Efforts to protect endangered tape seagrass continue at Nosokozaki on Ishigaki Island. The seagrass began to recover after protective fencing was installed to keep out green sea turtles, but the large enclosure was completely destroyed by a typhoon. The project has switched to smaller enclosures and aims to restore the area under local leadership, using proceeds from digital art sales as a source of funding.
As endangered tape seagrass has declined at Nosokozaki on Ishigaki Island, pupils at Nodoko Elementary School and local residents have continued observing the seagrass beds since 2008, developing their efforts into conservation activities.
Okinawa Cellular began providing support around 2023 through Tokio Marine Asset Management and KDDI. The installation of fencing has helped the tape seagrass recover, and biodiversity has also shown signs of recovery.
In July 2026, the three companies launched the Ishigaki Mirai Seagrass Project, introducing a system that returns funds to the local community through digital art sales. After the large enclosure was completely destroyed by Typhoon No. 13, the project switched to smaller enclosures and installed 15 in August.
The children and local community will continue their efforts, while purchasers of the digital art will receive value in the form of a participation certificate that serves as a record of their support. The sales period is scheduled to run from July through September 2026.