World Ocean Plastic Planning Center (PLA PLA) Opens on June 7 - Semba Creates Hands-On Experiential Space

Semba Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Jun Otagiri) handled the planning, design, production, and construction of interactive exhibition contents for the World Ocean Plastic Planning Center (nickname: PLA PLA) opened by Saga Prefecture on June 7, 2026, in Hado Cape, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.

This facility is the world's first specialized base*1 aimed at communicating the real situation of ocean plastic pollution and encouraging each visitor to personalize the environmental issue and change their behavior.

From the front line of ocean plastic pollution at Hado Cape to the world: The trajectory of PLA PLA

Approximately 150 million tons of plastic drift in the world's oceans, and due to increasing plastic outflow, it is estimated that by 2050 the amount of marine debris will exceed the weight of fish*2. About 30,000 to 50,000 tons of marine debris are collected annually along Japan's coasts, and microplastic concentrations in Japan's seas are 27 times the global average*2. In particular, the coast of Hado Cape in northern Kyushu accumulates large amounts of domestic and foreign marine debris due to ocean currents, narrow straits, and winter seasonal winds. Most of this debris is ocean plastic, and while volunteer groups conduct cleanup activities, impacts on marine life, fisheries, shipping, and tourism are becoming apparent. Saga Prefecture views ocean plastic as a global issue and has opened PLA PLA not only to collect and dispose of debris but also to upcycle it as a resource and to serve as a hub for learning, thinking, acting, and exchanging ideas about ocean plastic. The center aims to reduce the generation of marine debris and connect the beautiful Karatsu Genkai area's sea to the future.

Utilizing Semba's ethical design to transform marine waste into art; creating a living space that continuously communicates the front line

Semba is committed to "ethical design" that creates spaces friendly to the future. For this facility, we were responsible for the content planning, design, production, and construction of the interactive exhibition space. Our goal was to create an experience where visitors can feel the severity of the ocean plastic issue and reconsider ocean plastic as a "new resource." We collaborated with the Saga Prefectural Museum, ocean plastic researchers, and various others to oversee the creation of exhibits and video content that convey the global social issue. Furthermore, we upcycled ocean plastic and discarded fishing nets collected from local beaches for use in the exhibition space, and used 100% renewable materials for some furniture and fixtures. We also implemented a movable spatial design that can flexibly adapt to future operational changes, creating a "living space" that continuously communicates the latest information.

*1 World's first facility where visitors can learn about ocean plastic through a complete cycle of collection, recycling, exhibition, research, and experience (according to Saga Prefecture).
*2 Based on the Regional Revitalization Plan under Article 3, Paragraph 3 of the Rules for Subsidies for Coexistence with Nuclear Power Plant Sites, December 2023, Saga Prefecture.

■ Exhibition Content Details

"Plapura Miraizu": A large mural depicting the sea of Hado Cape on the front, and a large screen showing videos on ocean plastic issues on the back. An animated video that presents the ocean plastic problem in an easy-to-understand way and prompts visitors to consider it as their own issue.

Ocean Sphere: Draws global ocean currents, ocean plastic collection records, and environmental data around Karatsu using LED light. A diorama to learn about marine debris at Hado Cape: By flipping panels, visitors can see photos and explanations to learn about the actual state of marine debris from various locations.

Documentary Video: Introduces efforts to address ocean plastic issues in Japan and around the world, featuring people working on solutions. Exhibition of cutting-edge research: Displays microplastics collected by researchers in polar regions and actual marine debris, allowing visitors to experience the global scale of the problem.

Exhibition on Changes in Lifestyle and Plastics: By comparing everyday tools and materials from the past and present, visitors can consider the background of environmental burden issues facing modern society. "Voice and Share": A space where visitors can write and share insights and impressions gained through the experience.

Facility Overview

Facility Name: World Ocean Plastic Planning Center (PLA PLA)
Opening Date: June 7, 2026
Location: Hado, Chinzei-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
Semba's Scope of Work: Planning, design, production, and construction of interactive exhibition contents
Official Website: https://pla2.jp/
Photography: Boxgraph Co., Ltd.

■ About Semba

With the corporate philosophy of "Success Partner," Semba provides comprehensive support from research, planning, design, construction, to maintenance for various spaces including commercial facilities, offices, education, healthcare, and leisure facilities. Since 2021, the company has adopted the vision "Good Ethical Company" and the mission "Spaces for a Better Future." With a perspective of consideration for people, local communities, and the natural environment, Semba promotes ethical design aiming to co-create spaces friendly to the future across the entire supply chain.

Company Name: Semba Corporation
Location: Seavans S Building 9F, 1-2-3 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market (Code: 6540)
Major Projects: Fukuoka Airport International Terminal (design, construction)/ Suntory Natural Water Minami Alps Shinano no Mori Factory (design, construction)/ Tokyo Share Office Sumida (production, design, construction)/ Mitsui Shopping Park Lalaport Kadoma & Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma (research planning, master plan, design, environmental design, construction)