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A limited-time event will be held from Thursday, March 19th to learn about the current state of the global marine debris problem through VR experiences and panel displays.
Sumida Aquarium will be holding an event from Thursday, March 19th to Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, to raise awareness about the global problem of marine debris.
The "marine debris problem" is a social issue recognized worldwide, and was explicitly stated as one of the targets of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015. While efforts are being made to reduce marine debris, it is currently estimated that approximately 13,000 to 31,000 tons of plastic waste*1 flows into the ocean annually in Japan alone, and approximately 8 million tons*2 worldwide annually.
This event is being held in cooperation with Conservation International Japan (CI Japan) and the Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF) *3. Our aim is to raise awareness of the current state of marine debris and to make people realize that each individual's lifestyle has a ripple effect on marine animals. During the event, we will have a VR experience that allows visitors to experience marine debris floating on the surface of the sea from the perspective of marine animals , and we will also have panels on display introducing the current state of marine debris around the world and efforts to reduce it. In addition, we will have a lecture by the animal care staff who participated in the beach cleanup efforts in the Ogasawara , which Sumida Aquarium conducts every year, to convey the current state of marine debris around the world.
Why not take some time to reconsider the future of the ocean at Sumida Aquarium, home to a multitude of marine animals?
■Event details
Through VR experiences, panel displays, and lectures, we aim to provide an opportunity for people to consider the marine debris problem as their own responsibility. Each individual's awareness of reducing waste will contribute to protecting the future of the ocean. Why not take this event as an opportunity to think about the future of the ocean and our lives?
Event period: March 19th (Thu) - April 2nd (Thu), 2026
Price: Free
Aquarium admission fee separate.
1. "DROP IN THE OCEAN": A VR experience that lets you experience marine debris on the ocean surface from the perspective of sea animals.
Wearing VR goggles, you will experience the scenery that marine animals sees as it rises from the deep sea to the surface.
As you observe the animals living in the ocean, you'll reach the surface and encounter a large amount of floating marine animals. This program allows you to experience the reality that marine life faces through VR, making the marine debris problem feel more personal.
Date and Time : Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st, 2026, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (8 sessions in total, at 15-minute intervals)
Location : Aqua Academy on the 5th floor
Capacity : 32 people (4 people each time)
Cost : Free (separate admission fee required)
How to participate : Numbered tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Aqua Academy on the 5th floor starting at 3:30 PM on the day of the event.
Please gather in front of the Aqua Academy on the 5th floor at the time indicated on your numbered ticket.
You cannot choose the time to join.
Participation requirements: 5th grade or above
2. Exhibits explanatory panels that convey the current state of marine debris around the world.
Countries all over the world are connected by the ocean. Therefore, the problem of marine debris is a global issue, not just limited to Japan. This panel will provide an easy-to-understand overview of the global marine debris problem and efforts to reduce it.
Exhibition period : March 19th (Thu) - April 2nd (Thu), 2026
Exhibition location : 5th floor, in front of the elevator
3. A two-day limited lecture series: "The Marine Debris Problem in the Ogasawara"
Since 2023, Sumida Aquarium staff have been traveling to the Ogasawara Islands every year to conduct beach cleanups with the islanders. While reporting on the beach cleanup, our animal care staff will speak directly about the current state of marine debris in the Ogasawara .
Date and Time : March 28th (Sat) and March 29th (Sun), 2026, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location : In front of the Ogasawara Sea Life on the 5th floor
Cost : Free (separate admission fee required)
How to participate : Please gather at the venue at the date and time listed above.
<Cooperating organizations>
① Conservation International Japan
Conservation International (CI) is an international environmental NGO working in over 100 countries and regions, aiming to create a sustainable society through nature conservation. As a member of the global network, CI Japan collaborates with governments, corporations, and local communities to promote climate change countermeasures, marine conservation, and a nature-positive economy that utilizes the power of nature. For this event, CI has provided VR equipment and educational materials, and has also supervised the creation of the exhibition panels.
Official website: https://japan.conservation.org/
② Japan Environmental Education Forum (a public interest incorporated association)
The Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF) is an NGO that fosters future leaders of a sustainable society through environmental education that emphasizes experience and dialogue. They have supervised the panel discussion for this event.
Official website: https://www.jeef.or.jp/
*3, *4 The corrections dated March 17, 2026 are as follows:
(Previous name) CI Japan (Conservation International Japan) and JEEF (Japan Environmental Education Forum)
(Corrected) Conservation International Japan (CI Japan) and the Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF)
(Before correction) CIJ logo
(Corrected) CI Japan logo
