Home / Environment / Japanese Naval Officer Leads Mumbai Beach Cleanup, Inspiring Global Cooperation
Japanese Naval Officer Leads Mumbai Beach Cleanup, Inspiring Global Cooperation
11 Oct
Summary
- Japanese naval officer joins Versova beach cleanup
- 12 tons of plastic collected by volunteers in one day
- 'Mottainai' philosophy of reducing waste guides cleanup efforts
On October 11, 2025, the Versova beach cleanup in Mumbai witnessed a distinguished volunteer in the form of Arai Katsutomo, the Commanding Officer of the Japanese Naval ship JS Akebono. Katsutomo donned gloves and joined the cleanup efforts, picking up marine debris for an hour alongside the Japanese Consul General Yagi Koji and other volunteers.
Impressed by the relentless work of Mumbai advocate Afroz Shah and his team, Katsutomo praised the cooperation and dedication of the volunteers, noting that their efforts were helping not just one beach but the global marine ecology. "When I arrived here, there was little garbage, but now it's all clear," he remarked, expressing his pride in being part of the cleanup.
The event also highlighted the shared commitment between Japan and India in addressing the pressing issue of marine litter. Yagi stated that nearly 50 Japanese nationals participated in the cleanup activity, underscoring the cross-cultural collaboration. Furthermore, the Japanese 'mottainai' philosophy, which encourages the reuse of resources and regret over waste, has also inspired the cleanup efforts, as Arai later shared with the Times of India.
By the end of the day, the volunteers had collected an impressive 12 tons of plastic, a testament to the power of collective action. As the cleanup continues, the focus now shifts to proper litter disposal and recycling, crucial steps in maintaining the progress made.
