In the 1889 accident when the frigate Ertuğrul sank on a rocky reef off the coast of Kii Oshima, many sailors' lives were lost despite desperate relief efforts by local residents and doctors. The exquisite beauty of cherry blossoms brings to mind the souls of the Ertuğrul. Within a single charming and refined aspect of these blossoms, we can feel ourselves in contact with those souls who now serve as a bridge of friendship over the oceans between Japan and Turkey.

Toyama Bay has been accepted as a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, in recognition not only of its extraordinary views across the ocean towards the Peaks of Tateyama, but for its marine resource conservation activities, centered on fixed net fishing, and its unique flora and fauna, such as the Broad Velvet Shrimp. The Beautiful Toyama Bay Club was established to further improve the Toyama Bay brand, and it is now employing unprecedented ideas and presentations to more widely share Toyama Bay's attractions both in Japan and abroad.

Given the historical and cultural associations of the area as an interface with the ocean, a salt water park, rare throughout the country, was built in Arai Hamakaze Park, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Unfortunately, algae flourished in the pond, causing a drop in its hydrophilicity. As a Gata girl, I set out to remedy the situation by working with children from a day care center, helping them circulate the nutrients in the water to improve the environment. Reeds are now thriving, and while progress comes in small steps we are steadily moving towards becoming an ocean park full of life.