Shaping Future Generations through Marine Education and Experiences in Meguro Ward

Marine Education and Experience Initiative in Meguro

This summer, a unique initiative aimed at fostering an appreciation for the ocean was launched in collaboration with Meguro Ward, Japan. The project, executed by Actindy Co., Ltd. under the auspices of the Next Generation Value Consortium, saw 238 students from the public elementary schools in the region engage in marine education and experiential learning. Conducted from June 19 to September 11, 2025, this program introduced students to critical skills for safely participating in ocean activities.

Many of the participants had never visited the ocean before, making this experience particularly impactful. The program featured a “Marine Safety Classroom” where students learned about the importance of life jackets and the appropriate responses in case of an emergency at sea. Following this, the students took part in a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience, which marked a first for Meguro Ward. Initially, balancing on the boards proved challenging for many, but by the end of the program, students successfully glided across the water, buoyed by the cheering of their peers.

This initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the Nippon Foundation’s “Ocean and Japan Project,” aimed at ensuring future generations inherit a beautiful and rich marine environment, while also connecting people through the sea.

Program Overview

- Dates: June 19 – September 11, 2025
- Location: Okitsu Beach, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture
- Participating Schools: 238 fifth and sixth-grade students from Karasumori Elementary School, Sugakari Elementary School, and the Special Support Class Union.
- Activities: Marine Safety Classroom, SUP Experience
- Collaborating Organizations: Katsuura Lifesaving Club, Malibu Point Inc.

Experience Details

Marine Safety Classroom

Students began the day by learning the correct way to wear a life jacket from professional lifeguards. Gradually, they acclimatized to the ocean water, noting how different it felt compared to a swimming pool. They practiced crucial safety measures, like “back floating” to protect themselves in case of falls into the water. The facilitators also educated the children on responding to situations involving someone in distress nearby and discussed various buoyant objects found in the ocean.

SUP Experience

For the SUP segment, the children used a MEGA SUP that accommodates up to 13 participants at once. They began seated on the board, paddling until they got the hang of it and could stand tall to enjoy the stunning views from above. Teams that initially struggled to coordinate were soon perfectly in sync, resulting in an exciting tug-of-war competition where laughter and cheers filled the air.

Voices from Participants

One student shared how it was their first time in the ocean and felt hesitant at first, but with life jackets, they could enjoy themselves safely. Another echoed the fun of splashing water and paddling together, expressing a desire to return with family.

Principal Shinichi Otsuka of Hiji Elementary School noted how crucial it is for children to experience the ocean, emphasizing that it is challenging to expose kids to such experiences through traditional school activities alone. The support from professionals made this program a success.

Overview of Marine Education Project

Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together educational institutions to provide meaningful opportunities for children to engage with the ocean. Despite Japan being an island nation, there has been a marked decrease in children's interactions with marine environments, primarily due to parental concerns and educational bureaucracies related to potential risks.

To address this, the project aims to lower psychological barriers to marine experiences and integrate ocean learning into regular curricula and outdoor activities. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the initiative seeks to establish a sustained relationship between children and the ocean for generations to come.

Examples of Programs

The Meguro-ran program collaborates with five municipalities to offer diverse marine learning experiences, including:

- Marine Safety Classroom & SUP Experience: Locations include Haraoka Beach and Okitsu Beach.
- Marine Learning Photo-Trekking: At Ohbosamisaki Natural Park, partnering with Chiba Nature School.
- Plankton Collection and Observation: At local fishing ports, partnering with Discover Blue, NPO.

About the Organizations

Program Planning and Management

- Name: Actindy Co., Ltd.
- URL: iko-yo.net
- Focus: Child-rearing support through internet services and events.

Project Supervising Organization

- Name: Next Generation Value Consortium
- Focus: Planning marine learning and experience programs to create valuable connections between children and the ocean.

Nippon Foundation “Ocean and Japan Project”

Addressing the challenges facing the ocean today, this initiative engages individuals across Japan, especially children, in actions that promote a sustainable future for our seas.