Hida City, Gifu Prefecture: Residents and Fans from Landlocked Region Take on Marine Conservation! 'River Trash Contributes to Ocean Pollution' – A Sustainable Mission Combining Cleanup Efforts and Tasting Local Delicious Ayu Sweetfish

Hida City, Gifu Prefecture (Mayor: Junya Tokutake) will host a river cleanup event titled 'Clear Stream Rescue! Mission to Save the Sea from the Miyagawa River – Marine Plastic Waste Countermeasures' on Sunday, June 21, in the lower reaches of the Miyagawa River (Kuwano area, Miyagawa Town, Hida City), which flows into Toyama Bay.

Currently, about 80% of plastic waste flowing into the oceans originates from inland areas and travels downstream via rivers. Although Hida City is a landlocked region, approximately 5 kilometers of the river section from Uchibori to Azukizawa in Miyagawa Town has been designated as a key model area under Gifu Prefecture’s 'Marine Debris Countermeasure Regional Plan,' and this event has been planned and held annually for the past three years.

Participants in the cleanup include local residents, volunteers from outside the city, and fishing enthusiasts who cherish the local river. After the cleanup, they will be treated to the local specialty 'ayu' (sweetfish) as a token of appreciation.

Understanding the Connection to Marine Debris Despite Being a Landlocked Region

Now in its fourth year since its launch in FY2023, this event has seen over 160 citizens participate cumulatively, collecting a total of 462 kilograms of waste. Every year, participants range from families with young children to seniors, all acting as 'guardians of the sea,' and this sustained effort has led to tangible improvements in local environmental cleanliness.

Post-event surveys reveal passionate commitments to inland environmental conservation that go beyond simple volunteerism.

"Participating with my child was a great learning experience for both of us." (30s)

"I’m glad I could contribute, even in a small way, to the microplastics issue." (60s)

"This year, I noticed fewer plastic bags compared to last year, and it made me happy to think we might be making a difference." (40s)

The hands-on experience of picking up trash in their local area allows participants to physically understand the connection between 'waste in their immediate surroundings eventually reaching the ocean.'

Through this activity, participants realize that 'marine debris is not just a coastal issue,' fostering a sense of ownership. This has led to repeat participation and a growing chain of enthusiasm, such as 'I want to bring friends next time.' Survey results clearly show that citizens’ awareness is gradually and steadily changing through consistent implementation.

River Cleanup: Waste Collected in One Hour by Participants from Across the Region

Piles of waste collected during the 'Miyagawa River Cleanup Activity'—crushed cans, rusted metal pieces—illustrating how inland trash flows to the sea

Picking up trash directly enhances the deliciousness of the prized local ayu. A day of sharing the river’s bounty with fans from within and beyond the region

While many local families participate annually, this year Hida City will further expand its network of environmental supporters by collaborating with 'Hidasuke!', a unique local initiative connecting residents with people from outside the region.

With support not only from citizens but also 'helpers' coming from outside the city and prefecture, everyone will join together in the river cleanup.

In addition to the warm interactions with diverse people through 'Hidasuke!', another major highlight of this event is the participation gift—'Okaeshi' (a return gift). This year, as a token of gratitude for the participants who worked up a good sweat during the cleanup, freshly grilled 'salt-broiled Miyagawa ayu' will be served on-site.

The ayu from the pristine Miyagawa River, nurtured by lush broadleaf forests, is so highly regarded that it is even served at famous restaurants in Ginza, Tokyo—truly a source of local pride.

'Cleaning the river with our own hands protects our beloved local ayu and ultimately helps save Toyama Bay.' By picking up trash and then savoring ayu, participants can experience this sustainable cycle with all five senses. After taking action to protect the environment, participants will enjoy lively exchanges and fully appreciate the rich blessings of the Miyagawa River, transcending regional boundaries.

The local ayu served after the activity is absolutely delicious!

Clear Stream Rescue! Mission to Save the Sea from the Miyagawa River – Marine Plastic Waste Countermeasures

Date and Time

June 21 (Sun) 9:00–11:00

Location

Kuwano area, Miyagawa Town, Hida City – Miyagawa Riverbed

※ Meeting Point: Parking lot in front of Sakashita Gymnasium (61 Kuwano, Miyagawa Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture)

Schedule

9:00–9:10 Opening Ceremony

9:10–10:10 River Cleanup Activity

10:10–10:30 Waste Measurement

10:30–11:00 Move to 'Hida Manga Kingdom' for ayu tasting and交流

View Details

Expanding a Positive Environmental Cycle from a Landlocked Region Through 'Human Connection' and 'Resource Circulation'

Hida City will continue this Miyagawa River cleanup initiative and spread the message of 'marine conservation from a landlocked region' nationwide.

This activity goes beyond mere environmental beautification. It fosters 'human connection'—diverse people from within and outside the region meeting and enjoying environmental action through 'Hidasuke!'—and 'resource circulation'—where efforts to keep the river clean return in the future as abundant natural blessings like the prized local ayu.

By overlapping these two cycles of 'people' and 'resources,' Hida City aims to create a model case for a 'positive environmental cycle' where anyone can protect nature effortlessly and enjoyably.

Furthermore, by deepening collaboration with the local community, the city will generate a virtuous cycle where environmental conservation actions lead to the future return of rich natural blessings like the 'ayu of the clear Miyagawa River,' promoting sustainable community development where everyone wants to continue living.

Lower Reaches of the Miyagawa River, Loved by Ayu Anglers Nationwide

Inquiries

Hida City Office, Environmental Division

TEL 0577-73-7482

Hida City, Gifu Prefecture

Hida City is a small city with a population of approximately 21,000, surrounded by mountains such as the Northern Alps, with about 93% of its total area covered by forests, blessed with rich natural resources. In addition to abundant natural assets, it boasts diverse and unique regional resources, including the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Furukawa Festival and Okoshidaiko drumming, astrophysics research facilities like 'Super-Kamiokande' that contributed to a Nobel Prize in Physics, and scenic rural landscapes that served as the model for the hit anime film 'Your Name.'

Hida City Official Website: https://www.city.hida.gifu.jp/

Hida City Official Tourism Website: https://www.hida-kankou.jp/

PRTIMES Hida City Page: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/120394