, they’ll enjoy fashion while also becoming more aware of environmental issues,” Arimoto remarked. Her innovative approach underscores the importance of individual action in the fight against plastic pollution and encourages others to think creatively about sustainability.
With increasing focus on the environmental impact of plastic, Arimoto’s work illustrates an artistic and conscious response to a pressing global challenge, inviting clients to consider their enjoyment of beauty in conjunction with the health of the planet. Through her nails, Arimoto aims not only to provide a trendy accessory but also to spark conversation and motivate a collective movement towards addressing the global plastic crisis.