#Japan #Kobe #Kobe Suma Sea World #Yasuaki Kagiya #Marine Plastics

Dive into Plastic Awareness

Kobe Suma Sea World, a facility operated by Gran Vista Hotel & Resort, is set to host an enlightening event on oceanic plastic waste, titled the Marine Plastic Waste Aquarium. This unique initiative will take place on October 11-31, 2025, as part of the monthly event SUMArt DAYS, promoting connections between the sea, the region of Suma, and its people.

Event Overview

The highlight of this event is a special installation created by underwater photographer Yasuaki Kagiya, who hails from Hyogo Prefecture. His stunning underwater photographs will be projected onto panels made from collected marine plastic waste, creating a thought-provoking juxtaposition of beauty and environmental concern. This art installation aims to engage visitors and inspire discussions on the future of our oceans.

In addition to the installation, Kagiya will host a talk event on October 18, 2025. During this session, he will share insights on the current state of marine plastic pollution, illustrated with photographs of various sea creatures he has encountered while diving. Attendees can learn first-hand about the urgent issues plaguing our oceans and the beauty that still remains.

Talk Event Details

• - Date: October 18, 2025
• - Time: Starting at 11:00 AM
• - Location: Orca Stadium
• - Participants: Limited to 40 attendees
• - Cost: Free, although an entry fee to the venue is required
• - Registration: Interested participants must register online between September 19 and September 30, 2025. If demand exceeds capacity, a lottery will determine attendance.

About SUMArt DAYS

The SUMArt DAYS initiative embodies the philosophy of 'SUMA' (Suma), 'Art,' and 'Smart' living. It reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and intellectual engagement, inviting participants to think about living responsibly while enjoying nature. The event will be hosted at locations around Suma Coastal Park and Kobe Suma Sea World, creating opportunities for education and environmental awareness.

Artistic Collaboration

The installation combining Kagiya’s stunning underwater imagery with marine plastic waste creates an artistic endeavor rooted in ecological consciousness. Visitors will be encouraged to contemplate the materials affecting marine life and how they can contribute to a more sustainable planet.

Yasuaki Kagiya: A Brief Bio

Born in 1971 in Hyogo Prefecture, Yasuaki Kagiya has dedicated his life to capturing the ocean's beauty. After relocating to Australia, Izu, and the Maldives in 1993 to pursue underwater photography, he returned to Japan in 1998 as a freelance photographer. Kagiya’s work emphasizes minimal stress on marine beings while providing striking, colorful representations of ocean life, winning him numerous awards, including accolades from the National Geographic Society.

Conclusion

This engaging event at Kobe Suma Sea World provides an essential platform for discussing pressing environmental issues through the lens of art and photography. As shared by Kagiya and the event's organizers, awareness is the first step towards preserving our precious marine ecosystems.

For more details about the installation and talk event, eager participants can visit the official Kobe Suma Sea World website. This collaborative effort promises to deepen connections between the community and the marine environment, promoting awareness on one of the most crucial challenges of our time.