Kumejima Town in Okinawa has annually established June 12 as the “Kumejima Deep Seawater Day.” Every year, an event is held in connection with the depth of 612m from which deep seawater is obtained on Kumejima. The 13th annual event was held on Saturday June 8th at the Point Pyuru square, which was filled with participants.

On the day of the event, performances such as dancing and eisa were provided by local groups, and several activities were prepared such as pools of deep seawater for swimming or resting, flowing mozuku, drawings, and a stamp rally. A wide variety of dishes with deep seawater-related ingredients (steamed oysters, Okinawa soba) and deep seawater-related products (sea grapes, cosmetics, prawn rice crackers, etc) were available during the festival. As usual, tours to the Okinawa Deep Seawater Research Center, Sea Grape Farm, and Oyster Hatchery Research Center were also held.

GOSEA exhibited a “Deep Sea Strap Making Corner” using shrink plastic crafts this year. More than 100 children joined in creating unique items related to deep seawater. As we worked we learned that shrink plastic crafts are quite popular!

On the day, the weather threatened to be stormy, however, the event was able to go forward successfully. This event is a good opportunity to see how Kumejima deep seawater is being utilized, so we look forward to your participation again next year.