A Hard-Won Happy Ending

The Story of Chichibugahama Beach

On the Easternmost edge of Kagawa Prefecture
lies Chichibugahama Beach,
a site whose quiet scene
was changed by just one snapshot.
Now, hundreds of guests from Japan and abroad
flock to its shores every day.

One group in particular
maintains its beauty,
assists visitors, and speaks with particular conviction about its history.
They are the Chichibu Committee.

The Threat of Destruction

"Why would they fill in such a beautiful beach?"

Locals decided that to voice their dissent, they should begin a 'gentle resistance' by cleaning the beach.
Led by one fisherman but spreading to others of various occupations,
these locals pledged to protect Chichibugahama Beach their way through their sadness, anger, and concerns.

We Have to Protect it

Beach cleanings continued through wind, rain, and snow.
Through sharing their determination with others
and the passage of time
the plans to fill in the beach were eventually cancelled.
The beach had won its right to exist.

Continuing
The Legacy

Even after the threat to the beach had ended, the group continued to clean the beach.
They took pride in making a difference in their town with their own two hands.
By continuing, they could ensure that the children of the future would also have a beautiful beach to enjoy.

Even now, more than 25 years later, the Chichibu Committee continues its work.

"What we were picking up wasn't garbage, it was hope."

In the beginning, the group consisted of just 7 members.
25 years later more than 200 members carry on cleaning the beach reguarly.
Although they were looking for garbage, what they found was camaraderie and hope.

• Second-Generation Committee Chairman Kamoda
• Former Committee Heads (Left to right: Mr. Shiota, Mr. Kamoda, Mr. Suga)

Various types of garbage wash ashore on the beach.
In recent years, plastic garbage is partiuclarly prevalent.
Participants feel the effects of individuals' consumption and waste keenly.
We all play a role in the future of the planet.

A Snapshot of
a Different Destiny

One photo showed Chichibugahama from a new angle.
The tidal pools which appear on the sand each day reflected the sky like a huge mirror.
No one had ever realized the potential for such an effect.
It had been possible the whole time, but hidden.

What makes Chichibugahama special is its geographic location.
The beach is surrounded on three sides by mountains.
In the evening, the wind stops and the air becomes still during the evening calm.
With the above picture, Chichibugahama became known around the world,
and many visitors travel from around the world to experience it.

Chichibugahama as it exists today is the result of collective
hard work by those who have cleaned it, those who spread
the word of its beauty, and by those who have worked to
connect visitors with locals. If even one of those individuals
were missing, we might not have Chichibugahama today.

"We want to make this beach
into a place that is created and maintained
by visitors and locals alike."

Donations

All donations go towards paying for environmental protections
and maintinence around Chichibugahama Beach.

Tyes and Payment Methods

Beach Cleanings with the Chichibu Committee

The Chichibu Committee was founded in 1996
for the purpose of protecting Chichibugahama Beach.
From the original 7 members, the group has grown to over 200.
They continue to conduct monthly beach cleanings
to keep Chichibugahama beautiful.

Please feel free to come join in!

Chichibu Committee
Introductions

Mr. Hayao KAWATA (Died age 85)

Mr. Kawata's love for Chichibugahama was unmatched.
He could be seen there nearly every day, picking up any garbage that had washed ashore.
and to many he remains an integral part of the beach.
Whether in the suffocating heat of midsumer or the biting winter wind he would stay by the shore for hours.
Many recall him saying, "There's nothing better than having a chat with the visitors," with his characteristically friendly and inviting smile.

Corporate Sponsors

Thank you for your kind and generous contributions.

• TKG Co. LTD
• Nabe Process Co.
• Nio Kosan
• Sugagumi