The Challenge of a Unique Accessory Designer Protecting Ishikawa’s Seas | Marine Plastic Pollution and Workshops

I wanted to see Kawasaki-san’s workshop—she works as an accessory designer at Kaeru Design—for myself, so I asked if I could tag along. There were lots of children taking part in the workshop.

What struck me most was the way the session was designed to engage the children by meeting them at eye level and fostering a sense of connection.

In the subsequent session, ‘Let’s make key rings using marine plastic waste’, I was struck by the children’s intense concentration whilst they were crafting and the joyful atmosphere once their creations were finished.

Interviewee Sumiko Kawasaki Kaeru Design

Could you tell me about the structure of the workshop?

When delivering lectures using slides, I make a conscious effort to ensure the content resonates with the children and speaks to their perspective. Whilst memories of a lecture alone tend to fade over time, I hope that by incorporating a hands-on experience—such as making jewellery—the children will be reminded of the session whenever they look at their creations.

I see! It sounds like leaving a tangible legacy could have a significant impact. Was there a particular reason you started this work?

It all began as an initiative to help promote employment at facilities for people with disabilities. However, once I witnessed the reality of marine litter through my subsequent activities, I felt I simply could not stand by and do nothing about the situation.

Do you have any special feelings or memories associated with the sea in Ishikawa?

I visited every single beach in the area and realised that there is undoubtedly plastic to be found everywhere. This is true even in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is famous for its delicious fish and beautiful seas. Having visited the coast repeatedly over the years, I have grown quite attached to the seas of Ishikawa. I also want to help protect the beautiful coastal scenery of Noto so that we can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

I saw on your website that pupils at Kanazawa University Special Needs School have carried out a survey on marine plastic waste. Could you tell me more about it?

Our research activities began following a workshop we were commissioned to run. We walk from the upper reaches of the river down to the lower reaches and along the coast, collecting and examining plastic waste. Research and surveys often lack continuity and tend to peter out, but because the students are driven by a genuine curiosity—such as wondering what language the text on this plastic waste is written in and where it comes from—we have been able to keep this project going. I believe it was partly due to this commitment to continuity that led to us receiving the NICE Presentation Award for our presentation on the ‘Marine Plastic Waste Problem’ at the Japanese Society for Marine Education.

It sounds like your learning efficiency must be incredibly high when you’re genuinely interested! Apart from that, you’re also involved in beach clean-ups – is there anything in particular that keeps you going?

I think the reason I always enjoy what I do is that I approach it as if I were simply meeting up with a friend for a chat.

I see—it looks completely different when you think of it as an activity! What is the philosophy behind the activities at the Anamizu nursery?

Amidst the ongoing trend of depopulation, I continue in the hope of contributing to the creation of a community that serves as a place people can return to and feel at home in. Furthermore, one of the great attractions of working in a nursery is that the headteacher rarely changes, which allows for consistent, long-term activities.

I feel that these activities are also linked to the concept of ‘passing on the sea to the next generation’. Is there a particular sentiment behind this phrase?

I hope that when today’s children grow up, they will have a different understanding of plastic from the one we adults hold today. I believe that by fostering environmental awareness from childhood, society’s mindset as a whole will change, leading to solutions for environmental issues. I hope that our beautiful seas will remain for generations to come.

Finally, what keeps you motivated to continue your work? Also, how can people get involved or show their support?

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the children enjoying themselves. We post updates about our activities on Instagram and the NPO Ishikawa Marine Environment Conservation Society website!

Thank you for the interview! In addition to her work
at Kaeru Design, She is also active with the NPO Ishikawa Marine Environment Conservation Society. They are currently recruiting supporting members, so please do take a look if you are interested.

Instagram:
NPO Ishikawa Marine Environment Conservation Society