The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building is hosting an event that allows visitors to see personal memories stored on old mobile phones that can no longer be charged.
A telecommunications company organized the event that started Saturday, as the Tokyo government launched a campaign to encourage residents to recycle devices containing lithium-ion batteries.
Staff from the telecommunications company use special equipment to bring old devices back to life, so their owners can see photos and videos and request a printout.
One visitor used a current smartphone to take a photo of e-mail exchanges with a high school friend. Another shed tears when looking over childhood photos of a son who passed away last month from an illness.
One visitor who traveled from Saitama north of the capital said he has been diagnosed with cancer and so wants to look back on his life. He uncovered the phone number of someone who took good care of him in the past and wants to try the number, even though he is not sure it is still current.
An event staff member from the telecom firm, Yano Masako, said she wants people to have a chance to enjoy memories before they recycle their devices, which contributes to good use of resources.
Visitors need to make reservations before attending the event, which runs through Monday.