Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Nakajima is the largest island in the Kutsuna Islands, in Japan’s Inland Sea. The island, with its spectacular sea and mountains, is namely known for its triathlons, but this summer it hosted a creative children’s event as well.

In July, the Asia Film Network (an NPO with support from The Nippon Foundation) hosted a workshop at which 17 elementary school children spent the day combing the beach for unusual items that had washed ashore, and then create short stories based on the things they had found. The goal was to nurture and refine the imagination and expressive skills of children while at the same time helping them to grasp the significance of the sea. The young writers then presented their remarkably imaginative stories to the group.

Beachcombing at Himegahama beach

The Asia Film Network helps fund the production of movies and videos, with the goal of helping people rediscover the attractions of their local areas through the creation of interesting stories. In the past, the Network has held classes in which children gained hands-on experience with movie-making, as well as a drama workshop in which children shot a movie on location.

"Hey, check out the size of this garbage!"

“Objects washed ashore” was this year’s theme. At an orientation near the beach, Director General Noboru Izumiya instructed the children saying, “Pay close attention to each component of the story, from the introduction, through the development, twist and conclusion. You have to wear four different hats: director, scriptwriter, cameraperson, and cast, and capture the pictures you need with a digital camera.” As an example, Mr. Izumiya provided a story created by the organization’s staff. Ms. Ayumi Koike, an environmental counselor, provided some advice of her own. “Select objects suitable for creating a story,” she instructed the children. “Use all five of your senses and try to see the things washed ashore from several perspectives.” The children were then divided into five groups and, with volunteer staff members, they then moved to the beach, digital cameras and plastic bags in hand.

Children examining each other's finds

Since Himegahama beach is a swimming beach, beach cleaners had ensured that only a few objects remained on the beach. Still, the children managed to find many interesting objects. They collected plastic bottles, glass bottles, green citrus fruit and other items, arranging them back at the meeting place. Ms. Koike then discussed the potential hazards of plastic for marine life. “If waste continues to accumulate, the Inland Sea may become a dump,” she said. “Try to think of ways you can protect the sea.”

Nervous kids presenting their stories...to applause

The children spent around two hours thinking up their stories, and Representative Director Shinya Fukuoka loaded their pictures onto a personal computer to help them tell their stories. In his overall evaluation, Mr. Izumiya commented, “All the stories are wonderful, and they all have good endings. And what is amazing is that they didn’t exist this morning, before you started!”

The event will be held once again on August 28 and 29.