Environmental Protection of Narukisuna Beach at Senrihama and Kotobikihama - September 2020

Environmental Protection of Narukisuna Beach at Senrihama and Kotobikihama - September 2020

In the 2020s, the number of Narukisuna beaches in various parts of Japan continues to decline. In particular, representative Narukisuna beaches such as Senrihama Beach in Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Kotobiki Beach in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, are in danger of losing their Narukisuna function due to environmental pollution and human impacts.

1. Senrihama Beach (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Senrihama Beach is famous as a sandy beach that can be driven on, which is rare in Japan, but pollution from vehicle traffic, fine rubber powder generated from tires, and exhaust gas has accumulated in the sand. As a result, the unique sound-producing properties of the squeaking sand are gradually being lost. In addition, recent typhoons and storm surges have intensified erosion, causing Senrihama to lose more than 10 meters of beach area per year.

A beach restoration project, "Save the Beach," is underway in collaboration with companies and the local government. In particular, efforts are being made to stabilize the sand through beach cleanup activities that do not use heavy machinery and vegetation. In addition, some vehicle access restrictions have been tightened to reduce the impact of exhaust emissions.

2. Kotobiki Beach (Kyoto Prefecture)
Kotobiki Beach faces the problem of marine debris such as oil and plastic fragments mixing with the sand due to increased tourism and wastewater from fishing and sightseeing boats. This has led to a decrease in the amount of "singing sand," and environmental protection activities are required. 2021, Kyotango City will take the lead in conducting monthly beach cleanups in cooperation with local companies and citizen groups such as the "Association for the Protection of the Singing Sand. WILLER TRAINS Co., Ltd, which operates the Kyoto Tango Railway, has also joined in to support the project, and conservation activities are being promoted to revitalize the local community.

In the 2020s, it has been reported that about 5,000 tons of trash is collected from the beach annually, and that about 40% of this is plastic trash. In response, Kyotango City is promoting the "Plastic Free Declaration" aimed at reducing plastic waste.

3. environmental pollution and the national situation of Narukisuna protection
From 1996, when 31 locations of Narukisuna beaches were identified nationwide, it is reported that the number of such beaches has further decreased in the 2020s, and is currently less than 20 locations. This is largely due to the effects of marine plastic pollution and factory effluents. Especially around Yokkaichi City (Mie Prefecture) and Niigata City (Niigata Prefecture), soil pollution from industrial waste is believed to be the cause of the loss of the squeaking sands.

Another characteristic of the 2020s is the increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for the protection of the Naruku Sand. For example, marine conservation programs led by the chemical manufacturer Sumitomo Chemical and the electric power company Kansai Electric Power Co. are being developed in various locations. Sumitomo Chemical is conducting research on technologies to prevent chemical substance runoff, while KEPCO is indirectly supporting the protection of the Narukisuna coast through the promotion of renewable energy.

4. Future Prospects
In order to protect the Narukisuna Coast, it is essential for local residents, tourism operators, and businesses to work together for its protection. The government's "Basic Environmental Plan" aims to strengthen the conservation of Narukisuna beaches and increase the number of Narukisuna beaches in Japan by 10 by 2030. In addition, legal regulations to prevent sand pollution are underway, and the Coastal Protection Law is scheduled to be revised in 2025.