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Marine and Hope Festival in Kamaishi: A Student Initiative

Bunkyo Gakuin University, located in Tokyo under the leadership of President Tsutomu Fukui, is thrilled to announce a student participation program for the upcoming "Marine and Hope Festival in Kamaishi," set to take place on November 22 and 23, 2025, in Kamaishi City, Iwate. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the university's proud support for this significant event.

The festival aims to raise awareness regarding environmental issues and recycling through engaging workshops suitable for families. Participants will experience how everyday materials that are often discarded can be transformed into art, fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation for our environment. This year, the Bunkyo Gakuin team comprises 16 enthusiastic students who are eager to share their knowledge and insights with the community.

Exciting Workshops for All Ages

Collaborative Pop-Up Picture Book Creation

One of the key attractions will be the workshop titled "Everyone Creates a Pop-Up Picture Book." Using approximately 8,000 plastic bottle caps, the students will create a large-scale recycling art project that visitors are invited to contribute to. This interactive initiative not only showcases the potential for recycling but also provides a visual representation of participants' thoughts regarding environmental conservation. The sculpture will measure about 200 cm in height and 400 cm in width, making it a striking visual centerpiece of the festival.

Fish Crown Workshop

In another hands-on experience, festival-goers can create their own original crowns inspired by marine life using recycled materials. This fun and educational workshop caters to all ages, encouraging participants to learn about environmental preservation in an enjoyable manner.

Student Insights on the Project

A student involved in the project shared their thoughts: "Everyday materials like plastic bottles can gain new value through creative reuse. I hope that while having fun, we can deepen our understanding of recycling and the importance of resources, leading to a greater appreciation of the ocean and nature in Kamaishi."

Charity Sales by the Bremen Volunteer Group

In support of recovery efforts for disaster-affected regions, the student-run Bremen Volunteer Group will host a charity sale featuring original merchandise crafted by students. All proceeds will be donated to local organizations in Kamaishi. This year, the group has partnered with Akiko Iwasaki, a former proprietor of the long-standing Horai-kan Inn, to offer chocolates from the "Purajonebama" project, alongside a popular vote for the best-designed packaging created by students.

Strengthening Ties with Kamaishi City

Bunkyo Gakuin University has a rich history of collaboration with Kamaishi City, stemming from various initiatives initiated post the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The Bremen group began creating and selling charity goods as part of their community contributions. In 2017, they launched the "Never-Daruma Project" to support reconstruction efforts alongside the local community. In February 2020, the university formalized its commitment to local development and academic promotion by signing a comprehensive partnership agreement, furthering their community engagement, which includes student study placements in Kamaishi this year.

Event Overview

• - Date: November 22-23, 2025
• - Organizer: Kamaishi City
• - Co-Organizers: The University of Tokyo’s Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, Social Science Institute, Institute of Industrial Science, and Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology
• - Supported by: Bunkyo Gakuin University, Kamaishi DMC, Kamaishi City Development Corporation
• - Venue: Kamaishi Information Exchange Center (Kamaishi PIT Lounge), Kamaishi Citizen Hall TETTO
• - More Information: Bunkyo Gakuin University News