Scientific Research Vessel Tara, Supported by agnès b., Returns to Japan After 8 Years

The Tara Océan Foundation, founded by agnès b. founder Agnès Troublé, is dedicated to marine research and conservation. The foundation sails the world's oceans on the scientific research vessel 'Tara' with scientists and artists to study the impact of various environmental threats, including global warming and microplastics, on the ocean. The Tara was purchased in 2003 by Agnès and her son, Étienne Bourgois, and subsequently donated to the Tara Océan Foundation, which they established.

In April 2026, the scientific research vessel Tara will visit Japan for the first time in eight years. This port call aims to promote the activities of Tara Océan Japan, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and to help the Japanese public gain a deeper understanding of the ocean. During the visit, the foundation will host onboard experiences and events focused on global warming and marine pollution to raise awareness of the marine environment.

Tara Océan Japan announced the results of its microplastic survey of Japan's coastal waters in August 2025. With the Tara's visit, the foundation aims to share these findings with a wider audience, highlight the importance of the ongoing 'Tara JAMBIO Blue Carbon Project' in Japan, and foster broader understanding and interest in the marine environment.

Tara Océan Japan is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on the 'READYFOR' platform. To accelerate the large-scale blue carbon survey along the Japanese coast that began in 2024, the foundation is seeking to raise 10 million yen between Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and Thursday, April 30, 2026. Some of the experiential rewards offered during the Tara's stay in Japan are available until Tuesday, March 31. We invite you to participate.

Returning to Japan after 8 years! Support the large-scale blue carbon survey with the Tara: https://readyfor.jp/projects/TaraOceanJapan2026

■ Scientific Research Vessel Tara Port Schedule

Tokyo, Hinode Pier: April 9 (Thu) – April 21 (Tue)

Takamatsu, Takamatsu Port (in front of Mikayla): April 24 (Fri) – April 26 (Sun)

Awashima (Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture): April 26 (Sun) – April 27 (Mon) *Anchored off the coast of Awashima

Onomichi, Nishigosho Public Quay (in front of ONOMICHI U2): April 28 (Tue) – April 30 (Thu)

*Schedule is subject to change.

■ agnès b. Related Events

Members of the agnès b. kids membership 'Les copains!!' are invited to enter a lottery for a tour of the Tara. New members are also eligible to apply.

Date and Time: April 11 (Sat), 12 (Sun), 10:00 – 12:00

*The event lasts approximately 30 minutes (4 sessions per day: 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30)

*Participation times will be provided upon notification of winning.

Application Period: Until 23:59 on March 31 (Tue)