On October 16, 2026, under a clear and refreshing autumn sky, the "Blue Flag Tohoku Symposium" was held in Minamisanriku Town, with the JARTA secretariat participating in its capacity as the national operator. This event marked a significant milestone as five municipalities in the Tohoku region holding Blue Flag certification came together in collaboration for the first time. Following the launch of the "Tohoku BLUE FLAG Promotion Network" announced on September 26, the symposium strongly advanced cross-municipal cooperation across the wider Tohoku region.
Following the opening remarks by Mr. Kei Chiba, Mayor of Minamisanriku Town, a video message was delivered by Johan Durand, Blue Flag Director at FEE International Headquarters. He stated, "The Blue Flag is not merely an environmental certification, but an initiative that connects local communities through the protection of the marine environment." It provided many attendees with an opportunity to reaffirm the value of the Blue Flag beyond certification itself.
Following Mr. Durand's message, JARTA Representative Director Masaru Takayama delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of "tourism contributing to community development"—aiming for a future where local residents take pride in their region and pass down their local DNA to the next generation, rather than simply treating international certification as the finish line. He conveyed how the Blue Flag plays a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Subsequent lectures and case presentations featured Minamisanriku Town, Rikuzentakata City, and Otsuchi Town sharing how they have positioned the Blue Flag within their post-disaster recovery and community development efforts. They underscored the importance of rebuilding a future-oriented relationship with the ocean. Discussions also touched upon the utilization of local ecosystems and marine resources, showcasing the potential of regions centered around the sea.
In the panel discussion during the second half, participants from diverse backgrounds—including not only local government officials but also lifeguards and wheelchair users—proposed ideas for connecting the sea with local communities and fostering new collaborations among the five municipalities. Finally, the "Tohoku Blue Flag Alliance Declaration" was announced, sharing a strong resolve for the future as a starting point for wide-area cooperation to protect and nurture Tohoku’s oceans.
Mayor Chiba (right) signing the declaration aiming toward 2030
A presentation by the Minamisanriku Children's Nature Research Team
Solving regional issues through collaboration that transcends administrative boundaries and organizational lines—not limited to the Blue Flag alone—is essential for advancing "sustainable community development." The initiatives in the Tohoku region share a high affinity with JARTA's philosophy of "tourism that makes both travelers and local communities happy," and this symposium truly embodied the moment when five individual municipal points connected to form a new, moving "plane."
