Last weekend's heatwave was likely to have had some people concerned about climate change and other environmental issues, and just in time for World Environment Day, which took place on June 5.

Launched in 1972 by the United Nations as a way of promoting environmental awareness, World Environment day in Japan now takes the form of the Eco Life Fair, an annual event in early June that has taken place in Yoyogi Park for the past five years. This year's theme is Small Islands and Climate Change and addresses the impact of the world's rising sea levels.

Eco Life Fair 2014 brings together representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, for-profit and non-profit organizations and the Forest Supporters Administration to present booths and attractions designed to help visitors learn more about environmental issues.

With an aim to make the experience both educational and enjoyable, the fair offers quizzes, games, interactive demonstrations and stage entertainment, including shows by idol pop groups Neggico and Tsuri-bit, actress Aya Sugimoto, comedian Don Konishi and more. For younger audiences, television characters such as Gachapin and Mameshiba will perform as part of the Green Character Project by the Forest Supporters Administration.

At the Eco Food Court, visitors can also enjoy organic and fair-trade foods from a selection of restaurants and cafe booths, with plenty of vegetarian andvegan options available, including avocado tofu burgers; sweetcorn, bean and coconut curry; and vegetable sushi.

Eco Life Fair 2014 takes place at Yoyogi Park Event Square on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit ecolifefair.go.jp.