“BLUE OCEAN FES.” was held on World Oceans Day, Sunday, June 8th.

“BLUE OCEAN DOME,” with the theme of ocean revitalization, held “BLUE OCEAN FES.” on World Oceans Day, Sunday, June 8th. The event took place at the EXPO Arena (Matsuri) at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The outdoor event space, which can accommodate up to 16,000 people, featured live music, a wide variety of seafood-focused gourmet food, and ocean-themed workshops. Many visitors enjoyed the event, learning about the current state of the marine environment while having fun.

One-Day Ocean Festival Held
Neo☆Stars Performed the Opening Performance

World Oceans Day is a day when various events related to marine environmental protection are held in many countries and regions, reminding people around the world of the connection between people and the ocean and its importance. To that end, BLUE OCEAN FES. distributed a limited edition of 5,000 original hats made from recycled plastic to attendees, evoking the connection between people and the ocean. The venue, filled with attendees wearing the original hats, was a fitting sight for World Ocean Day, a day to reaffirm the importance of the ocean.

The opening act for BLUE OCEAN FES. was Neo☆Stars, a choir made up of 80s idols who are symbols of Japan’s vitality, as well as impersonators and athletes. Neo☆Stars, a group that pursues both entertainment and social contribution, appeared in costumes inspired by BLUE OCEAN FES., and sang classic hits and songs related to the ocean. The set featured four songs, each expressing a desire to protect the ocean and the Earth. The venue was united in Neo☆Stars’ singing, and all attendees were filled with smiles and excitement. The main stage featured “FM802 SPECIAL LIVE,” a collaboration with FM802, featuring special live performances by artists with deep ties to the ocean and Osaka and Kansai regions. During the performance, ZERI JAPAN Chairman Yusuke Saraya took the stage to speak to attendees about marine issues and initiatives, bringing the one-day “Ocean Festival” to a fever pitch.

Boosts Offering a Sense of Connection with the Ocean

To further enhance the festive atmosphere of the concert, the venue also featured a food truck serving gourmet seafood, as well as booths displaying and selling products made from recycled marine plastic and workshops. The Tsushima City, Nagasaki City booth offered a workshop using lures washed ashore on the island and displayed art made from recycled materials. Fisherman JAPAN sold sustainable seafood, including skewers and steamed oysters, made with environmentally friendly seafood. Other activities included underwater drone piloting and making carabiners from upcycled marine debris, providing participants with hands-on opportunities to learn about ocean issues and the efforts of various organizations.

The “UMI-EMA” Project: Infused with Wishes for the Ocean

At the “BLUE OCEAN INITIATIVE” booth, we sold “UMI-EMA,” recycled fishing gear. Five types of votive plaques, featuring adorable illustrations of bluefin tuna, sea turtles, whale sharks, and other creatures, were inscribed with messages conveying ocean issues such as overfishing and marine plastic pollution. These “UMI-EMA,” filled with thoughts and pledges for the ocean, were purified at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, known as the god of the sea, and will be available for sale there from now on.

This “BLUE OCEAN FES.” event was able to reach out beyond the BLUE OCEAN DOME and communicate the pavilion’s theme of “Reviving the Ocean” to many people. Through music, food, and various experiences, the event provided an opportunity to think about the ocean and take concrete action to protect the marine environment.