'Shijimi Investigation Squad' — Learning About the Environment and Biodiversity: Collaboration Campaign Launches at Two Shijimi (Freshwater Clam) Restaurants!

The Umi to Nippon Project in Shiga Prefecture, a general incorporated association, conducted a learning experience event called the 'Shijimi Investigation Squad' for 5th-grade elementary school students in Shiga Prefecture during July–August 2025. To share the activities and research findings with a wider audience, a collaboration campaign with two restaurants serving shijimi (freshwater clam) dishes in Otsu City will launch on March 28, 2026. During the campaign period, the first 300 customers who enjoy shijimi dishes will receive original Shijimi Investigation Squad stickers. Please savor delicious shijimi cuisine while reflecting on the environment and biodiversity of Lake Biwa. This initiative is part of The Nippon Foundation's 'Umi to Nippon Project,' which connects people through the sea to pass on rich and beautiful oceans to the next generation. The 'Shijimi Investigation Squad' is a learning experience event designed to raise awareness about Lake Biwa and the ocean and encourage participants to think about their future. It was held during summer vacation in 2025. Twenty 5th-grade elementary school students from the prefecture were recruited and appointed as squad members. The theme of this learning experience was 'Thinking about the environment and biodiversity through shijimi.' Over a 3-day program, participants investigated Lake Biwa and Osaka Bay. The children experienced shijimi fishing, learned about changes in catch volumes and the relationship between living creatures and our daily lives, and studied how environmental changes caused by human activity affect the creatures living in the ocean and Lake Biwa. They then considered what we can do to protect the future environment of the ocean and Lake Biwa and the creatures that live there.

We strongly support the children's activities investigating the current state of shijimi and the impact of environmental changes. Climate change and environmental issues such as global warming are major problems not only for shijimi but for all living creatures. Although shijimi populations have decreased dramatically compared to the past, they remain one of the precious resources that can still be harvested from Lake Biwa. We hope that by having many people enjoy shijimi dishes, they can appreciate this local specialty of Lake Biwa. We would be delighted if this leads to a desire to protect these resources and inspires more people to take action, even in small ways.

Campaign name: Shijimi Investigation Squad Collaboration Campaign