#Japan #Kobe #Universal Beach #Hippo Camp #Water Wheel

Discovering Accessibility at Sumy Beach: A Universal Beach Workshop

The NPO Sumy Universal Beach Project is excited to announce the upcoming Universal Beach Workshop, scheduled for July 11th and 12th. This event aims to promote inclusivity and enable everyone, including wheelchair users, to enjoy a day at the beach. With the opening of Sumy Beach for the 2026 season approaching, this workshop is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge about using all-terrain wheelchairs, like the Hippo Camp and Water Wheel.

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of Japan's first beach mat installation, and the project has grown significantly in helping people enjoy the beach safely and comfortably. The workshop will cover important training on beach safety management and the practical use of specialized beach equipment.

Volunteer Opportunities at Universal Beach

Following the successful workshop last year, the NPO has continued its initiative to create welcoming environments where diverse individuals can experience the joy of the ocean together. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting this vision, and the project seeks enthusiastic participants to help facilitate the Universal Beach experience. The growing number of supporters has allowed for an improved environment for beachgoers, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the beach safely.

This year, we invite volunteers to become involved and transform everyone’s “can’t” into “can”. Your participation can build a more inclusive community, extending the reach of Universal Beach from Sumy to the rest of Japan.

Benefits of Being a Volunteer

As a volunteer for the Universal Beach Workshop, there are three key rewards:
1. Empathy Building: Volunteers have the opportunity to share joyful emotions like fun, excitement, and happiness with participants. This unique bonding experience allows for a shared appreciation of the beach.
2. Deepening Understanding of Disabilities: For those engaging with individuals with disabilities for the first time, interactive sessions provide insights into the needs and characteristics of different abilities. This knowledge can be applied to everyday life.
3. Flexible Involvement: Volunteers can participate without pressure, aligning their involvement with personal schedules and lifestyles. This not only allows for a meaningful contribution but also leads to new friendships.

Workshop Details

The workshop consists of lectures and practical demonstrations to educate attendees about the essential aspects of the Universal Beach concept. Participants will learn about the operations of various equipment, including the Hippo Camp and Water Wheel, as well as the usage of the beach mat currently in development called "Smart Paraway." Key points concerning participant safety and supervision will also be discussed.

Schedule Overview:

• - July 11 (Saturday):

- 9:00 AM Arrival and Preparation
- Classroom Instruction
- Break
- Practical Explanation
- Hands-On Training
- 12:00 PM End of Day

• - July 12 (Sunday):

- 1:30 PM Arrival and Preparation
- Classroom Instruction
- Break
- Practical Explanation
- Hands-On Training
- 4:30 PM End of Day

Important Guidelines:

• - Participation is free of charge.
• - Individuals who attended last year are not required to retake the course.
• - Late arrivals and early departures are permitted; however, incomplete training will result in non-qualification as a completed workshop participant.
• - Final decisions regarding cancellations due to weather conditions will be made by 7 AM on the day of the event, with updates provided on official social media.

What to Bring

Participants should wear clothes that are okay to get wet due to hands-on training in the ocean. It’s essential to bring a change of clothes, sandals or marine boots with a heel, rubber gloves, towels, hydration, and sun protection. On-site amenities include water showers and changing rooms available for beachgoers, as well as a locker for valuables (500 yen deposit required, refundable after use).

Please remember that personal belongings will be managed individually. A blue tarp will be available at the preparation site, and attendees should inform staff in advance if they cannot enter the water.

Venue: Sumy Beach (specific meeting location details will be provided upon registration).

This initiative strives to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the beach with confidence. We are looking forward to your participation!

Registration Method:
Please sign up through the following link: Universal Beach Workshop Registration

About the NPO

• - Name: NPO Sumy Universal Beach Project
• - Location: 1-14-10 Komagahirin, Nagata-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
• - Representative: Shunsuke Kido
• - Established: November 2, 2017
• - Website: sumauniversalbeach.com
• - Mission: We aim to transform everyone’s "can't" into "can" by promoting universal design in beach experiences for people with disabilities, the elderly, and young children. Our work has also been recognized in educational materials focused on sustainable futures.

Notable Awards

• - Outstanding Award at the Public-Private Partnership Awards (2026)
• - ICC Summit Catapult Participation (2025 & 2026)
• - Featured in official government social media (2025)
• - 2nd place in the Blue Flag Best Practice Award (2023)
• - Blue Flag certified by the Japan Tourism Agency (2022 & 2023)

Contact Information

For inquiries related to this release:
NPO Sumy Universal Beach Project PR Department
Contact: Torihara (Email: [email protected], Phone: 080-3782-4405)