Beachgoers pull up a chair to enjoy the sea in west Japan - NHKニュース

A unique event was held on Tuesday on a Pacific coast beach in Kochi Prefecture, western Japan. Participants viewed the sea and enriched their cultural imagination while sitting in their favorite chairs.

A non-profit organization promoting tourism holds the event every year on Culture Day, a Japanese national holiday celebrated on November 3.

About 180 people gathered at Irino Beach in Kuroshio Town. They sat on their own chairs, such as those they use at home and camps, and viewed the sea while enjoying a comfortable sea breeze.

A woman in her 40s, who is a local resident and came with her family, said she thought that the sea looked more beautiful when viewing it while sitting on a chair. She added that she was reminded that she has received lots of blessings from the sea.

The town is among areas considered vulnerable to a massive tsunami triggered by a potential mega earthquake. The non-profit organization that organized the event says it hopes it will also help people think about disaster preparedness by facing the sea.

Shiozaki Sota is a member of the organization. He said he hopes that the participants will not only enjoy a relaxing time, but also learn that the sea could bring both blessings and disasters.