Eco-Chu Day

What Is Eco-Chu Day?

February 5th is "Eco-Chu no Hi" (Eco-Chu Day) in Japan, established by Proto Corporation, which operates the used car information magazine "Goo." The day was created to spread the idea that driving a used car contributes to environmental protection.

Why Driving a Used Car Can Be an Eco-Friendly Choice

This anniversary carries a wish to help people reconsider the environmental value that used cars offer.

• The date's origin: a pun on "2 (tsu, read as chu)" and "5 (ko)," together reading as "eco-chu" (a blend of "eco" and "chuko-sha," meaning "used car")
• The idea behind Eco-Chu: manufacturing a single new car releases a significant amount of CO2, so making use of an already-existing used car is seen as a way to avoid adding further environmental burden
• The purpose of the day: to spread awareness of eco-friendly efforts centered on used cars, and to highlight the fresh value of choosing one

The Spirit of "Mottainai" and the Used Car Market

The flow of used cars -- passing a still-usable vehicle carefully on to its next owner -- echoes the Japanese spirit of "mottainai," or "too good to waste." In recent years, growing interest in the SDGs and a circular society has brought renewed attention to the environmental value that used cars offer.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Learn about the environmental benefits of choosing a used car
• If you're considering a new vehicle, weigh a used car as an option too
• Learn about the CO2 emissions involved in a car's full lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal
• Use the day as a chance to rethink "mottainai" moments in your own life

A New Story for a Car, Passed On to Its Next Owner

Taking good care of a single car and passing it on to someone else is one small way of making an eco-friendly choice. Let February 5th be a chance to rethink your relationship with cars through the lens of the environment.