Originating from Awashima, Aiming for Zero Marine Plastic Waste: Execution of the 'Awashima Heart Project 2026'
On March 9, 2026, Tara Ocean Japan held the 'Awashima Heart Project 2026', collecting 510kg of marine waste and signing a public-private joint declaration for zero plastic waste.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 12:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 22:17 (322h 17m after Collected)
Tara Océan Japan, an incorporated association dedicated to marine research and ocean conservation, held the 3rd installment of the 'Awashima Heart Project', named 'Awashima Heart Project 2026', on March 9, 2026. A total of 46 people, including individual participants, joined this initiative, collecting approximately 510kg of marine waste, primarily consisting of plastics.
The 'Awashima Heart Project' is an initiative launched in 2023 by Tara Océan Japan in collaboration with Mitoyo City and corporations that support marine environmental education. The objective is to have employees of participating companies collect marine plastic waste that has washed ashore and accumulated on Awashima Island, allowing them to experience the current state of the natural environment firsthand, and to broaden interest in environmental issues by sharing their experiences.
In this 3rd installment, in addition to previous efforts, the focus was placed on connecting the problem of marine plastic waste originating from Awashima to concrete resolution actions beyond mere 'experience', through collaboration between the community and corporations.
The initiative has expanded into a continuous effort involving industry, government, and the private sector, with participation from Mitoyo City, fishery stakeholders, and citizens. Furthermore, an opportunity was provided to sign and issue a 'Joint Declaration' aiming for the realization of zero marine plastic waste, as well to share the initiatives of various companies.
Activities on the Day
On the day of the event, in addition to cleanup activities, participants experienced sampling microplastics on the beach. Also, during presentations by participating organizations, environmental initiatives of each company were shared, making it a valuable opportunity for mutual learning among industry, government, and citizens. Tara Océan Japan shared the results of a microplastic survey conducted in coastal areas of Japan from 2020 to 2023, citing findings from a scientific paper published in August 2025. Going beyond merely collecting plastic waste washed up on the shores (cleanup), they advocated for the importance of fundamentally reevaluating the ways of production and consumption in daily life and business activities, based on the 'reality of plastic leakage' shown by the survey results.
At the signing ceremony for the 'Awashima-originated Joint Declaration on Zero Marine Plastic Waste', 12 entities including Mitoyo City's Mayor Yamashita, corporations, local governments, and organizations, as well as 2 individuals signed the document. Participants declared to take action towards the realization of zero marine plastic waste through their respective daily lives and business activities.
12 corporate, municipal, and organizational entities, and 2 individuals signed the Joint Declaration.
The Awashima Heart Project aims for 'Zero Marine Waste from Awashima' and will continue its efforts going forward. The marine waste issue is not limited to local regions but is a national and global challenge.
Tara Océan Japan will continue its actions based on scientific evidence originating from the practices in Awashima, built upon the results of the 'Tara JAMBIO Microplastic Joint Survey'...
The 'Awashima Heart Project' is an initiative launched in 2023 by Tara Océan Japan in collaboration with Mitoyo City and corporations that support marine environmental education. The objective is to have employees of participating companies collect marine plastic waste that has washed ashore and accumulated on Awashima Island, allowing them to experience the current state of the natural environment firsthand, and to broaden interest in environmental issues by sharing their experiences.
In this 3rd installment, in addition to previous efforts, the focus was placed on connecting the problem of marine plastic waste originating from Awashima to concrete resolution actions beyond mere 'experience', through collaboration between the community and corporations.
The initiative has expanded into a continuous effort involving industry, government, and the private sector, with participation from Mitoyo City, fishery stakeholders, and citizens. Furthermore, an opportunity was provided to sign and issue a 'Joint Declaration' aiming for the realization of zero marine plastic waste, as well to share the initiatives of various companies.
Activities on the Day
On the day of the event, in addition to cleanup activities, participants experienced sampling microplastics on the beach. Also, during presentations by participating organizations, environmental initiatives of each company were shared, making it a valuable opportunity for mutual learning among industry, government, and citizens. Tara Océan Japan shared the results of a microplastic survey conducted in coastal areas of Japan from 2020 to 2023, citing findings from a scientific paper published in August 2025. Going beyond merely collecting plastic waste washed up on the shores (cleanup), they advocated for the importance of fundamentally reevaluating the ways of production and consumption in daily life and business activities, based on the 'reality of plastic leakage' shown by the survey results.
At the signing ceremony for the 'Awashima-originated Joint Declaration on Zero Marine Plastic Waste', 12 entities including Mitoyo City's Mayor Yamashita, corporations, local governments, and organizations, as well as 2 individuals signed the document. Participants declared to take action towards the realization of zero marine plastic waste through their respective daily lives and business activities.
12 corporate, municipal, and organizational entities, and 2 individuals signed the Joint Declaration.
The Awashima Heart Project aims for 'Zero Marine Waste from Awashima' and will continue its efforts going forward. The marine waste issue is not limited to local regions but is a national and global challenge.
Tara Océan Japan will continue its actions based on scientific evidence originating from the practices in Awashima, built upon the results of the 'Tara JAMBIO Microplastic Joint Survey'...