The Nippon Foundation – University of Tokyo Ocean Debris ProjectAgreement for new project signed on May 14

Bringing together The Nippon Foundation’s project implementation capabilities and the University of Tokyo’s research capabilities, a signing ceremony was held on May 14 at the Ito International Research Center at the University of Tokyo to mark the launch of The Nippon Foundation – University of Tokyo Ocean Debris Project to tackle the continuously increasing amount of ocean debris.

The project will last for three years andhas a budget of ¥354 million. It will seek to bolster scientific knowledge andprovide advice for addressing issues, focusing on three main themes: (1)Identifying the scope of microplastic debris in the ocean; (2) Evaluating theeffect of microplastics on  livingorganisms; and (3) Clarifying how plastic debris is created and studying waysto reduce and manage that flow. Specifically, the project will work toestablish a platform for researchers in Japan and hold internationalroundtables that include members of the general public, and based on this input,propose measures to reduce and manage plastic waste. Upon conclusion, theproject is expected to provide scientific knowledge that can be usedinternationally, and based on this knowledge, to evaluate policy options andoffer advice on measures to reduce and manage plastic waste. The project willalso provide an opportunity for international coordination and networking inrelated research fields.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarksfrom Makoto Gonokami, president of the University of Tokyo, and Yohei Sasakawa,Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. Mr. Gonokami commented, “Plastic oceandebris is an extremely serious international issue that needs to be addressedurgently. I hope to use this research assistance to contribute to itsresolution.”

Mr. Sasakawa recalled the successes of aprevious ocean alliance between the Foundation and the University of Tokyo,which lasted for roughly 10 years and through which The Nippon Foundationprovided ¥1.7 billion of research funding, and also introduced the Foundation’sother projects to address ocean issues. He noted, “Human beings cannot existwithout the ocean. Today, however, we need to realize that the ocean is quietlycrying out for help. Climate change and the accompanying acidification of theocean, and ocean pollution, are issues that urgently need to be resolved. Theproblem of microplastics in particular needs to be understood scientifically,and to protect the ocean, Japan will need to change its ways. As we create anationwide citizens’ movement, it is important that our activities are based onscientific knowledge. With the University of Tokyo, we have a very strongpartner in this endeavor.”