[New Event] Save the Coral

Save the Coral 2008 will hold events in Okinawa and Tokyo to increase awareness of global warming and endangered coral reef.

The events are part of an awareness campaign by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), which is a partnership among governments, international organizations, and nongovernment organizations to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems. ICRI has designated 2008 as the International Yea of the Reef.

Save the Coral 2008 works in cooperation with Ministry of the Environment along with supporting artists, musicians, event organizations and environmental groups, and the Okinawa prefecture, comprising groups of tropical islands facing coral destruction due to global warming.

Starting with an unplugged live session by traditional Okinawa band and singers at Shibuya DUO Music Exchange in Tokyo on Wednesday, a series of live music performances and events will be held, such as the Funauki Oto Matsuri at Iriomote Island, Okinawa, on April 20, Chatan Super Live Session at Chatan, Okinawa in June, Save the Coral 2008 Okinawa Special at Nago, Okinawa, on July 21 and Ryukyu Festival 2008 in Hibiya, Tokyo, on Sept. 21.

For more details, visit Save the Coral 2008’s Japanese Web site at www.beats21.com or contact webmaster@beats21.com

by Minami Iijima staff writer
The article appeard in March 4 issue of The Japan Times.