Environmental Protection of Singing Sand Beaches - 2020s Situation

Environmental Protection of Singing Sand Beaches - 2020s Situation

Even in the 2020s, the number of singing sand beaches across Japan continues to decline. Particularly, representative beaches such as Chirihama Beach in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Kotohiki Beach in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, are facing a crisis where the functionality of the singing sand is being lost due to environmental pollution and human activities.

1. Chirihama Beach (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Chirihama is famous for being one of the few beaches in Japan where cars can drive on the sand, but pollution caused by vehicle traffic, fine rubber particles from tires, and exhaust emissions has accumulated in the sand. As a result, the unique characteristic of the singing sand is gradually being lost. Additionally, in recent years, erosion caused by typhoons and tidal waves has intensified, with reports indicating that more than 10 meters of beach area is lost annually.

The "SAVE THE BEACH" project, in collaboration with local governments and companies, is underway to restore the beach. In particular, activities such as beach cleaning without heavy machinery and efforts to stabilize the sand using vegetation are being promoted. Vehicle access restrictions are also being strengthened in some areas to reduce the impact of exhaust emissions.

2. Kotohiki Beach (Kyoto Prefecture)
At Kotohiki Beach, the increase in tourism and the discharge from fishing and sightseeing boats have caused problems with oil and plastic debris mixing into the sand. This has led to the deterioration of the singing sand, and environmental protection activities are urgently needed. In 2021, Kyotango City, in cooperation with local businesses and citizens' groups like the "Save the Singing Sand Association," began monthly beach cleanups. WILLER TRAINS, which operates the Kyoto Tango Railway, is also supporting these protection activities as part of regional revitalization efforts.

Kotohiki Beach has seen approximately 5000 tons of garbage collected annually in the 2020s, with about 40% being plastic waste, highlighting the severity of the situation. In response, Kyotango City is promoting a "Plastic-Free Declaration" aimed at reducing plastic waste.

3. Nationwide Pollution and Singing Sand Protection Situation
The number of singing sand beaches confirmed nationwide in 1996 was 31, but by the 2020s, this number has decreased to fewer than 20. This is largely due to marine plastic pollution and industrial wastewater. In particular, industrial waste has been identified as the primary cause of the loss of singing sand in areas around Yokkaichi City (Mie Prefecture) and Niigata City (Niigata Prefecture).

Another trend in the 2020s is the increase in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities by companies aimed at protecting singing sand beaches. For example, chemical manufacturer Sumitomo Chemical and electric power company Kansai Electric Power are leading marine conservation programs across Japan. Sumitomo Chemical is conducting research on techniques to prevent the outflow of chemicals, while Kansai Electric Power is promoting renewable energy to indirectly support the protection of singing sand beaches.

4. Future Outlook
To protect singing sand beaches, it is essential for local residents, tourism operators, and companies to work together. The government's "Basic Environmental Plan" aims to strengthen the protection of singing sand beaches by 2030, with a goal of increasing the number of protected beaches by 10 nationwide. Legal regulations to prevent sand pollution are also being developed, with a revision of the Coastal Protection Law scheduled for 2025.