Clean Ocean Ensemble
Clean Ocean Ensemble is a Japanese nonprofit that develops marine debris collection hardware (kawasemi river devices, fishing-net offshore devices) and operates the Marine Debris MAP participatory data platform, serving corporations, fishing cooperatives, local governments, and individual volunteers across Japan, Mozambique, and East Timor.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersKagawa, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Clean Ocean Ensemble does
Clean Ocean Ensemble is a Japanese specified nonprofit corporation (NPO) headquartered in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, with a secondary education base in Kobe established March 2025. Founded in January 2021, the organization develops marine debris collection hardware and operates a participatory data platform to address ocean and river pollution. Its core product is the Marine Debris MAP, a web and mobile application (iOS/Android) backed by MapLibre GL JS, OpenStreetMap, and OpenFreeMap, which enables individuals and partner organizations to log collection activities with photos, GPS coordinates, weights, and debris categories; the platform has accumulated 2,259 data points. Complementing the platform, COE has developed proprietary collection hardware including the kawasemi 001 and kawasemi 002 river debris devices (V-shaped guide design, 15m width, up to 22.10 kg per experiment) and 4th/5th-generation offshore fishing-net-based devices co-developed with Uchiumi Fishing Cooperative, with a peer-reviewed publication in Marine Pollution Bulletin on floating microplastics off the Takamatsu coast.
The organization's business model is grant-and-donation-funded. Revenue is assembled from individual and corporate donations (e.g., Owl's Consulting Group 1M yen, TADANO), tiered corporate sponsorships with Marine Debris Collection Support Certificates (e.g., Shikoku Electric Power), over ten grants from foundations including MetLife Foundation, Patagonia, 7-Eleven Foundation, TOTO Water Environment Fund, Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa, COSMO Eco Fund, and Japan Foundation, crowdfunding on CAMPFIRE and INDIEGOGO, NFT credits issued in partnership with Carbontribe Labs OÜ, and a hotel amenity offset program with Hotel Kyotaxxx. Operational reach now spans Japan, Mozambique (Maputo Bay), East Timor, and Vietnam, with downstream recycling routed through partners such as RE:BOOT, Land Bell, UpDRIFT, and KJTL. Governance rests with co-representative directors Yuki Egawa and Hidenori Tanaka (dual structure since May 2025), and the organization has been recognized in Japan's Diplomatic Blue Book 2026, JICA social-impact awards, and multiple Japanese regional R&D poster prizes.
Clean Ocean Ensemble firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Clean Ocean Ensemble
- Legal name
- 特定非営利活動法人クリーンオーシャンアンサンブル (NPO Hōjin Clean Ocean Ensemble)
- Website
- https://cleanoceanensemble.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Clean Ocean Ensemble is a Japanese nonprofit that develops marine debris collection hardware (kawasemi river devices, fishing-net offshore devices) and operates the Marine Debris MAP participatory data platform, serving corporations, fishing cooperatives, local governments, and individual volunteers across Japan, Mozambique, and East Timor.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Clean Ocean Ensemble industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup) (IMAIAGAI), Pollution Response & Environmental Salvage (Oil Spill, HAZMAT) (IMAJANAF)
Keywords
Where Clean Ocean Ensemble is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kagawa
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Clean Ocean Ensemble business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations: Individual donations through website donation portal. Corporate donations from companies like TADANO (unspecified amount) and Owl's Consulting Group (1 million yen).
- Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship programs with tiered partnership levels. Sponsors receive 'Marine Debris Collection Support Certificate' and recognition on the Marine Debris MAP. Sponsors include Shikoku Electric Power for river debris project.
- Grants and Subsidies: Multiple grants from foundations and government programs including: Japan Foundation (2026 Marine/Ship solicitation), MetLife Foundation Global CIGP 2025, Patagonia Environmental Grant Program, 7-Eleven Foundation, TOTO Water Environment Fund, Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa Foundation, COSMO Eco Fund, Setouchi Olive Fund, Resona Asia-Oceania Foundation, Natural Park Protection Fund,，梦＆Environment Miyazaki Memorial Fund.
- NFT Credits: Partnership with Carbontribe Labs OÜ (Estonia) to issue NFT credits derived from marine debris recovery. Credits can be purchased by companies for ESG/CSR activities.
- Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding campaigns on INDIEGOGO (global) and CAMPFIRE (domestic Japan). Achieved 2,117,000 yen (211% of target) from 178 backers for Kanto region river demonstration project.
- Hotel Offset Program: Partnership with Hotel Kyotaxxx for offset program where hotel amenity usage contributes to marine debris recovery activities.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Clean Ocean Ensemble product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Clean Ocean Ensemble develops and operates marine debris collection, data visualization, and recycling programs. Its core offerings include the Marine Debris MAP participatory platform (web and iOS/Android app) for logging and visualizing collection activities, the kawasemi 001 and kawasemi 002 proprietary river debris collection devices, offshore collection devices co-developed with fishing cooperatives, NFT-based ESG credits issued via Carbontribe Labs OÜ, and environmental education lectures and workshops at the Kobe branch and partner venues.
Product overview
Clean Ocean Ensemble is a nonprofit organization operating primarily in the Shikoku region of Japan that develops marine debris collection technology and operates a participatory data platform. The core product portfolio centers on the 海洋ごみMAP (Marine Debris MAP) — a platform combining a web application and smartphone app for iOS/Android that enables users to record, visualize, and quantify marine debris collection activities globally. Supporting the platform are proprietary river waste collection devices (kawasemi 001 and kawasemi 002) designed for urban rivers, and services including an issuance program for collection support certificates to corporate sponsors and NFT credits generated in partnership with Carbontribe Labs OÜ. The organization also conducts environmental education programs through lectures, workshops, and a dedicated facility in Kobe.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Marine Debris MAP (海洋ごみMAP) Participatory web and mobile platform that enables individuals and organizations to log, visualize, and quantify marine debris collection activities globally. Supports up to 99 photos per upload batch and search functionality for corporate CSR/ESG reporting.
- kawasemi 001 River Debris Collection Device Proprietary V-shaped river debris collection device measuring 15m in width with a 2.6m x 1.0m recovery pocket, compatible with water depths of 0-50cm. Uses water flow to direct floating debris to collection point while allowing aquatic life to escape.
- kawasemi 002 Improved River Debris Collection Device Improved second-generation river debris collection device with enhanced collection efficiency over the original kawasemi 001, achieving record 22.10 kg single-experiment collection in August 2025.
- Marine Debris Collection Support Certificate (海洋ごみ回収支援証明書) Certificate issued to sponsoring companies documenting their support for marine debris collection activities. Supports corporate CSR and ESG reporting with verifiable impact data.
- Environmental Education Programs (環境教育事業) Environmental education programs including lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities to raise awareness about marine debris issues, delivered at the Kobe branch and partner venues.
- Marine Debris Recovery NFT Credits (海洋ごみ回収由来NFTクレジット) NFT credits issued in partnership with Carbontribe Labs OÜ that represent marine debris collected from oceans. Companies can purchase credits for ESG/CSR activities, creating a new funding cycle for marine debris reduction.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cumulative marine debris collection of 2,500 kg
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Clean Ocean Ensemble
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Clean Ocean Ensemble technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature5 records
Clean Ocean Ensemble partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- UpDRIFTcoreCollaboration partner for marine plastic recycling project with Shodoshima Town, aiming to protect sustainable tourism areas.
- AMOR (Mozambique)coreCollaboration partner for marine debris collection device demonstration experiments in Maputo Bay, Mozambique.
- Carbontribe Labs OÜcoreEstonian partner for NFT credit issuance from marine debris recovery, enabling companies to purchase credits for ESG/CSR activities.
- Kerekere (，住友びらきのお家ケレケレ)coreLocal community organization in Kobe providing space for COE's environmental education base at their facility.
- Shikoku Electric Power Co., Ltd.majorCorporate sponsor for river debris collection demonstration project at Tsumeta River in Takamatsu City.
- INDIEGOGO / CAMPFIREmajorGlobal (INDIEGOGO) and domestic (CAMPFIRE) crowdfunding platforms for raising funds for demonstration experiments and expansion projects.
- RE:BOOTcoreUpcycle fishing gear brand from Shodoshima collaborating on recycling of marine fishing gear waste into new products.
- 6-organization Joint TeamcoreSix-organization collaboration including Uchiumi Fishing Cooperative, Nippon Eiseisen, Kagawa University Marine Debris Team, Futaba Ship Food Shop, cubic-tt, and COE for joint marine debris collection experiments.
- Hotel KyotaxxxminorOffset partnership where hotel amenity usage contributes to marine debris recovery activities.
- KJTL (Kreativu Juventude Timor-Leste)coreEast Timor recycling partner receiving marine debris (approximately 1.25 kg of hard plastic as of March 2026) from COE for plastic flower production activities.
- Marine SweepercoreMarine debris collection organization from Shizuoka Prefecture collaborating on seabed debris collection, survey, and recycling initiatives.
- Kagawa UniversitycoreJoint research partnership on efficient marine debris collection technology development with university research team.
- Land Bell Co., Ltd. (有限会社ランドベル)coreGlass/bottle recycling partner from Hiroshima/Okayama handling recycling of collected marine debris glass materials.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Clean Ocean Ensemble competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- 4ocean: 4ocean is a for-profit marine debris removal company operating a similar business model of funding cleanup through sponsorships and merchandise sales. Comparable on crowdfunding-driven ocean cleanup GTM and corporate partnership programs.
- The Ocean Cleanup: The Ocean Cleanup is the most prominent nonprofit developing and deploying marine debris collection technology (river and ocean systems) globally. Direct comparability to COE on mission, technology-led collection approach, and corporate ESG partnerships.
- Plastic Bank: Plastic Bank operates a plastic collection network with digital credit-based monetization (similar to COE's NFT credits) targeting corporate ESG partners. Comparable on data-driven collection and credit monetization for CSR.
- Surfrider Foundation: Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit focused on beach cleanups, ocean protection, and plastic pollution advocacy. Comparable on community-led beach cleanup volunteer model and marine conservation mission.
Broad incumbents
- Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Sea Shepherd is a large international marine conservation nonprofit with broader mission scope than COE but overlaps on marine debris advocacy and direct-action cleanup operations.
- WWF Japan: WWF Japan is the local branch of a global environmental NGO operating large-scale marine conservation programs and corporate partnership channels in Japan. Comparable on Japan-based marine ESG partnerships and grant programs.
- Greenpeace Japan: Greenpeace Japan runs ocean plastic campaigns, corporate accountability initiatives, and member-funded operations. Comparable on Japan-focused marine environmental advocacy and fundraising channels.
Regional players
- Marine Debris Removal (Japan-based NGOs): Japan-based marine conservation organizations such as Umigame (Sea Turtle) network operate beach cleanups and environmental education in Japan. Comparable on Japan-based marine debris education and coastal cleanup focus.
Emerging players
- Algalita Marine Research Institute: Algalita is a research-focused nonprofit pioneering microplastic research and education, including peer-reviewed publications on ocean plastic. Comparable on the marine debris research and publication work COE has begun (Marine Pollution Bulletin).
- Pangaea Ocean Insights: Pangaea Ocean Insights provides data, advisory, and impact measurement services for ocean-based carbon and biodiversity projects, including plastic credits. Comparable on the data-platform and corporate impact-measurement layer that COE's Marine Debris MAP targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Clean Ocean Ensemble social profiles
Digital presenceClean Ocean Ensemble financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Clean Ocean Ensemble leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Clean Ocean Ensemble funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Clean Ocean Ensemble M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Clean Ocean Ensemble
What does Clean Ocean Ensemble do?
Clean Ocean Ensemble develops and operates marine debris collection, data visualization, and recycling programs. Its core offerings include the Marine Debris MAP participatory platform (web and iOS/Android app) for logging and visualizing collection activities, the kawasemi 001 and kawasemi 002 proprietary river debris collection devices, offshore collection devices co-developed with fishing cooperatives, NFT-based ESG credits issued via Carbontribe Labs OÜ, and environmental education lectures and workshops at the Kobe branch and partner venues.
Is Clean Ocean Ensemble a public or private company?
Clean Ocean Ensemble is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Clean Ocean Ensemble founded?
Clean Ocean Ensemble was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Clean Ocean Ensemble based?
Clean Ocean Ensemble is headquartered in Kagawa, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Clean Ocean Ensemble make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are sponsorships, grants and Subsidies, NFT Credits, crowdfunding and hotel Offset Program.
Who are Clean Ocean Ensemble's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are 4ocean, The Ocean Cleanup, Plastic Bank and Surfrider Foundation. Broad incumbents are Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, WWF Japan and Greenpeace Japan. Marine Debris Removal (Japan-based NGOs) is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Algalita Marine Research Institute and Pangaea Ocean Insights.
Does Clean Ocean Ensemble have an API?
No public API is recorded for Clean Ocean Ensemble.
What industry is Clean Ocean Ensemble in?
Clean Ocean Ensemble's product category is Environmental Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of IMAIAGAI, Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup).