This article explains methods for solving ocean debris problems using IT and data visualization technology. This article introduces the development and practice of innovative debris survey and collection systems using AI technology and smartphones by Fujio Kojima, CEO of Pirika Inc. With 8 million tons of plastic debris flowing into the ocean annually worldwide, severely impacting ecosystems and food life, the biggest challenge is insufficient understanding of debris outflow routes and distribution.
Pirika's core technology "Takanome" is a system that automatically detects terrestrial (especially roadside) debris using smartphone cameras and real-time data on location and type. This system has been introduced in Yamaguchi, Mie, and Kumamoto prefectures, and is utilized for understanding actual terrestrial debris outflow and collecting distribution data through joint surveys with local governments and research institutions. General Incorporated Association Pirika, with support from the Nippon Foundation's "Umi to Nippon Project," has equipped over 100 vehicles (waste collection, transportation, logistics companies) with Takanome and is conducting nationwide data collection.
International expansion is also actively pursued, with surveys expanding to Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America since 2024 with support from the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund. Particularly in the United States, correlation research between debris and crime occurrence rates is being conducted in addition to distribution surveys in Hawaii, Dallas, and Boston, with applications for public safety improvement also expected. Through collaboration with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), demonstration experiments for real-time detection and early collection by installing Takanome on local government and company vehicles are being conducted in Lima, Peru's capital, addressing large debris accumulation and scattering problems exceeding 1.5 cubic meters.
As citizen participation initiatives, the debris collection SNS "Pirika" provided by Pirika is used in over 130 countries worldwide, with cumulative collection of over 400 million pieces of debris. This is a platform where citizens post debris collection activities with photos and enjoy mutual appreciation and communication. Through technology fusion of Takanome and SNS Pirika, debris distribution data obtained from surveys is released as open data free of charge, enabling citizens to know littering spots around them.
Demonstration effects include confirmed happiness improvement after debris collection in "Debris Collection × Happiness Diagnosis" surveys. In Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, local companies conducted debris collection based on Takanome data, resulting in a threefold increase in collection volume. Data visualization enables identification of easy littering areas, formulation of effective collection plans, improvement of regional residents' environmental awareness, and development of environmental education programs.
The article concludes that solving ocean debris problems requires three-party collaboration of companies (environmentally considerate product development and plastic reduction), local governments (data-utilization-type debris management policies and effective reduction policies), and citizens (daily debris collection and proper disposal), with IT data visualization serving as the foundation.