Clean Miami Beach: Japan Ocean Day Beach Cleanup

Japanese wellness, Blue Santa cleanup volunteers and oceanfront community service mark Japan’s Ocean Day at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach. Japan Ocean Day Beach Cleanup takes place Sunday, July 19, with check-in at the hotel’s lower-level pool area.

Organized by Clean Miami Beach, the event is inspired by Marine Day, or Umi no Hi, a Japanese public holiday that gives thanks for the ocean and reflects on its importance to Japan as a maritime nation. The cleanup also features Blue Santa, a Japanese tradition in which volunteers dress in blue Santa-inspired attire while collecting trash to help give children the gift of cleaner seas.

The morning begins with a Japanese breathing and stretching session led by Esencia Wellness, followed by the beach cleanup with supplies provided. The cleanup is supported by the Miami Beach Sister City Committee Fujisawa, connecting the local shoreline effort with Miami Beach’s Japanese sister city.

Schedule:

• 8:30-9 a.m. — Japanese wellness session with Esencia Wellness
• 9-11 a.m. — Beach cleanup with Clean Miami Beach
• 11-11:30 a.m. — Mix and mingle with frozen cocktail tasting by Ketel One Botanicals
• 11:30 a.m. onward — Optional pool time at Aquatica pool and bar or brunch at Ocean Social

The event is open to all ages, with community service hours available for participants who arrive on time. Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle, wear reef-safe sun protection and consider closed-toe shoes for cleaning along the dunes. Cleanup supplies, including sanitized gardening gloves, buckets, bags and pickers, will be provided. Advance registration is required, and a suggested $10 donation supports Clean Miami Beach’s ocean conservation work.