Reviving Japan's Abandoned Boats and Delivering Them as 'Life-Saving Vessels' to Philippine Islands! 'Project KATIG' Launches Crowdfunding from Izumo's Taki Town on June 17 (Wed)

Boat Bridge Asia, an NPO based in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture (Representative Director: Yo Watanabe), is officially launching 'Project KATIG (Project Katig)', an initiative to collect, repair, and regenerate abandoned boats in Japan—long considered environmental hazards—and donate them free of charge to remote island communities in the Philippines. These vessels will serve as fishing support boats during normal times and as emergency rescue boats for medical evacuations and school transportation during disasters.

This project uses the Izumo-Taki model as a pilot case, aiming to expand 'Boat Bridge Asia' hubs to coastal regions across Japan. The goal is to build a regional revitalization model that integrates local primary industries, traditional boat-building craftsmanship, and maritime cultural heritage.

To fund the initial repair and transportation costs, a crowdfunding campaign will launch on June 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM via the platform READYFOR, with a target of 3 million yen.

## Crowdfunding Overview

Project Title: Reviving Japan’s Abandoned Boats and Delivering Life-Saving Rescue Boats to Islands Across Asia!

Project Lead: Yo Watanabe, Representative Director, Boat Bridge Asia

Platform: READYFOR

Duration: June 17, 2026 (Wed), 10:00 AM – Early August (tentative)

Initial Funding Goal: 3 million yen (for boat repairs and shipping to the Philippines)

Project URL (live and supportable from June 17): https://readyfor.jp/projects/project-katig?sns_share_token=1a30983628e88c3ea3eb&utm_source=pj_share_url&utm_medium=social

## Background and Challenge: From Japan’s ‘Waste’ to Asia’s ‘Lifesaving Infrastructure’

Japan faces a growing environmental and safety issue: numerous abandoned FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) boats are left rotting in ports and coastal areas due to lack of proper disposal systems.

Meanwhile, remote island communities in the Philippines, frequently hit by typhoons and extreme weather, often lose their only means of transportation and livelihood—boats. This cuts off access to hospitals, schools, and income sources, leaving many stranded.

Boat Bridge Asia has launched Project KATIG to simultaneously address environmental waste in Japan and humanitarian needs in Asia by regenerating abandoned Japanese boats and sending them across the sea to the Philippines.

## The Four Self-Sustaining Business Engines Behind Project KATIG

This is not a one-off volunteer effort. To ensure long-term sustainability, the NPO has established four revenue-generating engines, creating a resilient local economic model from Taki Town, Izumo:

- Abandoned Boat Collection & Cooperation Fee Program: Collects fees from boat owners struggling with disposal, using the funds as initial capital for repairs and operations.

- Domestic Resale of Refurbished Boats: Repairs boats suitable for reuse and sells them domestically to fishermen and marine leisure users through a dedicated shipyard, generating significant revenue.

- Traditional Seaweed Salt Production & Welfare Employment: Uses the rich seawater of Taki Town to produce high-quality, traditionally made seaweed salt and smoked products. People with disabilities participate in production, earning fair wages and dignity.

- Ethical Food Brand 'Izumo no Aji: Musubi': Develops a premium food brand combining seaweed salt and local agricultural products, establishing sustainable commercial channels for consumers and tourists.

These four economic engines will generate profits used to donate and maintain official emergency and disaster rescue boats to local Philippine governments (e.g., Negros Oriental Provincial Government).

## Future Roadmap: Expanding Hubs Across Japan and Integrating 'Maritime Culture & Local Industries'

We view the Izumo-Taki initiative as the first step. We plan to replicate this model in coastal towns across Japan.

Across the country lie dormant assets: unique primary industries, vanishing traditional boat-building skills, and rich maritime cultures. Boat Bridge Asia hubs will awaken these local treasures, combining them with modern marine conservation, welfare, and employment support to drive regional revitalization.

Imagine: 'Your town’s proud industry and maritime heritage becoming life-saving infrastructure for people across the sea.' We aim to spread this new model of sustainable international contribution and regional regeneration to port towns nationwide.

## 'Never Limit Yourself.' The Vision of Representative Director Yo Watanabe

My late father was a sailor who traveled the world’s oceans. I now carry on his legacy by connecting the world across the sea.

I’ve faced near-death illness, bankruptcy, and pandemic setbacks—but I’ve always been sustained by the belief: 'Never limit yourself,' and by the warm support of my local community.

But ideals alone won’t sustain a project.

We are building a solid international trade and aid framework while ensuring our salt-making business in Izumo is profitable. By balancing nonprofit ideals with business sustainability, we will create true infrastructure that leaves no one behind.

Our dream doesn’t end in Taki Town. We will expand hubs to every coastal town in Japan, reviving each region’s unique industries, traditions, and maritime heritage, and reconnecting them to the world.

This crowdfunding campaign is a crucial, gritty first step—to launch our first boat and prove our business model can save lives. Please become a crew member on our journey.