No matter how good something is, it cannot be used if it is costly. This precisely describes the alternative material to concrete, which is used in large quantities in construction. However, there is a low-tech approach which can be used until the development of new innovative technologies. In this article, I would like to introduce a “low-carbon material with a kelp-forest-growing effect” being developed and utilized by J-POWER. I would be thankful if this effort encourages more thought towards accessible solutions for a low-carbon society.

Many of the 416 inhabited islands of Japan are facing similar problems such as a declining population and limited earning capability. Rito Hyakkaten was established as an organization to help solve these issues, linking remote islands to each other and to fans of remote islands throughout Japan. In this article, I would like to introduce examples of how collaboration between remote islands is leading to the involvement of member businesses and relevant government agencies in a mutually beneficial arrangement to support proposals and promotions of businesses, as well as future endeavors which makes the best use of ocean assets to find solutions to problems.

Sailing is an eco-friendly ocean sport which harnesses the power of wind for movement. The increasing amount of marine litter at present is an important and personal issue for sailors. I would like to use sailing to introduce specific initiatives for eliminating marine litter.