Northern Alps Kamikochi: Natural White Sand "Kamishiro-Suna (KAMI-HAKUSA)" from Taisho Pond, a Product Born from Dredging Operations, is Launched.

We will begin selling the product "Kamishiro-Suna (KAMI-HAKUSA)", made from natural sand generated from the dredging project for the preservation of Taisho Pond in Kamikochi, Northern Alps, from 2026. This product is an implementation of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) that transforms the essential "behind-the-scenes work" of dredging for Taisho Pond preservation into a tangible form that can be experienced in daily life. By purchasing "Kamikochi Sand," we propose a new option that leads to participation in environmental conservation and regional resource circulation. *Dredging: Conservation work to remove sand and mud accumulated at the bottom of rivers and lakes. It is regularly performed to ensure water depth and flow, and to protect the landscape and ecosystem. **Product Overview** "Kamishiro-Suna (KAMI-HAKUSA)" is natural white sand that has been dredged, selected, and washed from the sand and gravel deposited annually in Taisho Pond, Kamikochi. It is a byproduct of the dredging work, which has continued for half a century to maintain the function of Taisho Pond, important as a reservoir for hydroelectric power adjustment, and to preserve its beautiful scenery for the future. Delivering it into our lives as a "material born from the process of protecting nature," rather than "consuming nature." Natural sand "Kamishiro-Suna," which connects nature and human activities, can be used for a wide range of purposes such as aquariums, gardening, crafts, and interiors. **Development Background and Story (Valorizing Deposited Sediment)** Taisho Pond, a representative scenic spot in Kamikochi, is a natural lake created by the eruption of Mt. Yakedake. Meanwhile, sand and gravel flowing in from rivers like the Azusa River accumulate at approximately 20,000 cubic meters annually. It is said that if dredging is not performed, the pond will gradually fill up, and Taisho Pond will be lost. Koishi Kogyo Co., Ltd. has been involved in the dredging project of Taisho Pond for approximately half a century since 1977. This is not merely civil engineering work, but also a social mission to maintain its function as an energy resource and protect Japan's representative natural landscape. On the other hand, the large amounts of sand and gravel recovered through dredging have limited storage space. "Can we not let this sand, born from preserving environmental resources, become sand with no destination, but circulate as something valuable?" "Kamishiro-Suna" was born from this question. By carefully processing the material born from the dredging project into a product, we aim to achieve both the preservation of Taisho Pond and resource circulation. **Features of "Kamishiro-Suna"** **1. Natural Material Born from Conservation Activities** "Kamishiro-Suna" is made from sand and gravel recovered through dredging work essential for the preservation of Taisho Pond. The dredging project of Taisho Pond, a representative scenic spot in Japan, is itself the source of the product's value. **2. Particle Size Design Utilizing Natural Texture** The particle size is approximately 1-3mm. It has a smooth texture and a gentle feel unique to natural materials, making it suitable for viewing purposes. **3. Clear Origin and Traceability** The origin is "Kamikochi watershed, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture." By clearly stating the background and use of the sand, it provides both peace of mind and environmental awareness. **Concept** "Kamishiro-Suna" is a product that reuses sand and gravel dredged for the preservation of Taisho Pond, which has been washed and selected, and reborn as natural material for viewing and creation. It is not merely commercializing sand, but rather: - Visualizing activities to protect Taisho Pond. - Circulating regional resources. - Reducing the distance between nature and human life. These are the aims of the initiative. We believe that "Kamishiro-Suna" serves as a "medium" connecting nature and the future, where simply holding the product becomes an opportunity to become interested in the preservation of Kamikochi and Taisho Pond. **Usage Scenarios ("Utilization" rather than "Consumption")** It can be utilized for creative expression and space creation that leverages natural materials, such as in aquariums, gardening, crafts, art, and exhibition spaces. It is proposed as a material that allows one to feel nature in daily life and foster environmental awareness. **Sales Information** Release Date: Sequentially from 2026. Seller: Art Eden. Manufacturer: Koishi Kogyo Co., Ltd. Sales Channel: Online shop (https://kami-hakusa.stores.jp/) **Future Outlook (CSR/Environmental Message)** We want to expand activities related to Taisho Pond preservation as an "everyday choice" rather than a "special activity." "Kamishiro-Suna" is a product that prompts reflection on how we interact with nature, allowing users to think of Kamikochi's beautiful nature while using it. Going forward, we will expand activities to convey the background of nature conservation to more people through collaborations with creators, educational institutions, private companies, and use in exhibitions and workshops. Kamishiro-Suna is utilized, starting from sand generated by dredging Taisho Pond, aiming for the dual goals of landscape preservation and resource circulation. Koishi Kogyo Co., Ltd., as a partner of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, is promoting this project in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and related organizations. The Chubu Sangaku National Park Partnership is a system that aims for a virtuous cycle of protection and use of national parks, where diverse entities collaborate to improve and communicate value. **Contact Information for this Matter** Koishi Kogyo Co., Ltd. Attn: Hama. TEL: 0263-92-3092 E-mail: info@kami-hakusa.jp Website: https://kami-hakusa.jp/