Meet the members of Higata-Bu from Shiba High School of Commerce at “Takeshiba Tideland”, where nature and people unite.

Shiba High School of Commerce, nestled among the high-rise buildings characteristic of Takeshiba, is home to a unique group known as Higata (Tideland)-Bu (Club). These students truly cherish the Takeshiba Tideland, close to their school. “We observe or just visit this tideland to be healed,” one member said. “Within the urban setting, Takeshiba Tideland connects people and nature, as well as individuals.” Those talented members created a picture book “Wonders of the Tideland,” and are focusing on activities that joyfully convey the importance of this natural space.

Charms of the Tideland

What charms do you, as Higata-Bu members, find in Takeshiba Tideland?

This tideland is nature accessible amidst urban living. We often stop by after school and enjoy the surroundings. We share knowledge about creatures with people we happen to encounter there and sometimes form unexpected connections. It creates a sense of unity as a place where the bonds between humans and nature, and among people arise. Standing on the tideland, we can see the green and lush Hama-rikyu Gardens in front of us, and a skyline of towering buildings beyond the sea. If we listen closely, the sounds of waves, wind, and noises from the nearby pier merge all together with background music of lively sounds of the city. The great appeal is that you can experience both the richness of nature and the beauty of the city.
Various people with different backgrounds come here. Local families with children, elderly individuals, or tourists. It’s a welcoming place where anyone can find their way to enjoy the richness it offers.

Activities of Higata-Bu

In Higata-Bu, what kind of activities are you engaged in?

We are actively promoting the charm of Takeshiba Tideland, which is just a 5-minute walk from our high school, utilizing our strengths. To introduce the fascination and importance of the tideland to elementary school students in Minato Ward, we created an interactive picture book titled “Wonders of the Tideland.” It is designed to convey the ecology of the creatures inhabiting the tideland. The illustrations, text, and interactive elements inside are all handmade by us.
In the production process, we received a lot of support from our teachers and advisors of Takeshiba Tideland. We actively asked for opinions by showing the book to families playing in the tideland, incorporating their feedback with trial and error to make the contents better for children. The most rewarding moment was when one of the families who had seen our book during its creation came to an event sale and said with delight, “That book has become this wonderful!” This experience deeply touched us.
We also participate in tideland clean-up activities. Some people lend a hand, which we truly appreciate. Through this initiative, we started to have an interest in environmental issues, and it led us to learn about microplastics. As we understand that our daily lives contribute to the issue and a sense of responsibility emerges, our perspective on the world has shifted. In the future, we’d like to engage in activities that convey current societal challenges through the tideland.

Biodiversity in the City Center

Please share how to enjoy Takeshiba Tideland.

Above all, the most enjoyable is observing the wildlife. Watching a little egret eat fish near the tideland, collecting sparkling shells of Xenostrobus securis (species of saltwater mussel) on the sandy shore, or enjoying the touch of the rough texture of Beach wedelia’s leaves. We are always amazed that there remains an environment with such biodiversity in the city.
Also, participating in the “Takeshiba Tideland Open Day” (*details in the remarks column) provides both adults and children with the opportunity to fully enjoy the tideland. After fishing for goby (haze), kakiage-don (a bowl of rice topped with tempura) with the freshly caught goby was served and it was so fluffy and delicious. Goby fishing in Tokyo Bay is traditional, and its taste is exceptional.
This tideland never disappoints you, no matter when you visit. A rainy day is delightful. At night, you can see the beautiful sight of jellyfish in blue lights on the bridge, floating in the water where the restaurant’s lights are reflected. You can relax both body and mind while leisurely observing the small wonders of nature. I hope you get to experience and savor this special aspect of Takeshiba Tideland.

Message to MICE organizers

【From members of Higata-Bu, Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba High School of Commerce to MICE organizers】

Some students are drawn to enrolling in our school, saying, “I want to commute through this beautiful scenery every day.” The cityscape of Takeshiba is truly charming. It presents an urban facade but offers the comfort of nature flowing slowly nearby that can soothe tense feelings. Takeshiba Tideland is a special place that both locals and tourists can enjoy without distinction. Please come and visit this town where you can pursue work or research and refresh yourself at the same time.

information

【Higata-Bu, Shiba High School of Commerce】

A voluntary organization within the school, actively utilizing the nearby tideland as their field of operation. The members voluntarily engage in activities with the theme of utilizing Takeshiba Tideland at WATERS takeshiba, reflecting what they can do for the tideland as high school students. In 2023, they produced a picture book “Wonders of the Tideland” with funds raised by crowdfunding. They won the Best Award at the Students’ Commerce Research Presentation Competition in the same year.

 

【Takeshiba Tideland】

Address:
1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0022 (in front of WATERS takeshiba)
Website:
https://waters-takeshiba.jp/waterside/tideland/#tideland