Participated in Osaka University Joint Research Symposium as "Zero Marine Litter Osaka Designing The Future"
2025.10.31
On October 31, 2025, the 19th Osaka University Joint Research Symposium was held, hosted by Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering, titled "Muko RiverLive Locally, Grow Globally - The Origins of Osaka University and the Diversity of Collaboration." Approximately 70 experts from across the country participated. The three-party collaboration initiative of Osaka Prefecture Department of Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering, and FURUNO presented as the "Zero Marine Litter Osaka Designing The Future."
Date: October 31, 2025
Venue: Osaka University Nakanoshima Center, Saji Keizo Memorial Hall
From Osaka Prefectural Government, Director Michio Sada of the Environmental Conservation Division, Environmental Management Office, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, presented the goals and past initiatives under the "Zero Marine Litter Osaka Plan," and introduced the current challenges of marine plastic in Osaka Bay and the roles and expectations of the three-party collaboration. Next, from Osaka University, Associate Professor Yusuke Nakatani of the Graduate School of Engineering introduced the evaluation results of river surface litter using cameras and AI, as well as drift and stranding simulations associated with outflow into Osaka Bay, and also presented various awareness-raising initiatives conducted jointly by the three parties. From FURUNO, General Manager Yoshihiro Nishiyama of the Development Department, in charge of Smart Fisheries Development Promotion, presented fixed-point observations at key points in Osaka Bay as part of the evaluation of underwater outflow from rivers using ultrasonic technology. By combining this initiative with Associate Professor Nakatani's river surface litter outflow evaluation, they aim to achieve highly accurate understanding of the outflow situation from rivers into Osaka Bay.
After the presentations, a panel discussion was held with all speakers. Director Sada from Osaka Prefectural Government emphasized once again the importance of this initiative, noting that such surveys including underwater outflow from rivers are unprecedented nationwide.
Panel discussion with all speakers. Lively discussions took place, including questions from the audience.
