Ocean Experience
2025-05-22 05:47:34

Enriching Ocean Experience Project for Elementary School Students in Tokyo

Introduction


In a remarkable new initiative, the Next Generation Value Consortium, in collaboration with Act Indy, has launched an exciting marine education project aimed at elementary school students in Tokyo's northern wards. Starting from 2025, this program will provide students with valuable experiences that deepen their connection to the sea. The first event took place on May 16, 2025, where around 120 students from Akabane Elementary School and Iwabuchi Elementary School visited the Hayata Fishing Port in Chiba Prefecture to engage in an interactive fishing job experience.

Fishing Job Experience Overview


On this day, students got hands-on with various activities, including fishing and learning about live fish. They participated in selecting fish and even experienced bidding processes that occur at the fishing port. Such hands-on learning provided a significantly richer understanding of marine life and the seafood supply chain than what traditional classroom education offers.

The experience was organized as part of the broader "Sea and Japan Project," led by the Nippon Foundation. This initiative aims to ensure a rich and beautiful ocean is passed on to future generations by fostering connections between people through marine activities.

What Happened on the Day?


The fishing experience took place at the bustling Hayata Fishing Port, which was lively with various catches, including sardines, black sea bream, and ribbonfish. Rare species like blue sharks and sunfish were also caught during the town's net fishing activities, much to the excitement of the participating children.

During the visit, students interviewed Jun Suzuki from the Hayata Fisheries Cooperative. Questions from the children included inquiries about which fish are commonly caught at Hayata Port and the challenges faced in their work. This engagement allowed them to learn how seafood reaches their tables through an exciting, direct experience.

Feedback from Participating Schools


The principals of the participating schools shared their thoughts:
  • - “It was great to have both an experiential part, like touching the fish and conversing with the workers, and a thoughtful aspect, like the bidding game. I’m hopeful these kinds of initiatives spread in the future.” - Yasushi Uesugi, Principal of Akabane Elementary.
  • - “Being by the sea allowed our students to engage in unique experiences that tie into their regular learning. They seemed to really enjoy it!” - Katsuyuki Araki, Principal of Iwabuchi Elementary.

The Goals of the Marine Education Project


The objective of this project is to collaborate with educational institutions to provide meaningful opportunities for children to learn about the ocean. This need arises due to declining exposure to marine environments resulting from societal issues, such as parental concerns and educational institutions' risk aversion, particularly in urban areas.

By cooperating with administration and educational bodies, the project aims to lower psychological barriers to marine experiences and normalize marine education as a natural part of the school curriculum. This ongoing initiative intends to establish a solid foundation for children to interact with the ocean fruitfully.

In 2025, the project will engage with five municipalities in Tokyo, which includes Nerima, Meguro, Kita, Shinjuku, and Adachi, providing the marine education program to selected schools.

Further Marine Educational Initiatives


The program not only featured fishing job experiences but will also extend into a broader array of maritime educational opportunities:

  • - Safety at Sea Classes & Marine Activities
Locations: Haraoka Beach, Okitsu Seaside
Activities: Safety classes, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and sea kayaking.

  • - Fishing Port Job Experiences
Locations: Hayata Port, Tomiura Port, Okitsu Port
Activities: Fish biology explanation, interviews, selection process, and an auction experience.

  • - Marine Learning Photo-Trekking
Location: Obozaki Natural Park
Activities: Orienteering and beach combing.

  • - Plankton Collection and Observation
Activities: Collection using nets and microscope observation.

About the Organizations Behind the Project


Act Indy Inc.


Website: iko-yo.net
Focus: Providing parenting support, online information services, and event planning.

Next Generation Value Consortium


Focus: Facilitating meaningful interactions between children and the ocean through marine educational initiatives.

Nippon Foundation’s Sea and Japan Project


Website: uminohi.jp
Aim: To raise awareness about preserving the ocean with community involvement, inspiring nationwide action towards a sustainable future for marine environments.


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Topics People & Culture)

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