Join the Urban Beach Cleanup: Love Ocean Campaign in Ikebukuro on Marine Day
This year, on July 21, 2025, the Riviera Future Creation Project, a special non-profit organization based in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, will host the “Street-to-Ocean Love Ocean Campaign” in Ikebukuro as part of an urban cleanup initiative on Marine Day. This event brings together participants from various backgrounds to address the critical issue of ocean pollution, transforming urban spaces into vibrant sites for environmental action.
A Unique Approach to Marine Conservation
The Love Ocean Campaign is a part of the 6th annual initiative spearheaded by Riviera, which has collaborated with local governments across 13 municipalities along the Shonan Coast — spanning from Miura to Yugawara. This year’s focus on Ikebukuro aims to extend the coastal community, fostering connections between urban settings and oceanic wellbeing. With approximately 80% of ocean waste originating from urban areas, the campaign emphasizes the necessity for city dwellers to engage in responsible behavior to safeguard marine environments.
The event will take place near Ikebukuro Station’s West Exit, a bustling area linking urban populations with seaside communities. Organizers believe that by facilitating hands-on activities in a city space, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the links between their surroundings and the marine ecosystems that are often overlooked. Emphasizing the idea that actions taken in urban environments significantly impact ocean health, the initiative seeks to foster an integrated approach to environmental advocacy.
Engaging Youth and Exploring Community
The campaign expects participation from students, young professionals, local residents, and international tourists, establishing itself as a vital environmental movement born from urban settings. Historically, previous events, including those held on World Oceans Day, attracted around 100 participants, showcasing a growing interest in marine conservation efforts among local communities.
This year, by situating the campaign on Marine Day, the project aims to reach a wider audience, drawing attention to the vital relationship between ocean health and urban living. The goal is not just a clean-up but an inspirational gathering that motivates a local movement for ocean awareness.
The Environmental Focus of the Love Ocean Project
Rivera’s Love Ocean initiative works tirelessly toward sustaining our planet’s marine ecosystems. Notably, the project highlights the concerning statistic that plastics entering the ocean are projected to exceed the combined weight of fish by 2050. By actively participating in beach cleanups and environmental advocacy, Riviera aims to combat this urgent crisis.
Among the most pressing issues are microplastics — tiny plastic fragments that have devastating effects on marine life and may eventually influence human health through the food chain. During the Love Ocean cleanups, volunteers will emphasize the collection of microplastics, which pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
How to Get Involved
To participate in the Love Ocean campaign, interested individuals can:
1. Register on the official Love Ocean Line account:
LINE Link — signing up is mandatory for all participants.
2. Follow the prompts to enroll in the event through the menu.
Participants will gather at 8:30 AM on July 21, with a brief orientation starting from 8:20 AM. The meeting point is easily identifiable at the Global Ring in front of Ikebukuro Station, marked with the “RIVIERA's blue flag.” Volunteer certificates will also be issued upon completion of the cleanup.
Organizational Support and Endorsements
The Riviera Future Creation Project, known for its dedication to environmental sustainability, leads this campaign in collaboration with Riviera Resort and various educational and community organizations. The initiative has received sponsorship from several municipalities along the Shonan Coast as well as endorsements from significant organizations promoting environmental awareness.
Through the Love Ocean initiative, Riviera aims to establish a sustainable model for community-driven marine conservation that transcends geographic boundaries.
Final Thoughts
With the rise of urban living and its accompanying challenges, it is essential to recognize our collective responsibility in protecting our oceans. The “Street-to-Ocean Love Ocean Campaign” not only seeks to clean up but also to create a conversation about our everyday interactions with marine environments. This Marine Day, seize the opportunity to become a part of a growing movement focused on the future health of our oceans and communities.